First of all, let's cover the basics.
What is a kitchen island? Well, a kitchen island is the type of counter typically seen in large American homes.
It is the central bench if you like standing freely in the centre of the room.
Of course they can also be positioned off-centre depending on how much space you have available and on the look you wish to achieve.
The characteristic mark is that they are not fixed to an external perimeter wall or partition.
Kitchen islands offer additional counter space and facilitate group participation when it comes to preparing meals.
They tend to make the kitchen look more spacious and in the UK where this type of kitchen furniture is less common, they offer a hint of grandeur.
The worktop can be constructed from a large number of materials in almost any colour imaginable, as can the supporting unit below.
Cupboards and storage space can be incorporated into the island too, which is yet another practical advantage of making a central workspace a prominent feature in your kitchen.
Kitchen Islands can also be used as easy-to-clean make-shift breakfast bars; convenient for life in the fast lane.
One of the reasons we see less of them in the UK is that typical households have kitchens which are too small to accommodate them.
Quite simple really, but one way around this is to remove the dividing wall between the dining room and kitchen, opting for an open plan minimalist design with a central island.
This will launch your kitchen into the 21st century and a clean, practical and modern suite is guaranteed to add value to your home.
There are three main categories of kitchen islands, which will be mentioned herein.
The first is the stationary kitchen island.
This, as the name suggests, is a permanent item of kitchen furniture; one that permits heavier more luxurious materials than its mobile counterpart.
The second type is the butcher block kitchen island, which traditionally has a thick wooden top.
The resemblance to a large chopping board is the most likely root of its name.
It is again a non-mobile kitchen island and is available in a vast number of shapes, sizes and styles.
The third type is the mobile kitchen island, also referred to as the "kitchen cart" or "rolling island".
This type of island is the least robust but most flexible option.
This variation is typically used where space is paramount.
After use the mobile unit can be cleaned and then moved to another more convenient location.
It is always a good idea to view a range of designs and evaluate your options before making a final purchase.
Consulting a specialist kitchen contractor for advice is highly recommended.
This will help you avoid unnecessary headaches, for example due to inaccurate measurements and miscalculations and such consultation may even lead to refreshing design ideas and cost savings.