ISLANDS!!!

photo courtesy of SIC on facebook

Let's face it, around this time of year, the only Islands most of us ore thinking about are sunny, warm, and relaxing. I on the other hand am thinking about the kind that are functional, spacious and design friendly are what is on my mind.

Islands are pretty much a staple in any newly remodeled kitchen, and I am often bombarded with clearance questions. How much room do I need to walk around?, How much room do I need for seating?...
Lyn Peterson, author of Real Life Kitchens, has this advice for minimum clearances around an island...

Allow at least:

• 30-34 inches between the island and cabinetry with no appliances. if
  you don't have enough space, you might consider installing shallower cabinets
  along one wall to create more room.
• 37 inches minimum between the island and sink; 39-42 inches is ideal.
• In main traffic ways or walls with appliances, allow more space - 42-48 inches
  between island and wall. Be sue to allow space to open refrigerator or
  dishwasher door and still have room for people to pass.
• If you have seating at the island, you'll also need to allow space to pull
  out stools; Jennifer Howard recommends at least 48 inches clearance on the
  seating side.
• "The island does not have to be centered in the kitchen". It can gravitate closer to the cooking area, creating a narrower aisle, to discourage guests
  and children from taking that route through the space. "Islands and
  peninsulas should buffer the cooking zone and segregate it from the non-cooks,
  keeping the hoi polloi on the far side of the island".

These are not set in stone, but they do offer an industy standard that functions well, and allows for peace of mind.

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