A customised kitchen island can transform the look and feel of your kitchen, taking it from a mundane cooking space to a vibrant gathering place. It will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home and make your Edmonton kitchen feel more functional and practical.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing your kitchen island, with features such as built-in appliances, smart countertops, and unique seating options that can be tailored to your family’s needs. So, whether you’re an avid entertainer, aspiring chef or wine connoisseur, a well-designed island will make your kitchen the heart of your home.
Here are a few of our favourite kitchen island features that’ll take your kitchen to new heights!
1. Unique materials, textures, shapes and colours
Unique materials, textures, and shapes will elevate the look and feel of your kitchen. Want to add a modern twist to the classic country farmhouse look? Combine the rugged durability of concrete with the natural warmth of butcher block for your countertop while adding sleek black hardware to an oversized, built-in farmhouse sink.
Or, if you’re after a more luxurious look, opt for a marble waterfall countertop. To make a bold statement, perch your island on a massive boulder, tree stump, or concrete pillars— no need for a one-size-fits-all kitchen island when you can customize it to fit your home!
With a custom island, space limitations won’t hold you back. A sleek semi-circle island will add a touch of sophistication to your culinary oasis. Or opt for a more extended, narrow island that will make your kitchen appear more spacious. Lastly, don’t be afraid of colour! Mint, red, blue and yellow are excellent choices for kitchen island cupboards, accessories and even countertops.
2. Built-in appliances
Interior designers, architects and home renovation specialists know the secret to creating a truly exceptional home is through custom pieces. Whether it’s an entertainment unit, bookcase, or kitchen island, these custom elements are tailor-made to perfectly fit the space and cater to your unique needs and lifestyle.
And let’s be honest, the kitchen is the heart of any party, but cooking with your back to your guests can be a drag. With the addition of built-in appliances like a cooktop, microwave, or warming drawer, you can cook and mingle at the same time.
Imagine your loved ones gathered around your custom kitchen island while you whip up your signature dishes. And don’t forget the hors d’oeuvres! Thanks to your warming drawer, you can prepare delicious treats in advance and keep them piping hot until you’re ready to serve. And what’s a party without some bubbly?
With a climate-controlled wine fridge built right into your island, you can easily access perfectly chilled bottles to pair with your tasty truffle fries, croquettes and warm spinach dip. And arguably the best part – it can feel like you are the host of your own cooking show.
3. A custom area for your pet
We all know that our furry friends are more than just pets – they’re cherished members of the family. That’s why it’s no surprise that pet parents are taking their home renovations to the next level by incorporating custom elements for their beloved pups. Imagine having a designated space for your furry bestie at the end of your kitchen island. With built-in raised food and water dishes, your furry companion can chow down in style, and you can even install a water tap for easy refills.
But why stop there? Add some drawers on top to store all their favourite goodies like bones, treats, and supplements.
If you have a smaller pup, why not go all out and create a cozy sleeping area for them at the side of your island? It’s not for everyone, but this way your furry friend can stay close to you while you cook up a storm or entertain guests, all while enjoying their own private space to rest and recharge.
4. A breakfast nook and dining area
When it comes to kitchen island features luxurious homes, bar-style seating with stools may be the go-to option, but it’s not the only one. For families who love spending quality time together over meals, a built-in breakfast nook with banquet seating can be a game-changer.
Say goodbye to the overhanging bar and hello to a cozy and functional seating area. By making the back of your bench seating the side of your kitchen island, you can create an L-shape or rectangle, complete with a coordinating table and chairs on the other side. This hybrid feature is perfect for a family-centered kitchen and sets the tone for your home.
5. High-tech countertops and smart accessories
Technology is a part of our daily lives, and it’s natural to want to incorporate it into our homes. That’s why there are a variety of kitchen island features that you can customize to match your techy lifestyle.
A very new and unique island features a high-tech countertop with a sleek black glass touchscreen. Connected to Wi-Fi, it will allow you to check your email, watch videos, or read articles.
Not ready for a digital countertop? No problem! Conveniently install charging stations around your kitchen island or even a built-in phone and tablet holder for hands-free recipe following.
Several other smart home features, such as smart faucets, lighting, and stoves, can also be incorporated. According to a survey of homeowners, tech use in the kitchen is increasing, with 51% of homeowners looking to install smart faucets in 2023 and 39% looking for appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity. With these tech-savvy features, your kitchen island will become the ultimate hub for productivity and entertainment.
Your kitchen island is not just a functional piece of furniture; it’s a statement piece that can elevate your entire kitchen’s look, feel, and functionality. With endless customization options, from unique materials and shapes to high-tech features and pet-friendly additions, you can find kitchen island features for your home that perfectly fit your needs and lifestyle.
And remember, the secret to a beautiful home isn’t always a complete renovation. Maintaining your home will help it stay in good condition, prevent damage, reduce energy costs and even save you money. Download our free home maintenance guide to learn more.
