kitchen islands

Now a staple of the Southern home, this favorite family gathering spot offers a host of options. Take a look at three of our favorites.

Today's islands are versatile and multifunctional. Used as a gathering place, food prep area, cook's station, or casual dining space, this one addition has gained mass appeal. Whether your preference is a built-in structure or movable unit, pieces are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and materials.

Warm Gathering Spot

There is nothing more important to Mary Ann and Butch Howard of Trussville, Alabama, these days than getting their family together for impromptu meals and celebrations. With two grown children and eight grandchildren, it doesn't take much to create an instant party.

To break up their kitchen's floor plan, the Howards opted for a sturdy, finished furniture piece that can be . moved when needed. Using this flexible piece as an island also adds warmth and character. "It's ideal for our needs because it is truly the social hub of the room," Mary Ann says. "It has many uses, and it allows everyone to be in the middle of the activity. The island is great for food preparation."

Stylish and Convenient

Rectangular kitchens can bring logistical challenges, such as avoiding the placement of large appliances along the perimeter. Designer Veta Agee found a solution by building her island across from the cooktop and stove. "My island is convenient because when I am cooking, everything is right here," Veta says. "All I have to do is pivot to reach anything I need."

Veta found inexpensive sheets of decorative mosaic tiles. She applied them on the exterior of the island, and repeated the look, along with porcelain tile, as a backsplash above her cooktop. "The tile colors, interesting textures, and maple cabinets bring warmth and a state of harmony. My philosophy is live, love, and eat. [These words are painted above the windows in the breakfast room.] Our island ties it all together," Veta says.

Refined Island

Mary Lee Rice and Pete Yonce's home came with a spacious kitchen drenched with natural light, a generous breakfast area, and an island.

The built-in wooden structure features a tile countertop, wood trim, cooktop, and storage. The couple chose to update the unit from an artsy perspective. "Because the kitchen is open and in direct view of our family room, we connected the two spaces by mounting abstract art on the front of the island," Mary Lee explains.

"Like a mini-gallery, the art creates an intriguing scene," says designer Margaret D. Jones, who assisted the couple. "Mary Lee wanted to jazz up the island a bit. We chose colorful pieces made from copper and slate by artist Royal Richard Miree." A zesty shade of mustard on the walls brings a warm contrast, complementing the neutral island and cabinetry. "During parties, almost everybody hangs out here. These simple enhancements have transformed our kitchen," says Mary Lee.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Before you install an island, think about the following points.

* Durability/surfaces-Whether built-in or movable, the unit should be sturdy enough to withstand normal wear and tear and meet storage needs. The countertop material should be geared to the use of the island. For example, you don't want to put butcher block around a sink. Likewise, you don't want to cut food directly on a solid surface. Options abound in laminate, hard and dense woods, tile, steel, and stone. Added details include overhangs for dining, rounded edges, and open shelving.

* Size/accessibility-Allow a minimum of 3 to 3 ½ feet between the island and any existing walls or cabinetry. Kitchen islands should be ordered or built to match the height of other countertops if you are going to use them for food preparation. You can include lower levels for desks or built-in eating areas. Islands more than 4 feet wide could make it difficult to reach items in the center.

* Style-An island can be as plain as a tabletop with legs. At the other end of the spectrum, it can be as complex as fine cabinetry that incorporates a sink, cooktop, display space, storage, warming oven, refrigerated drawers, and wine chillers.

* Storage-Depending on their sizes and styles, islands generally have large amounts of space to store big and small items.

* Mobile or permanent-Permanent islands are built-in. Portable islands are made of wood, steel, or a combination of materials, and can be moved around based on your needs.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jan 2004
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