Kitchen Design with Islands and Bars

In kitchens with space for large kitchen islands, the traditional center island is a popular choice for many homeowners who are seeking the addition of a breakfast bar. This island style allows for a few stools or pub-style seats to be situated at the bar, while the rest of the island is used for food preparation or as a cooktop.

Some people also choose to remove half of a wall that is enclosing the kitchen and turn the remaining half into a breakfast bar spot. Like the traditional center kitchen island, this design allows room for stools and dining space, and it provides a casual space to chat.

Less expensive options for a breakfast bar space include a fold-down table that is mounted to a wall. Two stools can be arranged on either side of the table and moved to another area when they are not in use. A freestanding breakfast bar is another option that allows for a simple, inexpensive additional dining space. Both of these can also be easily used in small or oddly shaped kitchens, like an L-shaped space.