Some people like to use it to introduce color, others make it the focal point of the design and use more elaborate cabinetry or a more eye-catching countertop, while leaving the room perimeter plain. It can match your perimeter cabinets and countertop in color, style, and material, or you can choose to contrast or complement it. The layout you choose needs to meet your workflow. They can have open shelving, oversized drawers, or simple cabinets. If you need seating, reconfigure its layout, and if you want to use it for storage, consider how you store items. If you move the cooktop, where does this leave the oven? On the other hand, if you want to use your island for cooking and baking prep, leaving it mostly bare with only a prep sink may be the right choice. If you move the sink, it is beneficial to also move the dishwasher. If you need it to make the working triangle smaller, consider which piece of the triangle moves. When designing it, consider how it will be used. The island can become a landing zone for the refrigerator, house the main sink or cooktop, or provide seating and bar sinks or wine fridges. By putting one component of the working triangle into the island, you bring it down in size, making the kitchen more functional. This makes some oversized kitchens difficult to work in when the appliances are relegated to the perimeter. As kitchens become larger, the working triangle - or the distance between the sink, refrigerator, and cooktop - grows larger. The kitchen island was originally introduced to add more countertop and storage space to a kitchen. Kitchen Island Costs Kitchen Island Installation Prices At the high end, you can get a fully custom exotic hardwood island with an antiqued glaze and waterfall marble countertop with a cooktop, seating area, and built-in shelving on one side for $15,000. Readymade rolling islands with wood countertops cost $500.

semi-custom island with a granite countertop and bar sink, with enough space for seating on one side.

The national average is $4,000 to $8,000, with most homeowners paying around $6,500 for a 24 sq.ft. There is a large cost range for kitchen islands. They come in many materials and countertop options, complementing any kitchen design. They may contain sinks and appliances or more counter space. They can be small and designed for extra storage or large with built-in seating and cooking areas. They can also be added to many spaces and have numerous features.

They add surface area, storage, and the ability to change your kitchen’s layout and working triangle. If you want to make your kitchen layout more versatile, functional, and attractive, adding a kitchen island can help. Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert.

Waterfall marble countertop