Anyone and everyone who owns a home almost without exception, when asked what would be their most important remodeling project replies add a kitchen remodel. And there are as many different sizes of kitchen remodeling projects, as there are people that have kitchens. These projects can range from a total kitchen makeover to something as simple as a new exhaust hood over their stove.
One of the simplest but most useful remodeling projects for your kitchen is the addition of the island. Many homeowners find that a kitchen island a valuable addition that not only provides additional food preparation and work space but also additional storage. It is also a wonderful central focus for the kitchen.
The island itself does not have to be the box shape that is commonly thought of. When working with a qualified designer to remodel your kitchen the designer will work with you and help you get the most functional and aesthetically pleasing design you can into your kitchen. Kitchen islands can have many styles and functions. Working with a designer you can find the right choice for your kitchen.
Even though it is most designers will tell you that there are no hard and fast rules about design when it comes to kitchen islands, there are a few basics that a homeowner might want to know about. When designers are working with a homeowner they will often tell them where work surfaces for the island should go in relation to the planned or existing locations of the appliances. It is generally held that the working aisles need to be 42 to 48 in. this is to accommodate either one or two cooks working simultaneously. In addition it's recommend that the island work surface should be at least 36 in. to provide both cooks enough space without actually bumping into one another if they need to utilize the island simultaneously.
The design of your kitchen island is going to depend on the layout of your floor plan. In an older home more than likely, you will find a closed floor plan. This type of floor plan dictates the use of what is termed the workhorse configuration. This type of island configuration is basically the four sided box that we mentioned earlier. For homes with an open floor plan, the designer and the homeowner have more selections of designs to choose from because they have the ability to use angular designs including L, Y, U or V shapes. These shapes function as walls, but they do not totally block off the kitchen from say the dining room or a smaller adjacent kitchen area.
When it comes to designing your new island you should take into account that it does not have to be just dull storage and food preparation space. You could instead make it a smaller separate dining area. Another idea might be to place a small television or radio on it for when you are using the kitchen or use it as a decorative focus for the whole room. With special moldings, brass, special pulls and footings the ability to leave your mark and make your own special personal touch on the kitchen are plentiful. You can be accomplish this whatever the size of your new island.
A super point about the island remodeling project is the very flexible scope of the project. You can easily have an island of modest design installed for well under $700. If you decide to add features such as sinks or secondary ovens and appliances, you can do that too. You only need to bear in mind that the with more features and a larger size the island projects cost will increase.
Author Resource:
Every Virginia kitchen remodel needs the skilled hands of a professional to create that perfect finish that accents your new appliances. For quality kitchen or a bathroom remodel in Virginia , contact the general contractors that get the job done right. Paragon Remodeling - 8000 Towers Dr. - Vienna, VA 22182