Kitchen islands continue to be popular remodeling features, especially for the growing number of homeowners opting for open floor plans. But what should you install with your island? Should it include fixtures and appliances like sinks, ranges, or refrigerators? The answer depends on your goals and needs. Here are a few important questions to answer.

1. Does It Help the Triangle?

The work triangle is an important component of an efficient and comfortable kitchen. It consists of the sink, refrigerator, and stove or oven — and it should be a compact triangle with no obstacles. Islands sometimes get in the way of the kitchen triangle. If yours may do so, moving one of the three points of the triangle into the island solves this waste of steps. So it could be a great solution. 

2. How Do You Work?

Before jumping on any trend, honestly assess how it does or doesn't fit with your work style. For example, placing the stove on the island allows the cook to engage with guests and family while cooking. However, how much time will you actually spend standing at the stove? It may be much less than you think. So be sure you will use any appliance sufficiently to warrant its inclusion. 

3. Do You Really Need Duplicates?

Some people install sinks, refrigerators, or other appliances in an island to add a second version of the fixture. This can be smart if the kitchen is large and well-used. But do you need a second sink or stovetop? Again, this is about determining what will make the biggest improvement in your kitchen. 

4. Is There Sufficient Counter Space?

Adding a sink or stove to the island, in particular, takes away counter space. This may or may not be a problem. If you have a large kitchen with plenty of uninterrupted counter space, you may not need the counter space the island provides. However, if space is already somewhat limited, you might not want to use valuable counter real estate for a sink or other fixture. 

5. Is It In the Budget?

Finally, keep in mind that the kitchen island can take up a significant portion of renovation budgets. While the return on this investment can be worth the money, appliances, and fixtures will raise the cost even more. You may have to add or move plumbing and electrical connections. A simpler island can save a lot of money. 

Where Should You Start?

Get help finding the right answers to these and other questions by meeting with a kitchen remodeling service in your area today. No matter what you choose to do, the result will be a better and more useful kitchen.