February 19, 2012

How to Choose the Right Features for Long Kitchen Islands

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When you have decided that long kitchen islands are the right shape for your kitchen, you will also discover that this comes with a number of benefits. Why? Because this shape provides you with the space to be able to combine several features to get the very most out of this surface. Long kitchen islands are different from the shorter variety because they allow you to create many different work and usable spaces that would not otherwise be able to fit. The following are some of the features that you can consider to make sure that you’re using the area of your long kitchen islands to the fullest.

Long kitchen islands are a perfect opportunity for a second sink

Another sink in the kitchen is always handy, and long kitchen islands can provide lots of room in which to have one installed. This size is important because you need to have at least 15 inches of countertop space on either side of the sink in order to make it practical. You can choose a double sink or a single one, but make sure that it is deep enough to handle pots, pans, baking dishes, and other tools you commonly use in your kitchen. By having the plumbing installed in long kitchen islands, you can also equip it with a garbage disposal or a dishwasher, making cleanup much faster and easier.

Take advantage of the storage potential of long kitchen island designs

What kitchen doesn’t need more storage? The shape of long kitchen islands makes it possible to include a large number of different kinds of storage options to keep everything handy, right where you need it. While cupboards, a drawer, and shelving are all standard options, many people are also branching out to include recycle bin storage, a towel bar, a wine rack, a knife block, cookbook shelves and other handy nooks and crannies.

Think about the ventilation over your long kitchen islands

If you will be using the surface or features of your long kitchen islands for food preparation, then you might want to install a ventilation hood overhead to help to eliminate odors, steam, and smoke. For the hood to work most effectively, have it extend beyond the area to be ventilated (such as the cooktop) by a minimum of 3 inches on all sides. Check to make sure that the fan is the right size for the area. Its capacity should be approximately 50 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per square foot of area to be ventilated (for example, the size of your cooktop). Keep the height of the hood in mind to make sure that you have ample clearance over the heads of the people who will be using the space.

Choose countertops for long kitchen islands that complement your style and décor

Most people would believe that long kitchen islands countertops need to match the rest of the existing counter surfaces in the room. Though this is one possible look, you are not limited to that single option. Instead, you can choose a different surface for long kitchen islands as long as it complements the rest of the style and décor. For example, you can use a butcher blocks surface even though the rest of your countertops may be laminate. If you have existing granite or marble countertops, you might find that you like the look and easy maintenance of a stainless steel kitchen island. It’s all a question of your personal taste and the look you would like to establish in the room.

By using the above list, as well as your own ideas and imagination, to choose long kitchen islands with the right features and overall style for your room and your home, you will make sure that your next kitchen remodeling is an investment that you will find both practical and attractive for many years to come.

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