DirectBuy Kitchen Remodeling Blog » Kitchen Islands

Islands for Kitchen Entertaining

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:42:16 +0000

At the heart of the home, family and guests gravitate towards the kitchen, making the room a natural setting for kitchen entertaining. The right kitchen island can further enhance the experience, both for the cook and guests.

Cook Considerations

The right kitchen island for kitchen entertaining is one that provides a comfortable spot for onlookers to congregate but that provides ample space for the cook to show off skills.

On the “business side,” the island should be configured to reflect the cook’s style of cooking. Bakers will enjoy cool, marble countertops and spacious under-cabinets to store pans and baking sheets. Grillers will appreciate a built-in grill and downdraft exhaust fan.

Guest Accommodations

Guests will appreciate a kitchen island with room for chairs or stools on the “public side.” Counters with a contoured edge are a thoughtful touch. An overhanging rack for wine glasses and a built-in wine cooler adds to the fun.

Fitting out a kitchen for kitchen entertaining can include a kitchen island that allows cooks to show off their specialties to the best advantage as well as allowing onlookers to be comfortable while enjoying the experience.

When you’re ready to make a change in your kitchen with remodeling and new furnishings, DirectBuy has great choices to give your kitchen a great new look with cabinets, countertops, flooring and more – all at direct insider prices.

The Advantages of Having a Kitchen Island

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:53:57 +0000

With so many decisions when it comes to remodeling your kitchen, it can be hard to decide what is truly necessary and what is merely an attractive addition to the existing space. Kitchen islands are often critiqued as taking up space and simply being pleasing aesthetically. However, it is important to see that a kitchen island also has several practical benefits. Here are just a few of the reasons that it might be wise to invest in a kitchen island of your own.

Additional Storage

Perhaps the biggest benefit of a kitchen island is the amount of additional storage that you will gain after installation. Instead of needing to rely on the traditional cabinetry, you have plenty of extra cabinets for storage. This can be sued for less common items like stemware and china, or popular items like children’s plates that they can easily reach.

Extra Preparation Space

It can be fun to involve the whole family in cooking, but without adequate counter space it is a challenge to find enough room. An island allows everyone to have space to help prepare and cook a meal together as a family.

These are just two of the many advantages that kitchen islands bring to the home, in addition to their attractive appearance.

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Design Ideas To Accommodate Kitchen Entertaining

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:51:12 +0000

If your home doesn’t have a separate dining area, you may have to rely on kitchen entertaining when family and friends gather for a meal or party.

There are several design tips to make your kitchen more conducive to entertaining.

Seating

Arrange stools around your kitchen island to gain more seating. If your floor plan allows, create a window seat that can accommodate a couple of people. Selecting an extension table as your main eating area will allow you to expand the seating when necessary. If possible, include a Bistro set as a secondary table. You can also add a bench to your kitchen design to acquire more seating.

Entertainment options

Try to include furniture such as a side board that can double as storage space and a serving area. An open floor plan allows you to utilize both the kitchen and living space for dining and entertaining. Use this option if you have it.

If kitchen entertaining is part of your lifestyle, it is essential that your kitchen be kept uncluttered and organized. Designing a wine storage area or bar area might be helpful when you make cabinet or furniture choices. Make every inch of floor and counter space functional.

Creative Kitchen Designs Make Your Kitchen Unique

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:37:06 +0000

Whether you are building a new home and designing a kitchen from scratch or getting ready to update your current kitchen, you might be struggling to find creative kitchen design ideas.

With many items to consider, such as countertops, cabinets, islands and appliances, here are some creative kitchen design ideas you might be able to use in your own home:

Kitchen Islands

While many people think of a kitchen island as a mere extension of countertop and preparation space, it can be much more than that. Consider adding in a range to the island, to do some of your cooking, or a sink. You can have a split level island which allows for guests to dine on one side like a bar, and the other level to be used for preparation.

Open Cabinets

Along with being a budget friendly choice, open cabinets is an aesthetically pleasing look as well. Keep some cabinets closed, while others holding items like fine china or champagne glasses open for a contemporary look.

Industrial Hoods

In a modern kitchen, invest in a large, contemporary industrial hood for above the range to serve as a major focal point.

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The Advantages of an Island in Your Kitchen

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:28:00 +0000

A common complaint among those who often cook and prepare food in their kitchen is that there is a lack of counter space. Even in a large, spacious kitchen, without adequate counter space it can feel cramped and small. Thankfully, there are kitchen islands, which allow you to have extra space in the center of the kitchen. Here are just a few of their many advantages:

Extra Counter Space

Perhaps the biggest benefit of having a kitchen island is that you will be able to spread out much more when preparing foods, baking or cooking. You are only limited by the size of the island. It is possible to double the available counter space in a kitchen with the addition of an island.

Extra Storage Space

While the top of a kitchen island is a counter, underneath you will have available storage space. This can be used as a pantry or to store items for entertaining, such as china plates and champagne glasses.

Extra Dining Space

Kitchen islands provide a perfect space to sit and have a quick meal, cup of coffee, or just chat with whoever cooks in the kitchen.

With extra counter space, storage and dining area, kitchen islands are a great choice for any kitchen.

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Remodel Your Kitchen For Easy Kitchen Entertaining

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:14:38 +0000

The kitchen is the heart of the home and central to a lot of entertaining. When remodeling the kitchen, take steps to make it more welcoming to your family and guests alike. Here are some tips for incorporating kitchen entertaining into your remodeling plans.

