The
“Heart” of any home is the kitchen and like they say, way to anyone’s
heart is through his stomach!! When you build your home, the kitchen is
all about the home-maker’s dream space and the most discussed space
between the designer and the client!
Today
we will try and understand if a fixed Island feature is feasible in
your kitchen or not? Basically, an island is a stand-alone piece of
counter space where we could setup a
hob or a kitchen sink or just a clear counter for cutting or having
breakfast. There is no fixed height, width, length or shape for an
Island. It is purely based on the function and size of your kitchen.
First
and foremost, the island once installed must allow free passage around
it for the people working in the kitchen and clearance for all kitchen
appliances to be installed.
That
is, a minimum of 90cm will allow clear passage around the island, and
if one opens the refrigerator or dish washer it should not block the
passage of the people using the kitchen. There should be no hindrance to
the traffic flow in the kitchen or through the kitchen. The presence of
an island is realistic only when the island increases the functionality
in a kitchen.
If
the hob is placed on the Island as seen in the picture above, we go in
for an Island Chimney which is available is many models to add charm and
function to the Island Kitchen.
Sometimes
the counter allows a small space for preparation also (for example to
roll out the “puris”, ”chappatis” before frying them). Other than this, a
little part of the counter space may be devoted as a dinette for a
single person grabbing a quick bite. Of course, keeping in mind the
functions of the island, the size will be determined. Most importantly,
the Island should not be a reason for the kitchen to become cramped for
space.
On
the other hand if the Island houses the sink, we can add a chopping and
cutting space beside the sink. However, we should keep in mind, the
plumbing lines will be going below the floor of your kitchen .In case of
any maintenance work, the floor tiles will be disturbed. However,
proper plumbing and water proof treatments should avoid any such hitch. A
double bowl sink with a drain tray, or a single bowl sink with double
drain trays would be a nice option too on the island.
The
third option for an island would be almost similar to having a
fixed-table in your kitchen. It could serve as a study table for your
kid doing his/her homework under your supervision. It could be a place
where you have your fruit-bowl or where you keep your goodies for easy
pick! It could even serve as a dinette for the family or where you get
your ingredients ready for cooking. The space below the counter can be
judiciously used for storage cabinets or even a small kitchen library.
Though
the layout of your kitchen will impose some restraints on your island,
an interestingly shaped Island with flavors of functionality could be
the focal point in your kitchen !! A feature of fun and individuality!