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Pros and Cons Of Including A Kitchen Island In Your Renovation Design Plan

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There is a lot to consider when you are planning the design for your kitchen renovation. As a first-time homeowner, you want to make sure you get the biggest bang for your buck when your home's kitchen gets a revamp. The ultimate goal is to increase the overall value of your home without overspending. Many designers recommend the inclusion of an island in a kitchen which only has minimal countertop space. Kitchen islands add functionality and much-needed storage, but they do not suit every home. Here are the pros and cons for you to consider before you say yes to your designer.

Pros Of Kitchen Islands

A kitchen island certainly enhances a kitchen in a number of ways. These enhancements include:

  • A place for the family to gather and eat in the kitchen. When you place seating around the kitchen island, you can all gather to eat without having to carry cooked food to another room.
  • A new storage spot for the pots, pans and other utensils in your kitchen. This is hugely beneficial if your kitchen is already straining to contain your cooking devices.
  • Additional counter space for food preparation. This is particularly a godsend when the existing kitchen countertop has limited space to work on.

Once you consider the benefits, however, you do need to consider the downside of adding an island to your home.

Cons Of Kitchen Islands

One of the biggest problems with a kitchen island is the amount of floor space it takes up. While you may need an island to give you more storage and countertop space in your kitchen, this design does not work for kitchens that have minimal floor space. If you don't have the floor space for a fixed island, talk to your designer about whether a rolling option could work better. This gives you the pros listed above, but it can be moved out of the way when not in use.

Secondly, look at the cost factor of what you want to do with the kitchen island. For example, if you want to move your cooking elements or kitchen sink away from their existing spot and onto the island, you need to factor in the cost of relocating water pipes and electrical outlets. These costs require extra professional services that make the island inclusion unviable financially.

A kitchen island certainly adds a lot of positive factors to a kitchen, so if you have the floor area to support one, talk to your designer about how best to include a functional, family-friendly one in your renovation plans.


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