Kitchen trends don’t always have long life spans. This is more likely to be the case with things that affect aesthetics more than function. Kitchen islands have actually been around since the years following World War II. Now that we’re roughly 80 years past when islands first started becoming common features in kitchens, some people are wondering if the time has passed for kitchen islands. We’re happy to report the answer is no, and we explain why below.
Kitchen Islands Have a Long History
Kitchen islands first took the nation by storm just after World War II. This is when families were expanding and there was a need for extra space in busy kitchens. Interestingly, islands in kitchens kind of fell by the wayside as far as trends go over the years. However, islands returned again on a more widespread scale in the 1980s, and they’ve been popular ever since.
Kitchen Islands Are Practical
As mentioned earlier, kitchen islands are functional and practical, meaning homeowners have had good reasons to love them for so long. In fact, a properly installed and well-designed kitchen island can be useful in the following ways:
• Frees up counter space
• Provides extra storage space for silverware, appliances, and various household items
• Creates a focal point for your kitchen
An Island Can Be a Great Family Dining Spot
For times when you prefer to be more informal, as is often the case with breakfast and lunch, a kitchen island serves this purpose very well. All you’ll need to do is set up chairs around it, or you could go with stools. It’s this versatility that makes islands so appealing.
Kitchen Island Design Evolves Well
Islands have definitely evolved over the years. For example, colors and textures have changed to reflect what’s popular with each passing decade. Even design features have changed over the years. For instance, newer islands often have USB ports, and some even have space for wine and drawers that glide easily or open in creative ways to allow for more storage options. Cabinet styles and shelving patterns have also changed over the years with islands.
Islands Work Well with Open Plans
It’s increasingly common today for homeowners looking for great kitchen remodel ideas to prefer an “open” design, meaning there are no major barriers between the kitchen and dining area or living room. Since kitchen islands don’t take up entire walls, they can neatly fit into open design plans. Plus, they make perfect gathering spots for meals, snacks, and meal prep in a way that still leaves you directly connected to what’s going on in adjacent areas.
Islands Aren’t Just for Indoor Kitchens or Home Kitchens
Kitchen islands aren’t limited to indoor kitchens exclusively, which is one more reason they’re not going out of style anytime soon. An island can also be set up in an outdoor kitchen or even by your outdoor BBQ grill or cookout spot.
Islands also work well in business spaces that happen to have kitchen areas. This is ideal for a smaller or mid-sized business preferring to optimize space while still giving employees access to a multifunctional kitchen or snack center.
You can get some great design ideas for your kitchen island by hiring experienced kitchen remodeling contractors. San Diego homeowners can trust the Forever Builders team to guide them through every step of the remodeling process. From initial design to final completion, we’ll help you create the beautiful kitchen you’ve always wanted while keeping your costs within budget. To find out more about our exceptional remodeling services, give one of our friendly team members a call today at (833) 243-5624.