Create a Kitchen Island With Ample Seating for Gatherings and Conversations

Kitchen islands with seating provide a great place to cook, socialize and entertain. They can be stylish focal points with a standout element like a waterfall edge or a fun splash of on-trend color.

However, if not planned properly, they can lead to impractical workflow and/or code violations. So here are some tips to help you plan a kitchen island that is both functional and attractive:.

Considerations

When planning kitchen island seating, it's important to consider how the arrangement will work from a practical standpoint. For example, if you're using the island for family meals, a one-side approach might not work well if your family prefers to sit on different sides of the room.

You'll also want to think about the height of your seating. Generally speaking, counter-height stools or chairs are best, as they're easy to tuck under the counter and give diners a good view of the cook.

Decorative touches can add to the look of kitchen island seating. For example, Mary Ann Pickett used her island to display her favorite items collected during travels (a pitcher from London and ceramic accessories from Mexico), which made the space even more inviting. Alternatively, corralling essentials in a woven tray is another simple yet effective way to make kitchen island seating extra functional, as Christina Dennis did here. This trick will keep sponges, dish soap, and other kitchen accoutrements at hand and out of the way.

Ideas

The look and function of your kitchen can be transformed with the addition of a free-standing island. The workhorse of a modern kitchen, the island maximizes working space and provides a spot for family members to gather.

Depending on the style you choose, an island can include extra cabinets for storage, appliances, a sink and seating for a bar. If you opt for a fully equipped island, be sure to factor in additional costs such as the cost of plumbing, electrical and ventilation.

A custom piece designed by a carpenter can offer more versatility than a ready-made model. However, an easy DIY project can also yield a beautiful and functional island. For example, Jen Woodhouse constructed a charming DIY kitchen island using 2x4s and 2x6s for the frame and added small slats of cedar for support shelves.

Another idea is to repurpose an antique table or chest of drawers as a kitchen island. This is a great way to add character and charm to your home.

Design Options

Incorporating seating in a kitchen island design can enhance social interactions and gatherings. In addition to making the space more social, this configuration can also help separate food prep from eating areas.

Depending on the island’s primary function, this configuration can include a kitchen sink and hobs on one side, with dining or bar height seating on the other side. This allows you to create a multifunctional zone without sacrificing valuable floor space.

Whether you opt for conventional table-style seating or more modern upholstered bar stools, the design of an island’s seating area can make a huge impact on the overall look and feel of a kitchen. Even a simple change in color, like the deep blue hue used for this contemporary kitchen by Kathleen McCormick, can transform the look and feel of the room. The seating area also provides the ideal spot to incorporate an on-trend backsplash. This is a great way to add visual interest to the room while concealing messy elements.

Final Words

A kitchen island with seating is a convenient and sociable spot for family members or guests to enjoy snacks, drinks, or meals while you cook. It’s also the ideal place to perch for a quick cuppa or to catch up on social media and personal admin.

When you’re planning your kitchen island ideas, consider how you and your household use the space to determine how much room you need for seating. Choosing the right seating style and layout will help create a functional, comfortable, and aesthetically-pleasing space that’s a joy to spend time in.

Remember to think about incorporating storage solutions too – for example, built-in wine racks are a stylish addition to any island scheme. And don’t forget about ambiance with options like dimmable overhead lighting. Adding some ambient lighting is sure to add to the warmth and comfort of your kitchen seating zone. You could even create a seasonal display, such as pumpkins and autumn leaves in the fall or pastel-coloured flowers in spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What place should pots and saucepans be in the kitchen?

Pots and saucepans should be stored in the cupboard directly above the stove. This keeps them in reach when you need them. It also makes your kitchen counters look neat and clean. You may also want to invest in a pot rack to help keep your pots and pans organized and within easy reach.

Should I install a countertop or backsplash first?

Installing a backsplash and countertops requires that you first install the countertops. This will allow you to correctly measure and cut the backsplash to fit perfectly against the countertop. The countertop is a crucial component of proper backsplash installation. It must also be installed before any plumbing fixtures or appliances.

Is open-concept cooking in fashion?

Open-concept kitchens are still popular because they offer a modern look while allowing easy access to all kitchen areas. For many reasons, homeowners are returning to traditional kitchen designs.

An open-concept, noisy kitchen is one reason. Open-concept kitchens can be difficult to clean due to all the cooking fumes and dust that circulate throughout the house.

