Are you looking for a kitchen makeover and not sure where to begin? Start in the middle!

By that we mean starting right at your kitchen island; one of the most popular additions that homeowners buy for their house. This specific piece of kitchen furniture can have an identity of its own by choosing colors, textures and materials that are complementary for your dining space without the hassle of major renovations.

A kitchen island can serve a dual purpose. At the very least they add additional counter and storage space for your kitchen. You can use an island as a central center for cooking, cleaning, and food-prep and can have multiple hands “on deck” thanks to its convenient location. With a certain design, kitchen islands can even hold small appliances, such as a sink, microwave, or a stand up mixer.

Overall most people will say that adding an island offers the most “bang for your buck” compared to any other kitchen upgrade.

Here are three tips to keep in mind when designing your kitchen island.

Tips for Designing a Kitchen Island

1. ‘X’ marks the spot:

Too often kitchen islands are squeezed into a small space that has very little wiggle room. Be sure to think about how people will use the space once it’s built. However, too much space can be a problem, as well. You don’t want to be walking 5 feet between the kitchen counter and the island, especially when you’re moving from prepping food to stove. Finding the right size and positioning of kitchen furniture needs to be very precise.

2. Plan with a purpose:

When designing a kitchen island think about it’s purpose and how you will use it. For example, do you need extra storage space? Are you looking to add your own personality without a big renovation? Our design team will take all of that into consideration when building the structure.

3. From prepping to dining:

Kitchen islands are great for easy dining at breakfast or even a homework space. If your kitchen island will serve the purpose of a seating area, make sure you have enough knee clearance and elbow room once stools are added.

Kitchen Island Style Settings

Now that you know what to consider when designing a kitchen island, it’s time to think about the style you want. Are you looking for a rustic barnwood look? Or maybe you want something two-toned and classic. When dealing with barnwood furniture you can design your kitchen island to achieve the look you desire. With the right shape and style, islands can become a nice focal point to your kitchen space.

Here are our three most popular styles:

Rustic and Distressed: Did you know the first kitchen island in America dates back to the Colonial Era? Pay homage to that era with a rustic island. The distressed look adds a unique finishing to any room, while still managing to be a gorgeous piece of barnwood furniture.

Two-Toned: When it comes to kitchen islands, if you’re looking for a fun and playful style consider a two-toned option. This means the top counter is a different color from the base. A two-toned style is perfect for anyone trying to add color and personality.

All Natural: There is nothing more beautiful then the natural look of barnwood, especially reclaimed pine. So if you can’t decide on a kitchen island style, keep it classic and traditional. The barnwood will speak for itself as the ultimate statement piece in your kitchen.

Here at Old Barn Star, we offer custom-made kitchen islands, so feel free to contact us if you’re just starting your search or if you’re having trouble finding what you’re looking for!

What would you use your kitchen island for? Tell us here in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter!