Kitchen Islands Are Like People Magnets

The kitchen is where families convene to share physical, as well as spiritual, sustenance. And kitchen islands are where friends gather to share a pot of coffee along with news of the day. But moving at today’s hectic pace, sometimes we only briefly catch a glimpse of those we love most as we scurry around the kitchen island, like ships passing in the night. And just as ships sometimes seek safe harbor from a storm, we too occasionally seek a calm port - a peaceful island in the midst of turbulence. That’s where a kitchen island or a large kitchen cart can prove invaluable. Just as magnets attract iron, kitchen islands and carts draw people near.

Butcher Block Islands Are Popular, Smart Investments

If you’re designing from scratch or planning a kitchen remodel, know that designers and home builders agree that kitchen islands are wise, practical investments. Kitchen islands with butcher block tops, for example, not only provide a strong, sturdy surface for cutting and chopping on and a smooth and steady surface that’s perfect for baking (e.g., rolling and kneading dough), they also supply abundant work and serving space that’s valuable for general meal preparation, hosting buffets and even sit-down dining.

Moreover, the natural beauty of wood adds warmth to any kitchen, especially compared to stone surfaces. Plus, your kitchen island will have the look and feel of a great piece of fine furniture. Finally, unlike other surfaces, butcher block is natural, sustainable and can be renewed and repaired. The Houzz 2020 survey of homeowners who recently remodeled their kitchen, or soon plan to, revealed that a good many of them are mixing different countertop materials – using stone for perimeter countertops and wood to top their kitchen islands.

John Boos Kitchen Island Tables Are the Top-Rated and the Most Popular

Millions of homeowners use butcher block tables made by John Boos & Co. in place of kitchen islands. The company has a long and storied history and a well-deserved reputation as the premier maker of premium-quality butcher block tables. Boos uses only the finest North American hardwoods: rock maple, cherry, oak and walnut; in edge-grain, blended-grain and end-grain styles; and in a wide range of thicknesses, lengths and widths. Add-on options include drop leaves, drawers, wicker baskets and shelves for additional work and storage space, plus caster wheels for maximum convenience.

Looking to Buy a Kitchen Island? Here Are Some Factors to Consider.

There are a number of aspects to weigh when choosing a kitchen island. For starters, do you want a stationary, free-standing kitchen island table or a rolling kitchen island you can wheel around and position where you need it most? How much countertop work space do you seek to add, and do you need it to be permanent? If not, maybe a kitchen island with a drop leaf will do the trick.

How much storage space do you want? And do you prefer open or closed storage? In other words, do you intend to store items on open shelves for quick and easy access at any time, or would you prefer to keep them out of sight, hidden behind cabinet doors? Kitchen islands come in a myriad of sizes. Which size is right for your kitchen? Remember to allow ample room for foot traffic around the island, even when someone is working on it. If you entertain often, be sure to allow enough space for others to gather around it.

Finally, which wood type will best fit your kitchen’s look and feel? Maple islands, which feature neutral colors and grain patterns, complement nearly any style of kitchen. Oak introduces slightly darker, richer browns, so makes a bit more impact. Cherry is more of an accent wood; it adds vibrancy and vigor. Most striking is walnut, which is steadily gaining popularity due to its unique blend of cream and medium to dark chocolate browns.

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