Kitchen Island

A kitchen island is a freestanding cabinet unit placed in the center of a kitchen. Depending on the design, it can provide additional workspace, storage, seating, or even room for appliances and sinks.

When homeowners tell me they want a larger kitchen, they often don’t actually need more square footage—they need a better layout. That’s where a well-designed island can make a huge difference. A kitchen island creates a dedicated work area while helping organize how people move through the space.

Not every kitchen needs an island, however. One of the most common mistakes I see is installing an island that is too large for the room. If walkways become cramped, the kitchen can feel less functional rather than more useful. Before adding an island, it’s important to make sure there is enough clearance around all sides for comfortable movement and appliance access.

Today’s islands do much more than provide storage. Many include seating for family meals, charging stations for phones and tablets, microwave drawers, beverage refrigerators, or secondary sinks. In many American homes, the island has become the place where people gather while meals are being prepared.

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, think of the island as a tool rather than a feature. The best islands solve a problem—whether that’s creating more prep space, adding storage, or making the kitchen a more comfortable place for family and friends to spend time together.