Unlike the T.V. sitcoms of the '60's and '70's the kitchens of today are not the cloistered area of the home from where food suddenly appears. Instead they embody many if the social aspects of the family being used for everything from food preparation to watching the news and doing homework. All of these activities would have to be squeezed into the old kitchens but many features are "coming off the wall" and are now being decentralized.

For example, cooking was a chore that was solely one-dimensional; the cook faced the wall and carried on a conversation in this manner. Not only the process of cooking required a wall view but also food preparation. Only washing dishes gave a respite from the wall because usually there was a window over the sink.

Island Planning

No one knows for sure who first came up with the idea of an island. It probably started out with the butcher block being moved to a central location, or someone may have thought of taking a section of the counter and moving it out from the wall to allow better interaction with guests. Whatever the reason the island has transformed the kitchen as much or more than any of the newest appliances and kitchen utensils.

Planning for an Island Space: Before making allowances for a kitchen island, especially in an area where space is limited, the best way to start is to decide what you really want, and need, in the kitchen. For example, in many households the kitchen is the dropping off point for a vast array of non-kitchen items: books, homework, newspapers, clothing. These items then find their way into drawers and, if we are not vigilant, pile up. By cleaning out drawers (These are the worst for unwanted stuff!) and cupboards then you will get a good idea of what your storage needs will be.

Food Preparation: This is a prime motive for installing a kitchen island. Having a sink in another location dedicated to washing food and disposing of the waste (garborator) is a time saver as the process is carried out in one spot. In addition you can carry on with your duties, and someone else can easily work around you, whereas, in your old kitchen, you both would be stepping all over each others' toes.

Cooktop: Cooktops weren't always a clean idea for an island. The lateral-venting stovetops were supposed to exhaust the cooking vapors by drawing them to the sides of the cooktop and down into an exhaust duct. This method missed a large portion of the greasy evaporates and cleaning the ceiling was a big chore. Overhead venting systems have made the cooktop very convenient for the island. Unlike the stove-based systems the overhead hood helps the natural flow of the cooking vapors up and out.

Modern cooktops can do everything from barbecuing to grilling with a restaurant-style flat grill. And the new gas grill-cooktops bring outdoor cooking into the comfort of your home all year round. It also enables the cook to dish out the meal to hungry diners seated right across the island.

Refrigerator/Freezer Drawers: This new innovation can put an under-counter refrigerator and/or freezer right below the action. So instead of having to leave the island to get something from the fridge or freezer all you have to do is pull out a drawer.

Island Design

Space: Now that you've arranged your kitchen ideas you have to design the island you want. An island can be almost any shape or size depending on how much room you have around it for working and for navigating between the island and other workstations. The rule-of-thumb is that you should allow at least 40" clearance from other counters and cupboards. So, if you wanted the biggest island you could get then measure a 40" from all the existing cabinets and countertops that you plan to keep.

Counter: Another design item is the counter. Here are some questions to ask:

1. Will it be one flat space or two-tiered
2. Will there be an edge large enough for diners or with the counter fit snug to the base?
3. What material will it be: laminate, granite, marble, acrylic?
4. Will it be large enough for a cooktop and/or sink?
5. Will it be square, L-shaped or curved?

These are all questions that need to be answered because the counter and the cabinets work in tandem and if they are mismatched then your island becomes a hindrance instead of a pleasure.

The Golden Triangle: Islands are a good way to achieve the triangle between the sink, fridge and stove. This pattern is for convenience so that you are not having to walk to another part of the kitchen to get at another important function. This is awkward if there is more than one person working in the kitchen.

Utilities: A full-use kitchen island needs power, water and drainage. In most cases a plumber and and electrician both have to bring these utilities from the walls. This means taking up portions of the floor, especially for the plumbing which not only needs hot and cold water pipes but drainage pipes as well. The wastewater has to have a clear access to the rest of the plumbing in the kitchen, which is probably right at the main sink.

Movable Island

All islands don't have to be rigid. The old butcher block islands were on rollers and new ones can be purchased which can offer a working surface for food preparation. These are great for kitchens which do not have the area for a large island and would save bringing in utilities. The other advantage is that they can moved in or out of the area depending on the occasion.

For more information on kitchen islands contact Renovation Experts