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Adding A Kitchen
Island
Installing a kitchen island is an
excellent remodeling project to
improve the functionality of your
kitchen and add unique design
elements to your home. The island
can be as simple or elaborate as the
homeowner’s taste. Larger kitchens
may even have multiple islands,
serving a number of purposes. |
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To ensure the island is designed and located
correctly, it is important to consider how
the island will be used. Islands provide
additional storage in the kitchen, serve as
a buffet for large meals or entertaining,
create incremental countertop/food
preparation space, or establish an area for
specific tasks, such as baking. In a number
of instances, the island incorporates
additional appliances, including cooktops,
undercounter microwave, or wine storage.
Many islands have an informal eating space
for snacks, breakfasts, or quick meals.
Understanding your needs will make the
island as functional as possible.
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There are a number of items to consider in
planning an island addition. The first step
is determining if there is enough room for
an island. Kitchen design guidelines suggest
having a 36” – 42” walkway between the
island and perimeter cabinets. This
facilitates movement around the island and
ensures the ability to open/close appliance
doors. The island also needs to fit with the
kitchen’s current work flow/work triangle.
An easy way to check fit is to layout the
island’s shape using masking tape/boxes.
Then, live with the “imaginary” island for a
week to determine if the layout works. The
tape/boxes can be adjusted to deal with any
shortcomings. If appliances are included in
the island, you will need to understand the
implications of running electricity/gas to
the island. This can be more challenging
when the foundation is a concrete slab.
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From a design perspective, the
island can be very simple or serve
as a focal point for the kitchen.
The options are virtually limitless.
Cabinets and countertops can be
chosen to blend in with the existing
design, or provide a contrasting
look using a different style/finish.
The island can be designed in a
single height, or multiple heights,
creating additional interest. A
higher level bar top can provide
seating at the island and help
shield food preparation and clean-up
from the adjacent living space. |
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A well designed island will be a valuable
addition to your home and increase the
enjoyment and functionality of your kitchen.
Project Pictures:
Kitchen Renovation
We recently wrapped up a kitchen remodeling
project with an Indianapolis homeowner. The
kitchen has a completely different look with
the new cabinetry, hardwood flooring, and
tile backsplash. The homeowner chose a very
unique tile mosaic to help create a focal
point over the cooktop. Enjoy the before and
after pictures for this kitchen renovation.
$30,000 Works Like a
Dream Kitchen Makeover Contest
Just a
reminder, Merillat Cabinetry’s Work Like a
Dream Kitchen Makeover contest is still
underway. The Grand Prize is a $30,000
kitchen makeover. The contest runs through
August 1, 2011. Go to www.merillat.com to
enter and for complete contest rules. Good
Luck!
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Serving Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers,
Westfield, and Indianapolis-area homeowners
The KitchenWright offers innovative
cabinet design, excellent service, and fine
cabinetry for new construction and
remodeling projects. Please contact us for a
free design consultation. If you have any
questions or would like to talk about a
kitchen or bath redesign, please give us a
call (317-848-1111), stop by our showroom in
Carmel, Indiana, or send us an email at
Info@TheKitchenWright.com
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