For families that want to cook together, open-plan kitchens can be a great option. But they can also be a nightmare if you have kids that like to play in the kitchen and don't always listen to their parents! If you're considering an open-concept kitchen, carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Statistics

• It's a fantastic thing about most home improvement projects: no matter the job. It often seems like the last 20% is the most difficult. (familyhandyman.com)
• “We decided to strip and refinish our kitchen cabinets during a heat wave with 90-plus-degree temperatures and 90 percent humidity in a house with no air conditioning. (familyhandyman.com)
• In large firms, the commission charged by the GC ranges from 15 to 25 percent of the total job cost. (thespruce.com)
• Experts also recommend setting aside 20 percent of your budget for surprises, including unpleasant demolition discoveries. One is water damage, the electricity that is not up to code, or other budget-spiking gotchas. (hgtv.com)
• Keep 10 to 25 percent of List 2, depending on the budget. (familyhandyman.com)

External Links

thespruce.com

• Open Floor Plan: History of the Pros and Con's


• Find out Professionals Estimate Kitchen Remodeling Costs

remodeling.hw.net

• Cost vs. value 2021


• Cost vs. Value Project: Minor Kitchen Remodel

forbes.com

• Amazing Kitchen Remodeling Ideas That Will Refresh your Home

homeadvisor.com

• Learn how much it takes to remodel a Kitchen. Compose, SEO.


• What Does a Kitchen Remodel Do to Increase Your Home's Value? - HomeAdvisor

How To

How Much Will Kitchen Remodeling Cost in 2022 [12 Tips to Save Money]

How much can you spend on a brand new kitchen? A kitchen renovation project can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 depending on the size of your space and the features you choose. Consider upgrading your home to increase its market value if you are planning on selling soon.

Here are our top 12 ways to cut costs without compromising quality.

1. Appliances for sale secondhand
2. DIY projects
3. Repurpose old furniture
4. You can salvage materials
5. To do the work, hire a professional
6. Donate your stuff
7. Sell online
8. Paint colours can be creative
9. Go green
10. Please keep it simple
11. Make it unique
12. Flexibility is key

Helpful Resources

Small Kitchen Design Ideas | Home Design | Home Decor Small kitchen design ideas

New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware || Cabinet Knob/Pulls Ideas || Installation || Decor || DIY || Budget Our vision at VK Design is to provide homeowners, builders, and designers with the insight and knowledge needed to create beautiful and functional..

Honey Do Carpenter is going live! At VK Design, we strive to build a community focused around kitchen design. It's an ideal platform for inspiring conversations and connecting with..

How to Perfectly Design Your Kitchen Cabinets|MUST HAVE KITCHEN CABINETS|Kitchen Design Mistakes Welcome to VK Design, where we make sustainability the foundation of every kitchen design. Our mission is to empower homeowners, builders, and..

National kitchen and bath News Get the latest kitchen industry news from NKBA

10 Basket Makeover Hacks | Thrift Flips | Milk Paint & IOD | Upcycling | French Country Cottage At VK Design, we’re passionate about creating beautiful, functional kitchens that also reduce our carbon footprint. We provide insight and..

Best Home Items For New House Kitchen 2023 - Tips for Styling Your Kitchen With Cost Savings Here is a list of the top Best Home Items For New House Kitchen to help you make an informed decision in 2023. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying

Green Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Techniques First, plastic and tape off or cover your countertops, appliances, tables and chairs to protect them from dust and paint. You should also label your..

My Favorite Marketplace FINDS, FLIP + STYLE (using Beyond Paint) Are you looking to make your kitchen a more sustainable and environmentally friendly space? At VK Design, we understand the importance of creating..

KBIS | Home Source the latest product innovations from leading kitchen and bath brands at KBIS! Discover fresh design solutions, expand your network, and fine-tune your

ULTIMATE PANTRY MAKEOVER W/ MAX STORAGE! *BUDGET FRIENDLY* (custom DIY organization solutions) Our mission at VK design is to make sustainability an integral part of every kitchen design. We believe every person is responsible for protecting..

Energy-Efficient Kitchen Exhaust Fan Installation Kitchen exhaust fans help reduce unpleasant odors and moisture. They can also contribute to energy savings in homes with air sealing and insulation..

Sustainable Kitchen Flooring Options More and more homeowners, building managers and contractors are prioritizing environmentally friendly products. These green options are also..

2024 Interior Design Trends You Can ACTUALLY AFFORD | Interior Design Trends for Non-Rich People! Our vision at VK Design is to provide homeowners, builders, and designers with the insight and knowledge needed to create beautiful and functional..

