Adding cabinets for an island is the simplest way to make it more functional and elegant in terms of design and storage. By using cabinets as the foundation for your island, you can add storage, a practical workspace, and other features that elevate the kitchen to one of the best rooms in the house.
What cabinets do you use for an island is the only question you need to ask yourself. The options are varied and mostly depend on your preferences and design, along with a few technical details.
The following are a few things to think about as you design your new kitchen island.
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What Cabinets Do You Use for An Island?
Planning a kitchen island can be done in a variety of ways. Base cabinets can be used for a kitchen island if you intend to use it primarily for storage. You can get a customized look without paying a customized price because they are available in a variety of heights and styles.
Just make sure you take accurate measurements and take into account elements like the island countertop when determining how much weight the kitchen island cabinet base can support. Many base cabinets also have additional features like open shelving or wine racks that you can use to make a unique design statement.
Planning space for how many people will be using the island at once is necessary if you plan to use it more as a gathering and dining area. For each person seated along an island, allow 20 to 24 inches. Make sure to take into consideration whether or not you want to add more seating to the ends.
Read More: Cabinet Hinge Types
Can You Use Base Cabinets for a Kitchen Island?
Yes, base cabinets can be used as a kitchen island. Base cabinets are available in a variety of heights, types, and styles, allowing you to build a custom island for a much lower cost. Consider your island design carefully, and don’t let conventions prevent you from doing amazing things. More on that later.
To ensure that you obtain the proper measurements and materials to support your kitchen island plans, you will need to exercise your critical thinking skills. Consider how the footprint of your island will change, for instance, if you intend to use stone countertops. Additionally, heavy stone countertops need a strong base. To support the weight of your stone countertops, be sure to choose a sturdy cabinet construction.
Should Your Kitchen Island Match Your Cabinets?
It really depends on you and your design whether your kitchen island should match your cabinets. It’s essential that your island coordinate with the other kitchen cabinets, whether your design is Scandinavian, hygge, or minimalist. Otherwise, go for it.
For many designs, an island of a different color—even one that contrasts—is a fantastic choice. It distinguishes the island and attracts attention. It makes sense to let the island draw that attention to itself since the kitchen is the hub of the house and the island is the hub of the kitchen. A stylish choice for the island cabinet is a gorgeous navy blue cabinet. A beautiful choice would be a rich walnut island with white shaker cabinets.
How Much Does a Kitchen Island Cost?
You can find or build a freestanding island or a rolling cart for under a thousand dollars if you only have space for one. Budget $600 to $1,000 if you intend to use stock cabinetry with a butcher-block top. You may be looking at spending anywhere between $2,000 and $8,000 if you want a larger size, more personalized features, or high-end granite or stone countertops.
To help you prioritize your list of must-have items, it is best to establish a budget before you start shopping.
Kitchen islands are great places to prepare food, host parties, and work. Make your island as large as you can if you have the room because there will always be more people and projects gathered around it than you anticipate. If you have young children, they won’t take up much room right now, but keep in mind that as they get older, so will all the friends they’ll invite over. If you don’t plan for that now, your kitchen island might not have enough space to accommodate everyone at once.
Since there are so many custom features available, it is best to take your time when selecting or designing your kitchen island. Make sure you get the kitchen island of your dreams by carefully weighing the materials and cabinetry against your present and future space requirements.
Read More: How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
FAQs
Are Kitchen Islands Just Base Cabinets?
Kitchen islands are more than just base cabinets and can be transformed for many purposes, including shelving for decor and cookbooks.
Can You Use Wall Cabinets for An Island?
Rather than just base cabinets, wall cabinets can be used on the back end of the island to add space for kitchen seating.
