Kitchen Design Tips: Seating, Lighting , and Appliances (Part Two)

Elissa Morgante, AIA

Elissa Morgante, AIA
Founding Partner at Award Winning Chicago Architects, Morgante Wilson

Jan 19, 2017 - 5 min read

Kitchen Design Tips:  Seating, Lighting , and Appliances (Part Two)

Cooktop, island, or both? Those are just a few things to think about incorporating into your kitchen island. But because islands play so many roles in our lives today, ranging from food prep centers to homework stations, there are other things to think about, too. Here are few more design tips on how many islands your kitchen needs, seating, lighting, design options, and appliances:

One or Two Islands?

There are benefits to both. Some people enjoying having family and friends close by while they’re cooking and preparing food, but others don’t. If you like having company while you work, one island will allow everyone to gather around you. If you prefer to work in relative solitude, a second island offers a place for guests to set down drinks and talk with you, yet stay out of your way. A second island can also provide double the storage space, if you have a large collection of kitchenware.

Kitchen Seating

Kitchen seating options for islands have grown tremendously the past few years. You can find a wide range of straightforward stools that offer a place to perch momentarily. You can also find a large selection of ultra-comfy bar stools with backs and arms that will encourage people to linger at your island long after they’ve finished their drink, their breakfast, or their homework. Think about how you want your island to be used to determine the type of seating you need.

Other Kitchen Design Ideas: Lighting & Countertops

An island has the power to become your kitchen’s focal point, especially when you hang truly special kitchen light fixtures above it, such as these favorites from Urban Electric. An island is also an ideal place to make a design statement through the counter material you choose. A sensational piece of quartzite will be a showstopper; a walnut counter will offer a generous dose of visual warmth (not to mention a comfortable surface upon which to rest your elbows). Stainless steel, on the other hand, can convey sleek, industrial, or even retro vibes, depending on the style of your kitchen.

Kitchen Islands are also a terrific spot to conceal appliances. Microwaves can be tucked in them, keeping counters clear. Warming drawers, too, can be recessed into an island. Perhaps best of all, an island is the perfect place to hide refrigerator drawers filled with help-yourself foods and beverages that will allow friends and family to serve themselves without entering into your work area on the island’s opposite side.

For other great kitchen ideas, just give us a call. Whether you’re planning a new kitchen or a new house, we’ve got a quarter century of experience making dreams like yours come true.

Elissa Morgante, AIA

Elissa Morgante, AIA

Founding Partner at Award Winning Chicago Architects, Morgante Wilson