Cabinet Hardware - Pulls and Knobs Find the largest offer in Cabinet Hardware - Pulls and Knobs at Richelieu.com, the one stop shop for woodworking industry.

2024 Interior Design Trends You Can ACTUALLY AFFORD | Interior Design Trends for Non-Rich People! So often, interior design trends videos are focused on luxury interior design. I love deriving inspiration from there, but let's face it, keeping up with

SUMMER 2023 CLEAN AND DECORATE WITH ME|KITCHEN DECOR|@MrsJessi #cleanwithme #summerdecor #cleananddecoratewithme @MrsJessi Hey loves!!! Thank you so much for joining me today. In this video I will be sharing my

Green Kitchen Countertop Alternatives to Granite When you’re looking to make a green choice for your kitchen countertop, there are plenty of options to choose from. They all vary in looks,..

SMALL PATIO MAKEOVER 2023 | SUMMER DECORATE WITH ME | SMALL PATIO SPACE IDEAS At VK Design, we believe everyone deserves a beautiful and sustainable kitchen that reflects their personal sense of style. Our mission is to empower

Miele CA | Premium Domestic Appliances Bringing German engineered domestic appliances to Canadians. Explore Miele’s full line of premium kitchen and laundry appliances

Green Kitchen Countertop Edge Profiles and Styles While seemingly a small detail, the edge profile you select for your Green kitchen countertops can uphold or counteract the overall vision for your..

One Hutch Two Pieces of Furniture // Restoration // Furniture flip // Repurpose Welcome to VK Design – the one stop place for anyone looking for the latest trends, creative solutions, and expert tips surrounding kitchen design..

2023 SUMMER DINING ROOM DECORATE WITH ME/QUICK AND EASY SUMMER DECORATING IDEAS FOR THE HOME VK Design brings you the highest quality kitchen design content. Our mission is to empower homeowners and professionals alike by providing them with..

How Durable is Rubio Monocoat Really? Repairable?? From rustic kitchens to modern, our team at VK Design takes pride in delivering exquisite kitchen designs that cater to any need and taste. Our blog..

Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove | Legendary Kitchen Appliances Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances offer powerful performance, design and dependability. Learn about products and find inspiration for your dream kitchen.

So you want to build cabinets, eh? Welcome to VK Design, where we offer the most premium design tips and tricks for renovating your kitchen! Our mission is to empower..

Back to CABIN BUILDING - Custom Made Supplies Trailer Our mission at VK design is to make sustainability an integral part of every kitchen design. We believe every person is responsible for protecting..

Kitchen Cabinets: Cheaper to Build or Buy? | I Like To Make Stuff At VK Design, we believe everyone deserves a beautiful and sustainable kitchen that reflects their personal sense of style. Our mission is to empower

Best Home Items For New House Kitchen 2023 - Tips for Styling Your Kitchen With Cost Savings Welcome to VK Design – the one stop place for anyone looking for the latest trends, creative solutions, and expert tips surrounding kitchen design..

Wikipedia: Kitchens Search Wikipedia for kitchen

Bath Marries Two Distinct Design Styles Grand Rapids, MI — Building a residence from the ground up offers the perfect…The post Bath Marries Two Distinct Design Styles appeared first on Kitchen & Bath

Pi-Fi: They are the Same Chart #gme #daytrading #options #optionstrading #spx #upst #sp500 Support the Channel: https://ko-fi.com/gherkinit Become a Member:

Summer 2023 Issue Walk-Through Join Art Director Cathy Zielske as she shares the latest issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine live on YouTube! Be sure to hit the bell icon above so

Happy Friday June 16th, 2023 New Book and Ruler Pre-Order https://gequiltdesigns.com/search?type=product%2Carticle%2Cpage&q=master Quickie Quilt Along 6/29 - Koby […]

Kitchen Renovation Guide - Kitchen Design Ideas | Architectural Digest Kitchen design Ideas from Architectural Digest

REDFIN: Housing Market WRECKED REDFIN: Housing Market WRECKED

Showroom Strategies A kitchen and bath design showroom is intended to inspire visitors and showcase a…The post Showroom Strategies appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News

Classic Kitchen Showcases Modern Amenities WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — The owners of this 1930s Beverly Hills Tudor were looking…The post Classic Kitchen Showcases Modern Amenities appeared first on Kitchen &

Market Sectors Remain Choppy, Mixed The nation’s housing and residential-remodeling sectors continue to exhibit mixed results in the face…The post Market Sectors Remain Choppy, Mixed appeared

