Building a Better Kitchen Island

Photo: Mick Hales

Enlarge this image Illustration: Duo Dickinson

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.

diagram illustrating dula height coutertops; kitchen island Enlarge this image Illustration: Duo Dickinson

Photo: Mick Hales

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.

Photo: Mick Hales

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

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