custom Kitchen Islands

Just about every kitchen island is practice (unless you're using a transported island that you can buy off the shelf), in the sense that it is unlike any other, and is made to fit your space and needs. practice kitchen islands cover a range from the fully custom-made and custom-finished island to match your practice cabinets, to a much more prudent island made out of approved size cabinets and countertops assembled in creative ways.

[b]Gas Cooktop[/b]

How to Customize Your Island

You can use any arrangement of wall and/or base cabinets which fits your space, to form the base of your kitchen island. Then you can customize it in many ways:

Shape

Change levels on part of the island, up to bar height or down to table height Make the island an unusual shape. Who says all has to be rectangular? Try angles and curves: mock up the shape with cardboard and tape to see how it looks and how it works.
Materials

Combine more than one counter-top material: possibly a butcher-block prep area with a marble slab for pastry Change cabinet finishes on the island: dark vs light cabinets, painted vs stained, antique-look vs modern Use two-tone finishes on the island cabinets: light and dark wood panels, distressed or antiqued paint finishes Customize the non-door ends and sides of your island: panel with ornamental materials like beadboard or tile, panels or doors to match your cabinets, even wallpaper or fabric (varnished for protection). You could also use a translucent material and light it from the inside.
Details

'Dock' a transported island or cart in or under a larger fixed island for flexibility Add legs to the ends, or to sustain an eating overhang. Check antique tables for proportions and sizes: some island legs I've seen in magazines are way oversized and clunky-looking to my eye. Use small gaps between your base cabinets for cookbook shelves, bottle storage, display niches, cutting board or baking sheet storage, pull-out towel storage, narrow pullout racks for spices, etc. Add appliance drawers: fridge, freezer, dishwasher, or warmer. Include an attractive sink which would be impractical as your main sink: an odd shape like a trough or unusual material like copper An unusual or specialized faucet makes a great island highlight too Light your island with multiple ornamental pendant lights: mini-chandeliers, art glass shades, industrial lighting, anyone fits your style. Dimmable, of course!

Have fun with your island - it doesn't have to be matchy-matchy with the rest of the kitchen!

custom Kitchen Islands