You and your family spend a considerable amount of time in the kitchen, so make sure it’s always comfortable and functional. This means noting which areas of the room you can improve upon and, for many homeowners, one is the kitchen island. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Madison, one of the area’s leading kitchen remodelers, shares some features you might want to try to get the most out of this functional design component.

Standard Features

The number of features you include in your kitchen island will depend on its size and your kitchen’s available space. These are some of the basic options:

1. Sink. If cooking for family and friends is something you enjoy, adding a sink to the kitchen island helps to make meal preparations easier. You can use it to wash fruit and vegetables as you cook, so you can leave the main sink for the heavy-duty washing. 
2. Storage options. If your existing cabinetry never has enough storage, add extra cabinets and drawers in your kitchen island. This way, all the necessary kitchen items are always within easy reach. Turn to the trusted local expert in kitchen remodeling, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Madison, for smarter ways to incorporate additional storage into your island.
3. Seating. The kitchen isn’t just a space where food is prepared, it’s also a space for bonding with family members or for entertaining. Add a couple of nice chairs around the island so everyone can grab a seat.

Custom Features

If the additions mentioned above aren’t enough, no worries! You can make your kitchen island ultra-functional by extending it at the end. The sink, cabinets and other assorted items are usually concentrated at the center of the island, which leaves the end clear. You can use this area to store items you use often within easy reach. Here are some ideas:

1. Rolling chopping station. Invest in a cutting board with storage and legs on casters that you can easily tuck away when not in use. This rolling station allows for an additional chopping surface while helping to keep your countertops clear.
2. Large custom storage. More storage is always useful. With bigger custom drawers, you have a convenient space for storing larger kitchen items, such as stockpots, that may not fit in other cabinets. 
3. Refrigerator drawer. If you’re spending time in the kitchen with people around you, having a fridge tucked inside the island offers a convenient way to keep wine and other beverages cold and at the ready. 
4. Microwave drawer. The microwave is a kitchen staple, but you can incorporate it into the end of the kitchen island to keep things more discreet and help clear up some counter space.

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Madison is not just a kitchen cabinet refacing expert. You can also count on us for high-quality, custom solutions that keep your kitchen island more accessible and functional. We proudly serve Oregon, Cross Plains, Westport and communities in and around Madison, WI. Call us today at (608) 535-5995 or fill out this contact form to start a conversation!