Tehama Country Real Estate

Tehama Country Real Estate ��� 3 Pros and cons to including an island in a kitchen redesign H omeowners planning a kitchen remodel are no doubt considering whether to include a kitchen island in the new design. When the space allows, an island can be a fine way to enhance the look of a kitchen and impart an upscale appeal. and a prep sink into the design of the island. Islands also can be customized according to a Interest in kitchen islands has grown steadily for homeowner's needs. Instead of simply having the past several decades. Introduced in the 1970s, cabinetry beneath the counter, some opt to have a islands became a popular place for guests to con- wine cooler or even a bookshelf for keeping cookgregate and provided extra counter space for meal books within reach. An additional small dishpreparation and entertaining. The suburban washer or beverage refrigerator may be tucked migration led to bigger homes with larger into the design of the island. For others, the island kitchens. Through the 1980s and 1990s, homes may be a makeshift kitchen office space. grew even larger, and islands became a popular feature of kitchens across the country. The increase in food-based programming on Cons Expense is a leading negative factor with regard television has also contributed to the popularity of to a kitchen island. The additional material neceskitchen islands. As more people dabble with sary and the labor involved in installation may preparing their own gourmet meals, kitchen bust some homeowners' budgets. Stationary islands have become more convenient. islands can cost several thousand dollars to Although there are many benefits to an island in install, and this is money a homeowner may be the kitchen, there are also some disadvantages to better off investing elsewhere. kitchen islands. Weighing all the options can help In smaller kitchens, an island may be impractihomeowners design a kitchen layout that is func- cal because of the space limitation. Islands are tional, affordable and practical for the space they typically at the heart of the kitchen and may interhave. fere with walking space or cause clearance issues when the refrigerator door or cabinet doors are Pros open. For homeowners who find space is at a premium in the kitchen, an island may not be the best Arguably the most significant advantage to hav- idea. However, a rolling island that can be moved ing a kitchen island is the added space it provides. into position when needed, then stored in a conMany times islands are built with cabinetry that venient, out-of-the-way location might be a viable matches the rest of the kitchen design, and those option. cabinets provide storage space for pots, pans and Depending on the complexity of a kitchen other kitchen tools. Islands may double the stor- island, its installation may extend the amount of age space available in the kitchen. time required to complete the kitchen renovation. Kitchen islands are also advantageous when This can prolong the length of time needed to preparing meals. Kitchen counter space can be complete the work. Running a gas or electric line easily gobbled up by toaster ovens, rotisserie and plumbing to the island may require a major cookers, microwaves, coffee makers, and various overhaul and demolition. other countertop appliances. These appliances can Kitchen islands are popular components of take up valuable real estate that's sorely missed home designs. Before homeowners engage in any when preparing meals. An island can be used kitchen renovation that may include the incorposolely for cooking and preparation, and some ration of an island, they should know the advanhomeowners have incorporated cutting boards tages and disadvantages.

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