Atlanta Kitchen Remodeling
Planning a kitchen makeover? You feel the need to update your kitchen with a few small touches? It doesn't matter what, an additional prep surface can make your kitchen space more functional. This brings us to the final question in modern-day kitchens. Should I choose a kitchen island or breakfast bar?
We all know that kitchens in the 21st century have evolved beyond being used for cooking. The kitchen, also known as the "heart of the home", has become a place where we can work and socialize. Modern kitchens are quickly replacing the formal dining room. These facts make it more difficult to choose between a kitchen island and a table, but they don’t give a clear answer!
We've done the research and will gladly share our findings on comparing a kitchen table to an island (and your average breakfast buffet). We aren't telling you what to do, but we will give you the facts so that you can make informed decisions.
There are many lifestyles and kitchens that are different.
1. The multi-purpose kitchen island
Let's face it, the kitchen island/table is often the first thing we see when entering a kitchen. It is even more important if there is already someone seated on the island, or if delicious food is displayed on the surface.
The kitchen island's greatest advantage is its ability to be seated or standing. This makes it a great place to socialize in the kitchen while enjoying a plate of appetizers and a glass of tea or wine before you move on to the formal dining room. The kitchen island can be used as a casual steppingstone between greeting guests at the front door, and setting the stage for the main event such as a dinner party in a dining room or birthday celebration on the patio.
The kitchen island offers many more benefits:
* Lots of storage - An island can hold at least two additional cabinets, two drawers, as well as display shelving to store cookbooks and other collectibles.
* The size of the item can vary depending on how much space is available.
* A kitchen island can double up as a breakfast counter (or, in other words, a breakfast bar island), providing a comfortable dining area once the worktop is overhanging the units and space for some stool.
* A island is a great place to display and store a few accessories for your kitchen.
* Kitchen islands can be used to do a variety of activities including food prep and baking, as well as a homework area for children.
Many homeowners have moved the stovetop to an island, giving themselves a second cooking station. This allows them to cook together and spend more time with their families and friends.
The only problem with the kitchen island is its inability to fit into galley kitchens (long). However, it can be used in U-shape or L-shape spaces.
2. A typical breakfast bar
What are the benefits of breakfast bars?
* They offer additional work surface in form of an island table.
It can serve three to four people and is ideal for casual dining.
* A kitchen island or breakfast bar can be used as a room divider to separate the work zone from the dining area.
* A breakfast bar can provide storage underneath the breakfast bar on the kitchen side depending on the space available and the depth of your unit.
For your dream kitchen island/table design, which of our professional Kitchen Designers or Interior Designers/Decorators should you contact?
3. The kitchen table
Growing up, we all had a kitchen table. It was the place where we would do our homework, have a conversation with mom or a friend, and eat with the whole family. A kitchen table can provide a lot of memories and a sentimental feeling, which is something that no modern kitchen island or breakfast bar can do.
The advantages of a kitchen table
* A table in the kitchen eliminates the need for a separate dining area.
* A kitchen table's spacious underside creates the illusion that there is more space, which allows natural light to shine through beneath it.
The kitchen table can be used in smaller kitchens when additional space is not possible. A typical island needs a minimum of 90cm around to walk and open appliance doors. This may not be possible for smaller homes.
* The kitchen table's surface can double up for food prep and baking.
* Sitting around tables helps to facilitate conversation, especially when there is no TV.
* Modern kitchen tables can be extended by adding an extra leaf to accommodate guests.
4. How about an island and table?
It's not unusual to find a kitchen with both a cooking and prepping island and a dining area. It's becoming more popular to have two kitchen islands. One serves as a prepping and cooking zone and the other is used for socializing or homework.
5. Which is the best in the end?
A Cornell University study found that families who eat together in the dining room or kitchen have lower BMIs. A kitchen table allows for quiet time and encourages interaction between the families.
What is the verdict? The verdict? Supporting social interaction in the home is associated with healthier and stronger family bonds.
You can choose between a kitchen island or a table.
Design tips for your next kitchen island. Focus on proportions
* Your island should have a height between 920 and 940mm for practicality and convenience.
* A perfect island width should not be less than 900mm. The ideal length would be approximately 1,200mm.
* The thickness of the benchtop, depending on whether you are choosing a breakfast bar or island, should range from 20 to 80 mm (depending upon your design style and budget).
* If you would like to add barstools to your island, (and who wouldn’t?) An additional 300 mm under-bench space will be required.
Design bonus: Mix different materials to create your next kitchen island
Your kitchen island should not be a large lump in your room. Blending different materials can help reduce the island's size and give it some visual character (e.g., stainless steel with wood).
You should keep your kitchen and adjoining rooms in a balanced state.
For more information visit Atlanta Kitchen Remodeling.