So Let's Talk About Kitchen Islands

They’ve become a must-have feature, taking up a sizable amount of square footage in a modern kitchen. But do you really need one?

- CARISHA SWANSON

This question continues to be hotly debated.

One reason islands are so popular now is that we have fundamentally accepted the kitchen as a room that is meant to be seen, admired, and enjoyed by every person who stops by the house. Utilitarian and multipurpose, an island provides a focal point, upending the dining room’s formality with its more relaxed invitation to work, dine, pitch in (and chop something, please!), or just serve yourself a cold one from the bev fridge. An island offers a simpler way to entertain on the fly, but it means giving up valuable real estate in this central part of your home. Before you go island (s)hopping, do a little self-evaluation to sort out what you want from yours. Then you’ll know if you should go big with a fully loaded pair—or scrap any built-in plans in favor of a grand millennial–approved kitchen table.

What Can Your Island Do For You?

Hold all the things

You already have an eat-in kitchen with seating nearby—what you really need is more storage. This simple and compact setup prioritizes cabinets and drawers to easily access everyday essentials including utensils and cookware.