The kitchen is the heart of the home and you want it to be a cozy and welcoming room for family and guests. But kitchens tend to be busy places and can get dirty and cluttered pretty quickly with all the appliances and gadgets, not to mention decor items, which can lessen the pleasant atmospheric state you’re after. A good solution is to install a kitchen island. Not only are they convenient as a means of additional workspace, but many are outfitted with their own cabinets and drawers to help you avoid that cluttered look.

Your first consideration when deciding what type of kitchen island you would like should probably be how you plan to use it and its functions are as varied as the wide range of design options. They can be used as a food prep area, a pastry center, a place to serve a casual meal or a buffet, and the perfect setting to sit down and nibble on a bite or a snack. An island can even provide a quiet place for the kids to do their homework, close to Mom while she snacks after school or dines together.

Take the opportunity to make your kitchen island multi-functional because there are so many options to choose from. Almost any appliance can be built in, including countertops, undercounter refrigerators, sinks, dishwashers, and trash compactors. Deep drawers provide a place to store bulky cookware and removable shelves allow for easier access. Choose a countertop for your island that matches your other countertops or make it stand out by using a contrasting material. Additionally, your choice of cabinets and accent items can turn your island into a real quality item, similar to fine furniture.

The dimensions and location of your kitchen island will depend on the shape and space available in your kitchen. Professionals say the island should be positioned at least 36 “from existing cabinets and 42” from the stove, refrigerator or dishwasher to allow enough room to open doors and easily maneuver around the work area. The height of your kitchen island can be varied to suit your individual needs. If you can’t make up your mind on that, a multi-tiered island might be the solution.

With all the new trends in home design, kitchens have become an important part of the family’s living and entertaining space. If you don’t have the time or money to design your own island, there are many fabulous islands ready to go that you can order as well. Take your time and choose the island that best suits your needs and tastes so that you can enjoy it for many years.