One of the most important rooms in a home is the kitchen. As a matter of fact, the kitchen is often a key determinant in deciding whether or not a home is a good fit for us. What would we do without a kitchen!
But a kitchen, ideally, should be more than just a cooking space. So much more! If your kitchen’s only purpose is cooking meals, you are missing out on the beautiful experience of the full potential which a fully-functional kitchen offers.
A truly great kitchen allows you to comfortably host close friends while cooking, to have snacks over a discussion and for family and friends to even have light meals that aren’t full-blown dinners, while socializing.
Your kitchen can have all these functionalities by adding a single “secret ingredient”- a Kitchen Island or Kitchen Peninsula. But first, let’s describe what both are and then help you decide which would be the best fit for your home.
An Island is a stand-alone unit-and-countertop erected in the middle of a kitchen to provide extra working space, offer additional storage, and create a kitchen bar, or family meal area.
A peninsula pretty much does everything an island does, however, a peninsula is built from a kitchen wall or wall cabinets, and is not stand-alone like an island. A peninsula sometimes serves to separate the kitchen from other areas of an open-plan apartment.
Now, how do you decide which is best for your home? Let’s look at five things to consider before making this important decision.
- Space
The first thing to consider in deciding between an island or a peninsula is space. An island typically needs sufficient area of clearance or at least 3-4 feet around it, on all sides. It is therefore best suited for large kitchens.
A peninsula, on the other hand, does not require as much space. Designed properly, especially in such a way as to avoid dead space, it is ideal for smaller kitchens. The downside of a peninsula, however, is how it may limit access by way of movement around the kitchen.
- Kitchen Layout
There’s something called the Kitchen Triangle Theory. Quite simply, it states that the three most important work areas of your kitchen- the cooker, the refrigerator and the sink must form- you guessed right- a triangle. They must be placed in such a way as to not hamper movement or activities of the cook.
You must consider your unique kitchen layout in deciding if an island or a peninsula would fit in with the overall plan.
- Design Versatility
A kitchen Island can, by its distinct, stand-alone nature, either match the design and décor of the rest of the kitchen or provide aesthetic contrast. You essentially have limitless options in deciding how you want it to look.
In this regard, a peninsula is less dynamic and should, ideally, match the décor of the kitchen and cabinet in order to maintain a consistent appearance.
- Costs
Generally speaking, an island may be a little more expensive in constructing off the bat than a peninsula. The island comes with extra plumbing and wiring underground. An island would also require extra overhead lighting. If you opt for an island with a different décor, that would add a little bit more in terms of cost.
If you are remodeling your kitchen, the cost of adding an island becomes even more significant when compared to adding a peninsula.
- House Value
If you are constructing a home to sell, chances are you would have more modern buyers signify interest and place more value in a home with a kitchen which has an island compared to one with a peninsula. Of course, either is better than none!
So, there! You have it! Which would you rather opt for in your home?
