Do you need more preparation space in your kitchen? How about storage space? No. Then you are lucky! (Can I come live in YOUR house?) But if you are like me and measure the success of a meal by the square footage used to actually prepare it (Thanksgiving dinner takes 800 sq. ft. at least!), you need space! Consider adding a kitchen island!

1. If you have a kitchen the size of a basketball court, an island can transform the space into workable and efficient areas. Storage areas for relevant appliance for each area will enhance the efficiency of the space.

2. If you need additional workspace, an island can provide it. You can choose a specialty top for the island (butcher block, stone or stainless steel) to make is especially useful for baking or chopping).

3. If members of your family like to eat in the kitchen, or if you love to talk to them while you cook, an island can add additional casual eating space.

4. If you need extra work surface in more than one area of the kitchen, an island can add flexibility and mobility with a movable space. An island on castors can be moved to whichever area you need - near the stove, near the sink, or out of the way!

5. If you don't like the look of a traditional island, you can add extra space with a large table. Same concept, different form!

6. If you lack a focal point or if you would like to take attention away from flaws elsewhere in your kitchen, an island is a perfect way to do so.

7. If your home has an open plan, an island can serve as the outside wall of the kitchen to give visual separation for the space.

8. If you want to direct traffic into or out of specific places in your kitchen (lead those children directly to the dirty dishes and the sink!), an island can be positioned to help.

9. If you need space for appliances or an extra sink, an island can be a perfect solution. You can add a small refrigerator, a cooktop or an additional oven to enhance the usability of any island.

10. If you want to be able to keep an eye on the kids in the family room while you are preparing dinner, an island can separate rooms without blocking the view. (And you can watch what THEY are watching on TV!).

An island can be a perfect solution to many problems in your kitchen, but alas, the extra space won't improve your cooking! Don't believe me? Just ask my family!

Copyright © 2003, Pamela Cole Harris