The Do’s and Dont’s of Designing Kitchen Islands

In many modern homes, kitchen islands have become the focal point of the kitchen, but the island should be as functional as it is eye-catching. Many homeowners want an island for its ability to seat more guests, add extra prep space to the kitchen, and for more storage. To figure out how to check these boxes while also creating a visually appealing kitchen island, home remodeling and design platform Houzz spoke with four design experts about their best pieces of advice for planning a kitchen island. Some of their tips include: getting the proportions of the island correct; not forgetting to add outlets and places for appliances; integrating generous storage space; and choosing a countertop that’s easy to take care of; among other strategies.

Kitchens are places of heavy traffic flow and productivity, so a good, durable natural or engineered stone for the countertop is crucial, says Katherine Wallis, interior designer and director at Wallis Design. You’ll also want it to be scratch-resistant and easy to clean — and the same goes for your cabinetry and floorboard materials.