Kitchen islands are seemingly everywhere. We see these islands on home design shows, and they’re one of the hottest home design trends right now. However, that doesn’t mean an island is a mandatory upgrade, and it’s essential to examine the top pros and cons of installing a kitchen island before you call the contractor to your home.
Pro: Increased Counter Space
When cooking, having more countertop space is a blessing. A kitchen island offers an extra separate area to place ingredients for preparation and reduce clutter. If you’re seeking projects to remodel your kitchen, the extra counter space may prove beneficial in the long run.
Con: Specialized Wiring
One of the top cons of installing a kitchen island is if you plan to have any outlets on it. Extra sockets are ideal for small appliances or for charging your phone, but getting electricity to your island involves a lot of extra work and wiring.
Pro: Perfect for Hosting
Kitchen islands are great for dinner parties. You can place a tray of appetizers on it and have everyone gather around and socialize over snacks and wine. Kitchen islands also offer an increased seating area if you have some stools around it.
Con: Restricts Movement
When you install an island in the middle of your kitchen, you naturally must navigate around it. Some homeowners find an island constricting and make it more of a hassle to get from one side of the cooking area to another when preparing dishes.
Pro: Aesthetically Pleasing
Islands add a touch of class and elegance to your kitchen. The extra space is perfect for placing decorative pieces, such as vases or other novelties. Kitchen islands provide an aesthetic touch you don’t have with an open space.
Con: Costly to Surface
Depending on the size and shape of your island, getting matching countertops to fit the proper dimensions adds an extra expense to this already costly renovation. It’s also crucial to match your island to the rest of your countertops, meaning you may have to surface far more than just the island.
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