During new construction or a remodel, the kitchen is one room that can greatly benefit from the latest products and features. Energy-efficient appliances, sleek new cabinets that automatically close, and a kitchen island are a few of the most desired features. The island, which is placed in the middle of the kitchen, comes in various shapes and sizes. Kitchen island designs can be found in many locations- one just has to know where to look.
Some kitchen island designs intend to create a food preparation surface that doubles as an eating area within the kitchen. Others are occupied by a stove top or a sink, freeing up counter space in other areas of the room. Depending on space and desired function, the perfect new area can be created. The space underneath the countertop can be occupied by drawers or left as an open storage space. Possibilities are virtually endless and are mainly determined by consumer preference after a thorough review of the options.
One of the best places to find kitchen island designs is online. An Internet search will reveal the various Web sites established for this purpose as well as pictures uploaded by actual homeowners. Consumers can also find tips and other details that will prove helpful during the design phase. If this is the first time creating this area in the home, it is easy to overlook some aspects, so take the advice of those who have been through the process.
Some sites allow visitors to upload the dimensions of their kitchen and do a virtual layout of the area. Individuals can experiment with different kitchen island designs to see if extending the island to create additional seating space would be a possibility. Various shapes and configurations can be created right on the screen, allowing the shopper to envision all the possibilities. This is a great way to make a lot of progress without having to get in the car.
Magazines serve as great inspiration when considering different designs. Though many of these feature lavish layouts, with a little creativity they can sometimes be downsized to fit the space and the budget. Getting some ideas from their pages and then working with a professional can make the dreams become reality, even for those who have limited cash to spend on a remodel. Countertop and cabinet surfaces vary in cost, adding to the choices a consumer has when shopping.
Pay a visit to a home improvement store and there is likely to be a small area dedicated to model kitchens. There are bound to be some with islands, so get a real-world view by examining these. Even if a model does not feature an island, it is usually possible to customize the size and layout of the materials to create one. In addition to viewing what is on display, be sure to review the samples and design books present in the store. Take advantage of staff available to provide assistance, asking them for their input.
Though the intention should not be to copy someone else, take a look at the kitchen island designs in the homes of friends, family, and neighbors. Anyone who has recently built or remodeled a home will be proud to show off the new look. If a desirable shape is found, take measurements and see if it can be tweaked to accommodate the available space. Checking out the kitchens of others may also provide valuable information regarding preferred countertop surfaces and cabinet materials. No one knows better about what is most suitable than a person who is actually using the items daily.
Home fixture stores are another great place to find sample islands. Though these are primarily showcasing products like knobs, handles, and faucets, these components need to be secured to something and in many cases, they are located in a kitchen. Take a look at how the sample kitchens are configured and some ideas like integrated wine refrigerators or multiple counter heights may be found. Visit several of these stores, compiling the preferred features on a list that can later be used to create the ultimate design.
The housing market is currently flooded with inventory and this includes new construction. Many new homes contain kitchens with islands so take a tour of these when considering a remodel of the residence. There is no need to reveal that there is no interest in making a purchase. Just state that you were driving by and wanted to see what was up for sale in the area. The innovative techniques used in the new structures can often be easily incorporated into an existing dwelling.
Whenever there is a need to find something, going right to the source is often a good idea. Find some companies that manufacture kitchen cabinets and pay a visit to their showrooms. Salespeople are there to discuss exactly what is needed and if measurements are provided, they may have a few ideas of their own. Someone who does these layouts on a full-time basis is often able to quickly come up with some creative solutions to what may seem like an insurmountable spatial restriction.
Building contractors are hurting for business these days and even if they do not normally consult on such issues, they may be willing to in order to get some extra work. Call a few in the local area and ask them to stop by the home to provide some suggestions. This process can actually kill two birds with one stone if the homeowner will not be performing the installation. Compare the ideas and price quotes of several contractors in order to get the best deal.
