5 Design Choices to AVOID and Improve Your KITCHEN Island Layout!

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Mistakes in kitchen design and island layouts hurts, a lot. If the kitchen plan doesn't work, flow right and make you comfortable, it makes everything else less. Beautiful finishes and accessories only get you so far. It has to work first. These are 5 mistakes that are easy to correct when you're planning a renovation or new home.

Best,
Liz

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[faithm]

I used to design kitchens for a large well-known company before retiring. I often saw the work of other companies whose designers were negligent in advising clients on the seating height of their island in reference to their bar stool function. The stools they picked were unusable at the bar because no one could fit their legs under the bar, let alone cross their legs. Too many designers are willing to give a client what they want without informing them of their choice 'cons'. That is why people hire them, not just for design, but to help with the important detail they are likely to miss. Just found you! Kudos! 🥳

[Bg-xkuw]

Many thanks. I've watched a couple of your very practical and informational videos on Islands. Can't tell you how much I've appreciated the simple straight talk about function. Thankfully I am not going to have any stools or sitting around my work focused island, but the inches and distances have been SO useful to prevent future pain.

[sothathappened]

thanks for the thought starters! I'm planning my reno to include a built in kitchen island and these are great considerations!

[johnkim]

You are informative… and opinionated…in a most friendly manner. Bonus: you deliver your points without sounding condescending! Thanks!

[TheCrowsNest]

Hi Liz, Our kitchen plan is for two 4' x 10' islands, I do have to check and adjust the spacing between and around each of them. The kitchen is the short leg of an "L" partially open to the DR on the left and three defined seating areas to the right nt he LR. I'm using cut out furniture sizes and I recently bought a Drexel magnetic floor plan kit It's quite useful. I like the drop down doors to hide electric and other tricks in design. I'll be watching you videos over again to really absorb the information. Mark & Scott

[terrykammel-mcteague]

Adjustable height stools with a foot rest work great for adults and children. Thanks for your informative post.

[refrigeratortrimkits]

Spacing is so important in every design and organization feature in the kitchen. It's so much to wrap your mind around.

[dharma]

Thank you! I wish whoever designed the kitchen in my house knew something about design! I’m working on a redesign because my refrigerator and sink are 10’ apart, my sink and cooktop 8.5’ apart and my cooktop and fridge 7.5’ apart. Cooking is like a cross training routine. (The issue is the only sink is in the island, which is huge L shape that is far, far away from the counters/appliances on the perimeter. The space between perimeter and island is like a dance floor. The designer has come up with 2 sinks for both a prep zone and a cleanup zone, and a rectangular island closer to the perimeter (54” spacing). I appreciate all the info you provide!

[vivsworldtrip]

BRILLIANT!! ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!! i would have made so many mistakes. You are truly a design guru!! TRULY!! keep posting! love watching!

[markpoppe]

Great video. I appreciate how you break it down into a few points that make sense. Is there an ideal height for a breakfast bar on an island? Same question for width 😊

[cinders]

"those dirty little buggers..." 😁. I like this woman's take on people, places, and things. 👍

[DavidDiTommaso-mf]

How deep/how much overhang should there be on the island? I want there to be comfortably enough space to have the barstool fit in the island without hitting it. Thanks :)

[carlaflower]

Wow you are so knowledgeable. I need you in the future

[MeandMyStaffy]

Always informative & Interesting.
If i understand correctly, The new 2024 National Electrical code specifically indicates NO power under counter, so options are becoming limited now. I certainly don't want to take up valuable counter space for a spring up electrical outlet (not to mention its robbing my cabinet below of space also)

Time to run some extension cords again i guess!

[howardpennpenn]

Love your practical advice...thankyou...

[stephaniesiakel]

Great tips! Quick question on the single-height island power outlets... Doesn't the new 2023 electrical code forbid under-counter outlets? Have most designers started to incorporate this change into their island design plans? The advice to talk with your electrician still holds, but I think all single-height island outlets need to be pop-ups now.

[samph]

Hi Liz, I would like to ask if a hallway direct from the main door is sufficient for traffic of 4 family members. The hall way is 2 meters wide, and 8 meters deep from the main door.

6 meters from the main door:
Left side - double door 2 meters wide to dining room
Right side - double door 2 meters wide to living room

[tcarad]

NEC code recently changed for islands. Outlet not required anymore. But if it is done, it can’t be on the side.

[samph]

Hi Liz, I have another question: is a 5meter x 10meter (50sqm) area enough for a kitchen with island and seating and living room for 4 people?

[psmola]

Not sure when you posted this, but electrical outlets on the sides of the island are no longer allowed by the 2023 NEC (National Electrical Code) due to the hazard then present when kids and pets pull on the cords). They are ONLY allowed on the top surface - and they must be water resistant which makes them very expensive.