Planning Your Kitchen Island and/or Peninsulas
Islands In The (Kitchen) Stream
Diagramming the motion of people, light and air through your empty space will result in areas that naturally remain clear of traffic. If these fall in the middle of a room, they may be potential locations for tables or fixed islands of cabinetry. If these open spaces are located near a wall a peninsula or bar area may fit in. If you cannot locate a natural spot for groceries, socializing or other activities along a wall, these islands may be the solution.
Placing an island or table in a kitchen should not be automatic. Islands require considerable space around them to function well and, if they are to contain sinks, ranges or other appliances, utility connections can be a challenge. All too often we’ve found a homeowner has been unwittingly talked into an island by a cabinet salesperson who recognizes an opportunity to double the cabinet order on an otherwise small kitchen. A small island measuring 3 x 6 feet (18 sq. ft.) requires an total of 125 square feet of room when you add in a four foot wide access corridor around it, the minimum required for two people to work in an area.
You must also consider the space required for opening doors and drawers, dishwashers, ovens and other appliances. You don’t want block traffic flow when you’re loading dishwasher or limit your ability to reach into a hot oven because of a narrow passageway.
