Center island Design for kitchen

Kitchen islands serve double duty for dining.

Center islands are a popular element in kitchen design themes and have become a favorite gathering place for family and friends during meal preparation. There is no reason you can't turn your island into a dining table to meet the needs of your household on a daily basis.

Surface Transformation

Most standard kitchen islands have a cabinet with storage beneath the surface, leaving little leg room for dining. The easiest way to fix this problem is to simply add a thick new layer of wood or granite that extends at least 12 inches off the base to allow leg room for seating. For extra comfort, allow an overhang of up to 18 inches. Using wood glue or epoxy for proper adhesion, place it directly on top of the existing surface, then let it dry overnight. Make sure the island is sturdy enough to hold the weight and that the existing surface is free from major defects.

Seating

Most kitchen islands are 36 inches high, so you need to purchase 24-inch stools to fit comfortably at the correct height for dining. Choose stools with seat backs and foot rests, and add cushions for a relaxing dining experience. If you have hardwood or laminate floors, place sticky felt-bottom pads to protect against the constant sliding back and forth of the stools.