Islands have become an indispensable part of today’s kitchens. Still very popular in 2022, they can serve a number of different purposes and feature a number of different styles. If you’re going to do renovations or have a new home built, take advantage of the opportunity to design the island of your dreams. It will be the center of your day-to-day life!
Would you like to eat breakfast or set up your laptop on your island? Or would you prefer a large work surface or a place for a cooktop? An island is the ideal addition for satisfying a whole range of different needs in a kitchen. It’s warm and welcoming: you can integrate a few barstools so you can drink your morning coffee there or seat a few guests so you can visit with them while you’re preparing dinner. Keep in mind, however, that this option will reduce the amount of storage space inside the island. How you use it is up to you! An island is also very practical: you can conceal your trash bin and recycling bin underneath, include additional storage space for your cutlery or even install a second sink. Besides being warm and practical, an island can also add a touch of personal style to your kitchen.

The style of your island
Whether you match your island to your cabinets or use contrasting materials, it’s only limited by your imagination. Frequently used in open-kitchen plans, it serves as a transition not only between the kitchen and dining room but also between the kitchen and living room. Therefore, your island should harmonize with these other rooms and the materials used in them. You should also carefully consider the accessories: a sink on the island will be immediately noticeable to anyone who walks into the kitchen, as will a cooktop and range hood. So carefully choose which accessories you want to highlight. For those who love quartz and marble, a cascading counter on one side of the island is a refined, modern trend.
Do you have big dreams but a little budget? You can make your island stand out without breaking the bank: transform an old piece of furniture, pull an old light fixture out of storage, place a few decorative objects on the shelves and you’re set! Cuisines Verdun has long been a master in the art of renovating old kitchens and can propose a whole host of different ideas for achieving a look that’s up to date without spending a lot of money.
The addition of an island isn’t suitable for every kitchen. It’s essential to draw up plans before initiating the work. Even a minimally functional island needs to be at least 36 inches wide and 24 inches deep. You’ll also need to allow at least 42 inches between the island and the cabinets so you can move around in your kitchen with ease.
The Quebec Building Authority (RBQ) now requires kitchen islands to include a built-in electrical outlet. Therefore, you must include one in your plans. Don’t forget that the outlet housing will reduce the space available for your cabinets, so don’t plan to put drawers in that area! For those of you who live in basement apartments or bachelor pads, you’ll need to calculate the work that’s necessary to modify the concrete foundation in order to install a sink and run electrical wiring to the island.
One of the consultants at Cuisines Verdun can help you estimate the cost of your custom kitchen, so don’t hesitate to contact us for more details.