Kitchen islands have been in homes for several hundred years now, and they really burst into popularity when Julia Childs’ show The French Chef premiered in the 1960s. Since then, they have become one of the most desired kitchen features in American homes.

Kitchen islands are stylish and practical, adding lots of valuable counter space and storage to a new kitchen. Keep reading for everything you need to know about adding a kitchen island.

Why is a Kitchen Island so Desired?

A kitchen island is a key feature in a kitchen renovation. Islands provide an incredible addition of storage and counter space. They are extremely versatile in their use and can be fully customized to the needs of the homeowner.

An island can also help improve your “kitchen triangle”- the area between your workspace, refrigerator, and sink. Having these areas spaced out from each other can make cooking more difficult and less enjoyable. Adding an island can being these focal points in your kitchen closer together without compromising functionality.

Islands are also a great gathering point in your new kitchen. People can get together around them, eat at them, cook at them, or even just have morning coffee together at an island.

A kitchen island is beneficial enough that adding one can drastically boost your home’s value. In fact, islands are so desirable that more than 80% of the cost of the island can be recouped in value if you were to sell your home.

Kitchen Island Ideas

There are so many ways to utilize a kitchen island. Between the increased storage space and increased counter space, the different possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Continue reading for some of our favorite kitchen island ideas.

Cooking Space

If your counter space just isn’t cutting it, an island can tremendously increase your kitchen’s working space. Islands can be designed to have a range on top or appliances built right in.

Add on large storage cabinets with pull-open shelves so you can have easy access to all your pots and lids while cooking on your island’s stovetop. Add cabinets for anything you use most frequently while cooking- spices, flour, oils, whisks- the possibilities are endless.

Consider adding in a warming drawer to your island, so when your meal is ready you can take hot dishes out and serve them right on the island. Microwaves can also be discrete and functional by being built into the island.

Prep Space

Like a cooking space, islands can be used to prepare your food away from the cooking space. Chop veggies, mix sauces, grease baking dishes, or do any other preparation you may need to do away from your main cooking area to save space and keep organized.

Kitchen islands can have garbage and compost bins built into sliding cabinets right below where you may be chopping food, so there is no need to carry onion peels and carrot tops through the kitchen anymore. Kitchen islands can also be designed to have your stand mixer built onto a sliding drawer, for easy access and easy storage of your mixer. Pull it out when you need it and slide it away when you’re done.

Keep your knife block, mixing spoons, spatulas, and prep bowls in your new cabinets under the island for easy access. Dividing cooking and preparation spaces will keep your recipes organized and successful every time.

Breakfast Bar

An island is great for quick and casual meals. They don’t require a full table setting and you don’t have to wipe off two separate surfaces.

For breakfast on the go, add some stools to the outer end of your island. If your island has a built-in cook space, your meal will not even have to travel over to another area. Simply plate and serve right on the island.

It is easy and quick to access plates and utensils kept in the island’s cabinets. The entirety of your breakfast can be made and contained in one space in your new kitchen. Cook, serve, clean, and you're done!

Beverage Station

For coffee lovers, consider making your island into a coffee station. Mugs, tumblers, and silverware can all be kept at easy access in your new cabinets. Your coffee maker can be on display on top of your island or discretely tucked away when not in use.

Consider installing an ice cube maker under your island for a luxurious iced coffee every morning. A mini-fridge under the island is a great way to keep your creamers and coffee mixes from getting mixed up in your main refrigerator.

Your family can relax and have a cup of coffee at the new kitchen island while breakfast is being made. An island is a great place for morning conversations.

For wine lovers, consider installing a wine cooler. These coolers can keep all your wine organized and at the ideal serving temperature. Wine glasses can be kept securely below the island on sliding pull-out shelves or hanging above on wine glass racks.

An island makes a great central point of your kitchen to gather and talk. Having a dedicated and organized beverage station is a great way to accentuate your new kitchen.

Include an Island in Your Kitchen Renovation

No matter what you have envisioned for your new kitchen, be sure to include the most desirable kitchen feature: the kitchen island. Kitchen islands can be turned into almost anything you can envision- a breakfast nook, a coffee bar, a second cooking space, and more!

The amount of added countertop and cabinetry that an island can offer not only is a great convenience but will also add value to your new home. To design your dream kitchen online, try our Kitchen Visualizer tool today.