Where should the island go, anyway?

Islands should be placed near the main cooking area in a kitchen to make meal preparation easier. If the island is too far from the countertop, it could impair a cook's ability to move quickly between the two spaces.

The presence of an adjoining breakfast room or family room also should affect the design. If the island is located between the kitchen and breakfast room, for example, it may serve several functions. This type of design often includes an island with an "L" or wide "U" shape.

The portion of the island that is closest to the kitchen might have a sink, base cabinets for storage, and countertop space for meal preparation. The section near the breakfast or family room could be designed for seating and have an area for bar stools.

Safety Issues

There also are safety considerations when planning an island.

·         Keep the island away from the main traffic pattern between the kitchen and an adjoining room. This will help prevent someone from bumping into the countertop or scraping the cabinet while walking by.

·         Use a countertop with rounded corners instead of pointed ones to reduce injuries.