{"id":16678,"date":"2022-09-06T08:00:45","date_gmt":"2022-09-06T12:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/?p=16678"},"modified":"2022-09-06T11:19:48","modified_gmt":"2022-09-06T15:19:48","slug":"7-custom-kitchen-island-ideas-and-needs-to-consider-for-your-kitchen-renovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/home\/7-custom-kitchen-island-ideas-and-needs-to-consider-for-your-kitchen-renovation\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Custom Kitchen Island Ideas and Needs to Consider for Your Kitchen Renovation"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font_size=”52px” meta_font_size=”22px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Amazon & Affiliate Link Disclosure” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.\u00a0 Posts on Robyn’s French Nest may contain affiliate links. You can see our full disclosure details here<\/a><\/span>.)<\/em><\/h6>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”SEO Intro from META DESCRIPTION” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

If you are considering custom kitchen island ideas, check out these 7 elements. You’ll find these important details helpful for your kitchen! \u00a0Keep reading to the end for other great kitchen renovation projects, ideas, and DIYs too!<\/em><\/h4>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Kitchens…you probably either have a love or hate relationship with yours, am I right?<\/strong> \u00a0I feel so blessed to love my kitchen, but not until it became a complete and total gut and renovate operation.<\/p>\n

Before we get started, though, thank so much for hopping over from Simply 2 Moms<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 today. \u00a0I love their kitchen project<\/a><\/strong><\/span> and in fact, all of the kitchen blog posts today are just so fun to see!<\/p>\n

For my regular subscribers, thanks for being here too! \u00a0I am finally sharing more details about our custom kitchen island. \u00a0Some of you have been asking for a long time and I’m finally getting it from my head to your screen!!!<\/p>\n

Creating a Custom Kitchen<\/i><\/h3>\n

When we purchased our 1970-built home, the kitchens and bathrooms were the top priority.<\/strong> \u00a0Not only for the aesthetics and functionality, but also for the complete disrepair. \u00a0However, we were on a budget and we really wanted to “do it right the first time”. \u00a0At the same time, we had to find some creative ways to get the look we wanted for the budget we could afford.<\/p>\n

There are so many aspects of our complete kitchen renovation that could each easily become their own blog post. \u00a0In addition to knocking out two walls, we raised the ceiling, and moved the appliance locations. \u00a0We also replaced the flooring, installed all new cabinets, countertops, and lighting. \u00a0To say the least, it was no small feat!<\/strong><\/p>\n

However, for the size of our house, the kitchen is relatively small.<\/strong> \u00a0After a lot of consideration, we chose to keep the size but totally change the structure and layout for optimal functionality.<\/p>\n

Personally, I am a big believer that function has little to do with size and everything to do with how you design and set up the space!<\/p>\n

One non-negotiable to me was a large kitchen island.<\/em><\/h3>\n

Today, I’ll share the fun details behind our custom kitchen island ideas and how we made decisions on the many variables of such a large custom piece. I’ll also share how it functions so beautifully for us, 5 years after our kitchen renovation!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Table of Contents DRAFT” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”cheaper to build or buy” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Is it cheaper to build or buy a kitchen island?<\/em><\/h3>\n

I’ll start with one of the most asked questions. \u00a0For the large size we wanted, we saved thousands of dollars by working with a local builder for our custom kitchen island ideas.<\/strong> \u00a0Working directly with a builder allowed us to make every single aspect of this piece work really well for us. \u00a0In addition, every single inch of the 12 foot long kitchen island functions really well for our varied family needs.<\/p>\n

If you are considering an open kitchen island that is more of a piece of furniture, utilized for countertop purposes but not needed for specific storage, there are many great options available for pre-made purchases. \u00a0However, if you are counting on your kitchen island for optimal storage and size, definitely check into custom kitchen island ideas.<\/strong> \u00a0A custom kitchen island can also offer more for organization and functionality.<\/p>\n