95 Designer Kitchens That Will Show You How to Make the Most of Yours So many deliciously chic solutions.

Room for All Baseball, white picket fences and apple pie – historically emblematic of American culture (apple…The post Room for All appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design

Creative Twist Trends in kitchen cabinets have held steady for many years, partly due to the…The post Creative Twist appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News

Coverings Highlights Surface Offerings For kitchen and bath professionals, tile is a mainstay. In recent years, these products…The post Coverings Highlights Surface Offerings appeared first on

Fresh Marketing Strategies for 2023 and Beyond Now that we’re firmly in the throes of 2023, it’s an excellent time to…The post Fresh Marketing Strategies for 2023 and Beyond appeared first on Kitchen & Bath

Issue Fall/Winter 2022 - Dream Kitchens All the issues of Dream Kitchens & Baths on our Newsstand. Get the subscription to Dream Kitchens & Baths and get your Digital Magazine on your device.

Showrooms Shift Marketing Strategies A decline and, in some cases, a significant decline, in showroom traffic is keeping…The post Showrooms Shift Marketing Strategies appeared first on Kitchen &

Family Kitchen Becomes Scenic Inside and Out Before Designer Valerie Housley of Signature Designs By Val faced a tall order when…The post Family Kitchen Becomes Scenic Inside and Out appeared first on

2023 Interior Design Trends I AM Excited About In this video, I go over some of my favourite interior design trends for 2023! Interior design trends come and go, and in this video I wanted to talk about

Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Time-Lapse In this video I replace these oak cabinets from 1999 and replace them with some brand new ones! My kitchen remodel - https://youtu

Creating a Simplicity in Your Kitchen When it comes to creating your kitchen, there are several different elements that you can consider. These include layout, storage, color palettes,..

KBDN Calls for Innovators Nominations CHICAGO — Kitchen & Bath Design News has opened nominations for its “KBDN Innovators,”…The post KBDN Calls for Innovators Nominations appeared first on Kitchen

U.S. Action Sought on China Cabinet Trade Issues, KCMA Asserts DESTIN BEACH, FL — The American Kitchen Cabinet Alliance, a trade organization closely aligned…The post U.S. Action Sought on China Cabinet Trade Issues, KCMA

KCMA Names 2023 Officers DESTIN BEACH, FL — The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association introduced its 2023 slate of…The post KCMA Names 2023 Officers appeared first on Kitchen &

Whirlpool Corp. Unveils Corporate Goals BENTON HARBOR, MI — Whirlpool Corp., the Benton Harbor, MI-based appliance giant, has released…The post Whirlpool Corp. Unveils Corporate Goals appeared first

Farmhouse Two Tone Kitchen Cabinets If you're looking for a way to brighten up your kitchen, you might consider a two-tone finish on your cabinets. This allows you to mix and match..

LG Electronics Honored for Sustainability Initiatives, Launches New Brand Identity ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ — Citing the company’s “unwavering commitment and advancements in sustainable green…The post LG Electronics Honored for Sustainability

Salone del Mobile.Milano Reports Attendance Boost for Six-Day Event MILAN — The Salone del Mobile.Milano 2023, widely known as the Milan Furniture Fair,…The post Salone del Mobile.Milano Reports Attendance Boost for Six-Day

Housing Advocates March on Capitol Hill WASHINGTON, DC — More than 700 builders, remodelers and others involved in residential construction…The post Housing Advocates March on Capitol Hill appeared

Middle-Income Buyers Seen Hurt Most by Housing Crunch WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. housing market is short by more than 300,000 homes…The post Middle-Income Buyers Seen Hurt Most by Housing Crunch appeared first on

Narrow Kitchen Ideas to Make Your Kitchen Look Great There are many narrow kitchen ideas that you can use to make your kitchen look great. Some of the options you may want to consider include wooden..

Luxury on Rise in Outdoor Kitchens, NKBA Reports BETHLEHEM, PA — Luxury outdoor kitchens grew significantly in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic,…The post Luxury on Rise in Outdoor Kitchens, NKBA

AHAM Urging Consumer Action on Gas Appliance Bill WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, as part of an effort…The post AHAM Urging Consumer Action on Gas Appliance Bill appeared

Nature-inspired kitchen design Nature-Inspired Kitchen Design Ideas The idea of designing a kitchen inspired by nature has been around for centuries, but how does it really benefit the

Japandi Kitchen Design Japandi Kitchen Design Ideas that will inspire you in 2023 for your next kitchen renovation! The concept of Japandi kitchen design is a modern way to bring

Add a Modern Open Shelving Kitchen If you have the space in your kitchen, you might want to consider an open shelving design. This gives you the flexibility to display items in a way..

