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When doing a complete remodel of a kitchen, something important to consider before painting colors or selecting cabinet finishes is what kind of functionality you want your kitchen to have.

The standard kitchen activities such as cooking, cleaning, and storing food are givens, but what kind of entertaining would you like to do in your kitchen? If you want a kitchen that can serve as a space for more than simply dining, then a kitchen island is something you'll definitely want to consider.

Kitchen islands are both decorative and functional additions to any kitchen remodel. The island can often become the focal point of the kitchen without much effort. When remodeling or redesigning your kitchen, imagine how you would interact and entertain in your new space.

These pieces tend to create a more diverse gathering place in the kitchen, one where you can not only entertain and dine, but also prep for cooking, play cards and board games with the family, and of course enjoy all the added storage and functionality that they offer.

Five Tips for Kitchen Island;

1.    Size: 

Once you have decided on the materials that you'd like to use, it is time to consider the size. Do you want to go big and dramatic, making your kitchen island a focal piece of your kitchen remodel?

Are you more interested in something smaller and less obtrusive, using the island more for standalone functionality? When deciding on dimensions, consider how much use it will get, what it will be used for, and how important open floor space is in your kitchen.

2.    Levels: 

If you decide to go the smaller-sized route when constructing your island that doesn't necessarily mean that you have to give up surface area. Adding a second level of a different height to your design will give the piece additional functionality.

Multiple levels can be used for different functions, such as a place for a cutting board or bookshelf, or as a breakfast bar with a stool beneath it. These alternative designs can help give your kitchen island a more customized appeal.

3.    Add a Sink or Two: 

Adding kitchen appliances such as a sink to your new kitchen island will give it even more functionality and also serve as a gathering point when entertaining. A sink boosts the usability of any kitchen island by giving you another place to rinse off food and wash dishes.

A sink can also be great when entertaining, so your guests can take part in the preparation of the meal without cluttering up your existing counter space around the oven and refrigerator.

4.    Materials: 

Now that you've decided to build a kitchen island, materials are something to consider. There are many materials available to build your island with, such as wood and stainless steel, as well as a wide variety of countertop options like quartz or granite that will give your kitchen island an original design.

Your materials should be selected to match the rest of your kitchen. A kitchen island should complement the space without overwhelming it or sticking out. Wood can give a kitchen a rustic, chic feel, while natural stones like granite and quartz offer your new surface durability and timeless elegance.

Stainless steel is a great surface to use for cooking and creating edible masterpieces, and marble could be another alternative to a traditional design, depending on your budget.

5.    Two is Better Than One: 

With the different levels, materials, and appliances that are all used to create a kitchen island, why stop with just one? Adding multiple islands creates not one, but two or more focal points for your kitchen.

Multiple islands could be connected or remain separated in your kitchen to give you additional countertop space, gathering areas, and more.

Putting an island on wheels is another way to make the island convenient, and is a perfect idea for people who love to entertain and need a space that can change in an instant.