Seating

Your guests want to spend time with you, and they’re usually happy to assist in the kitchen with last minute chores. Consider adding some seating around a kitchen island or bar that will allow them to be comfortable while you are putting the finishing touches on the salad or appetizers.

Open Space

A welcoming kitchen is one that has space for people to move and doesn’t feel cluttered. Countertops that are free of extra items will make even a small kitchen seem larger and more inviting. Add plenty of storage to the kitchen remodeling plans so you can have all the space you need for entertaining.

Kitchen entertaining is simple when you remodel the space accordingly. Create plenty of storage so you can keep the counters clear and add seating around islands or bar to create a welcoming space that your family and friends will enjoy.

DirectBuy carries a large selection of brand-name kitchen products to help you create the kitchen of your dreams. You can choose from a wide selection of kitchen appliances, kitchen furniture, kitchen cabinets, and many other kitchen remodeling products at savings of up to 50% off retail.

Are Kitchen Islands the Right Choice?

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:15:24 +0000

There is no denying that kitchen islands create a stunning look in the right kitchen. Additionally, they can be very practical, allowing space for things like preparing food, adding in a cooktop or even washing dishes in an additional sink! However, they are not right for every style or those with space limitations. Here are some tips on deicing if a kitchen island is right for you:

Do You Have the Space?

First off, measure your room once the cabinets and appliances have been chosen. You want to have plenty of space to open all drawers and cabinets, as well as to walk around. If a kitchen island limits this, it might not be the right choice for you.

Do You Eat in the Kitchen?

Kitchen islands can be practical if you eat lots of quick meals in the kitchen. Having the bar space to sit at and enjoy breakfast or lunch is worthwhile, especially if you don’t have a kitchen table already.

Will a Small Cart Suffice?

If you can’t afford a kitchen island or don’t have the space, consider a small kitchen cart that can be countertop height to give you extra preparation room and space for storage when it is necessary.

After asking yourself these questions, you should be prepared to decide if a kitchen island is right for your home.

For your kitchen remodeling needs, DirectBuy has a wide variety of top-quality products, such as countertops , flooring and furnishings and more to help you create the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of – all at great savings for your budget!

An Island Of Your Very Own

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:01:47 +0000

Kitchen islands are always a great add-on to any kitchen redesign. These versatile aspects of your food prep area can have many possible uses, and can store a large amount of equipment inside. When looking for an island to include in your design, try to consider how it is to be used.

Multi-Purpose Islands

A household kitchen serves more than one purpose in these modern times. Will you be doing a large amount of prep on this surface? Maybe the kids need a place to complete their homework. Does it need any special wiring or plumbing? These are some considerations to keep in mind.

Include Useful Accessories

Think about what is going to be accomplished around your kitchen island. This will allow the creation of a fully customized space that works for you. Some common items to have included on a kitchen island are: cutting boards, sinks, trash chutes, cutlery drawers or electrical outlets for appliances. The positioning of these items can be adapted to suit any need that you might have.

If you have the space, a kitchen island is a great idea to increase the versatility of any kitchen area. By planning what you want in one of these, your life can be made much easier.

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Remodeling with Kitchen Entertaining in Mind

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:34:37 +0000

The kitchen is known as the heart of the home. When you have guests over, odds are, they will all hang out in the kitchen. When remodeling your kitchen, it is important to keep kitchen entertaining in mind.

Provide a Central Entertaining Spot

A spacious center island with ample room for seating and munching on appetizers is sure to keep guests content. The addition of a prep area and sink lets you interact with your guests while putting the finishing touches on dinner or rinsing crudités.

Unique pendant lighting above the island will help strike a balance between utilitarian needs of essential task lighting and ambiance desired for guests.

Create a Drink Station

Having a drink station, whether in a butler’s pantry or designated spot in the kitchen, is sure to be a hit. Who doesn’t like a specialty coffee bar, a wine and cocktail station, or a beautiful water urn filled with cucumber or lemon slices? Self-serve drink areas provide a space for conversation, hydration, and will free up your time for mingling with guests.

You want guests to feel comfortable, happy, and at home in your kitchen, so remember to incorporate kitchen entertaining into your remodeling plans.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of top-quality kitchen remodeling products from leading manufacturers and their authorized suppliers – all at prices that can save up to 50% off retail.

Kitchen Islands – Versatile and Functional Furniture

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:38:10 +0000

Two words are all that is needed to describe why kitchen islands are such a popular home improvement purchase: they work. Easily accessible from all sides, a kitchen island is ideally suited for a variety of tasks and purposes. A kitchen island is also one of the most affordable ways to update your home.

Size and Configuration

To take full advantage of the conveniences a kitchen island offers, choose one large enough for extras, such as an additional sink or cook top, or extra counter space for an informal eating area. Organize the table around its primary purpose. For food preparation, include storage not only for large spoons, knives and containers, but for mixers and food processors as well.

Add-Ons and Extras

A kitchen island can give you the room to add extra function and convenience to your kitchen, with options to include appliances like trash compactors, garbage and compost bins, a dishwasher and a ventilation hood or downdraft fan, as well as custom-designed cabinets and drawers for storage solutions.

As attractive as they are functional, kitchen islands invite family and friends to gather round and participate in food preparation, helping to make the kitchen the heart of the home.