2023 Smart kitchen ideas   2023 Smart kitchen ideas You Should not Ignore! Innovative kitchens have been a staple of modern households for years. Still, with technology advancing at an

Modern Kitchen Lighting Ideas For 2023 The modern kitchen is an ever-evolving space. As the hub of activity in many households, homeowners must ensure that their kitchens are up-to-date and provide

How to Estimate Kitchen Renovation Costs in Metro Vancovuer   How to Estimate Kitchen Renovation Costs in 2023 in Metro Vancouver Renovating a kitchen is no small task. It can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful

Live at KBIS: Esquire Live at KBIS: Esquire

Add Elegance to Your Kitchen With European Style Cabinets European style cabinets are a great choice if you want to add a touch of elegance to your home. These cabinets come in a variety of styles and..

Live at KBIS: Hovr Live at KBIS: Hovr

Live at KBIS: Blum Live at KBIS: Blum

Live at KBIS: La Bastille Live at KBIS: La Bastille

DesignBites 2023 | Full Event On day 1 of KBIS 2023, 10 leading brands took the KBIS NEXT Stage to showcase their latest innovations and vie for the title of Brand with the Biggest Bite,

How to Build a Luxurious Kitchen One of the best things you can do for your home is to build a luxurious kitchen. It is the center of the house and should be a place where you and..

Live at KBIS: INOXA Live at KBIS: INOXA

Live at KBIS: House of Rohl Live at KBIS: House of Rohl

Live at KBIS: Huayi Live at KBIS: Huayi

Live at KBIS: Ciarra Live at KBIS: Ciarra

How to Design Modern Kitchens When it comes to a kitchen, you want to keep it modern and stylish. There are lots of ways to do this, but there are also some key ideas to follow..

Live at KBIS: Modern Mirrors Live at KBIS: Modern Mirrors

KBIS Insights A guide to show KBIS 2023 event updates + additions

Get Ready for KBIS 2023! Mark your calendars! We can't wait to bring you KBIS 2023 next year in Las Vegas! Happening from January 31st to February 2nd. Stay tuned for updates at kbis

kitchen island lighting Perfect kitchen island lighting Are you in the process of renovating your kitchen, and you’re thinking about your kitchen island lighting? Regarding kitchen

Kitchen Wall Art in a Variety of Styles If you are planning to paint your kitchen, you should know that you can find kitchen wall art in a variety of different styles. You can choose from..

Transforming a small kitchen into a socializing space How to Transform a Small Kitchen Into a Socializing Space Designing a kitchen is not easy because the kitchen is such an important room in the house. Our

Best kitchen cabinets in Vancouver Vancouver is a city where people can enjoy the beauty of nature alongside their homes. The modern architecture and scenery make it one-of-a-kind compared to

Open Concept Kitchens Open concept spaces are those spaces that allow multiple activities to take place at once. They are usually large enough to accommodate several different

Choosing Finishes For Cabinets How to choose the right finish for your kitchen cabinets When building cabinets, choosing finishes is important. It’s not just about how pretty the cabinet

How to Update a Traditional Kitchen to a Modern One If you are considering a modern kitchen, there are a few things you should consider. Some of the key elements include concrete floors, Stainless..

How to Update Your Kitchen Without Doing a Gut Rehab   A kitchen remodel doesn’t necessarily mean significant structural changes. There are many ways to remodel a space without altering its function or appearance.

Mid Century Modern Kitchen Design A practical approach: Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Design Do you love mid-century modern design? Are you looking for inspiration for your next kitchen remodel?

MDF Kitchen Cabinet Doors   If you’re thinking of redoing your kitchen cabinets or building your own, you will undoubtedly come across MDF as a material option. But what exactly is MDF

High-End Kitchens in Vancouver Cabico Elmwood Series: High-End Kitchens in Vancouver, BC Not many people can resist the charm of a high-end kitchen. From luxury appliances to intricate

Kitchen and bath design News Kitchen & Bath Business is the official KBIS publication. We provide design professionals in the kitchen & bath industry with news & trends.

2023 Kitchen design trends Are you looking to upgrade your home kitchen in 2023 with the latest design trends? Kitchen renovations involve more than just updating décor and replacing