If you have the skills to build your own piece or an opportunity to work with someone locally, that is definitely my first recommendation!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”before and after” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Because no kitchen renovation is complete without a good before and after, here you go!<\/p>\n

You can immediately see that opening up the kitchen, as well as adding a large custom kitchen island, completely transformed our kitchen into the heart of our home.<\/p>\n

I affectionately refer to our kitchen island as Grand Central Station!!!<\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Kitchen-Before-Jpeg2.jpg” title_text=”Kitchen Before Jpeg2″ admin_label=”IMG before picture of kitchen 2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Kitchen-Before-Jpeg.jpg” title_text=”Kitchen Before Jpeg” admin_label=”IMG before picture of kitchen 1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/After-picture-of-kitchen-scaled.jpg” title_text=”After picture of kitchen” admin_label=”IMG after picture of kitchen 1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”BLOG TITLE” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

7 Custom Kitchen Island Ideas and Needs to Consider for Your Kitchen Renovation<\/strong><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Picture-of-Robyn-cooking-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Picture of Robyn cooking” admin_label=”IMG picture of Robyn in kitchen cooking” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”how do you design” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

How do you design a kitchen island?<\/em><\/h3>\n

I highly recommend the following 7 considerations for your custom kitchen island design. \u00a0Even though every kitchen is a little different, these basic custom kitchen island ideas will help you narrow down the specifics<\/strong> that you need for this piece to work the best for your kitchen.<\/p>\n

Additionally, every kitchen needs to function a little differently for your family’s specific needs. \u00a0Planning ahead for how you want your kitchen to ultimately function for you and your family on a daily basis is a game changer!<\/p>\n

Start with these 7 considerations and custom kitchen island ideas.<\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Open-view-of-kitchen-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Open view of kitchen” admin_label=”IMG open view of kitchen” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”1. everyday function” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

#1: Custom Kitchen Island Ideas for Everyday Functionality<\/em><\/h3>\n

Before you can really determine the design of your kitchen island, it is worth asking and considering: How do you want your kitchen island to function for you on a daily basis?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Because of the galley style of our kitchen, I knew that I needed our kitchen island to be able to provide a lot of countertop surface. \u00a0Let’s just say, when it comes time to make Christmas treats, we use every Inch of it, too!<\/p>\n

I also knew that I would use our kitchen island often for buffet-style serving<\/strong>. \u00a0Whenever we have guests, we usually serve buffet style and all of the food goes right here on the kitchen island.<\/p>\n

Since our kitchen doesn’t have a ton of cabinetry or drawers, storage and organization was also a huge factor to consider with our design. \u00a0I knew that I essentially wanted our kitchen island to house our “pantry”, as well as all larger kitchen items like pots and pans.<\/p>\n

Kitchen islands aren’t just for food-related needs!<\/i><\/h3>\n

In addition to food and regular kitchen use, I knew that the kitchen island would be a popular spot for homework, breakfast, after-school snacks, and a general landing place for alllll the things.<\/strong> \u00a0I wasn’t wrong!<\/p>\n

Besides needs for our kids, I also knew the kitchen island would be a place where I would likely wrap Christmas presents, assemble party decor, organize school treats, and a host of other things that a long surface area can allow.<\/p>\n

Thinking through all of those varied (and perhaps seemingly random) tasks helped us to really determine all of the things we needed the kitchen island to do for us.<\/p>\n

Tip: Create a list where you and your family can all add things that you think you’ll use the kitchen island for in your home. \u00a0No task is too small or menial. \u00a0Look for commonalities of function and combination of tasks that require various elements, such as size, shape, and style.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mug-and-muffins-on-island-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Mug and muffins on island” admin_label=”IMG mug and muffins on kitchen island” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”2. size” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

#2: Consider the size for your custom kitchen island ideas.<\/em><\/h3>\n

We spent a LOT of time discussing the size of our kitchen island with our contractor. \u00a0For us, it really boiled down to a few key aspects:<\/p>\n