Building a Better Kitchen Island

Shoehorning an island into a kitchen that's too small is a mistake. Here are the minimum clearances the author uses between islands and cabinets, as well as minimum sizes for islands with different uses. Remember, these are minimums; it's better to be more generous if your floor plan allows.

1. INVISIBLE
The island shown here, one of the author's designs, is configured as an "invisible" island but is faced with cabinet doors for a "blended-in" look.

2. BLENDED-IN
These islands mimic the rest of the kitchen, with matching countertops and cabinet facing.