Check out my design solutions here - www.mtkd.ca Join in the conversation as we chat about kitchen islands. How they've changed over time and how to make them more functional.
Totally agree with your comment about island seating and depth. Please, help us, banish forever, the deadly uncomfortable “counter height” and “bar height” stools that are horribly designed and completely inhumane. I’ve actually designed and custom built some bar height stools that people actually want to sit in and are comfortable using. I NOT a designer and I didn’t want to do this, but was forced to because the people who make kitchen bar stools are beyond clueless in terms of good design, ergonomic considerations and overall use-ability.
I enjoyed having our island while my 3 kids were young. When they got older, we are constantly dodging each other or walking around the island to make food/do dishes. They rarely sit at the island now that they are grown. My sister in law has a peninsula and I am jealous! LOL 💕
In the 50s, my grandma had an island. We called it a worktable, so technically a piece of furniture, but it was big enough that I assume it was built in place. Large, square, with cupboard and drawers on 3 sides (4th was against a wall in the smallish kitchen). Along the other 3 walls were the wood cookstove, the stand with the pail for well water, and the refrigerator. I believe the top was something like linoleum. All kitchen work was done at that table.
I’ve been binging on your videos bcause we’re retiring in the Philippines. Our house is being built while we’re still in the US and the layout our architect made is beautiful but I have other ideas. Your videos just confirmed thst my wishes are not too crazy. No to OTR, no to sink on the island, big sink (2 separate sinks actually), don’t like high chairs on the idland, etc… Thank God space is not an issue
We are building a new house. The kitchen will have 2 walls and trying to decide to go peninsula or island. Open concept to dining and living area. Love seeing and hearing your ideas!
Yes, to boxes to help visualize 3-D reality of space, rather than just looking at a drawing. This works well with all types of furnishings. Pile up boxes and "feel" the height and clearance around a desired piece.
Our last 3 houses had essentially a peninsula, and other than the 2 that had a lunch counter height, I LOVED them! The last house had a super-deep (42"?) granite counter that gave me tons of workspace and the availability of (comfortable, extended overhang) seating, which we did use. This house has a wall between the huge kitchen and dining/living area, and we want to open it up to be a peninsula. People currently drag chairs into the kitchen to chat while I'm cooking, and we're constantly wanting to talk between the kitchen and living room. The kitchen is big enough we're considering putting in an island, too. (BTW, this wall blocks the view of the lake from the living areas! I anticipate sitting at the peninsula instead of the table once it's open!) I'll probably be getting in touch with you soon for a consultation, Mark. How far out are you scheduling?
Simple truth - downdraft does not work. You can't force steam and heat to go down. A previous home had one when I bought the house. It didn't remove anything, and there were stains on the cathedral ceiling from previous cooking. It just did not work.
I have a peninsula and an island. Still trying to make up for the harvest gold galley kitchen in our old house. We did a lot of wok on it, but it was still a galley.
This is so random but I came to this video and saw the comment about you talking too slow. I'll have you know that I am pregnant with my 3rd child and have always had trouble sleeping(way before kids). My sleeping schedule is all kinds of whack. I envy my husband who's able to sleep so fast and easily while I'm here struggling lol. Anyway, although I love your regular videos, I normally come to your live stream replays and just fall asleep listening to you talk about kitchens LOL. (I'm also hoping it'll help me dream about ideas of my dream kitchen one day in our old home haha) Your voice is therapeutic and helps me to sleep, even if it's just a quick nap. You're right up there with Bob Ross 😅
Be sure, as well, that you plan storage underneath the island. On the back side of the island where we have bar height stools, we have both door and super deep pullouts that store both our very occasional use serving dishes and utensils and our holiday serve-wear so we no longer have to run to the basement or attic. The original island that came with our home, a spec house, had the stupid builder grade cabinets with he faux wainscoting and faux “legs” like some of your pictures that wasted a huge amount of space and added design flourishes that were completely irrelevant to the the rest of our house and the kitchen style.
I have an island in my new home and have always wanted one, but I can’t understand why they made it diagonal in an open concept room. Now I’m looking to turn it to face my dining room table and longer, much like your first layout.
Don’t let the island design mess with the traffic flow through your kitchen space. Think about how you prepare/cook food and who, if anyone else, is working with you and how much space you need to be able to work comfortably together and, also, what happens when you have company and where they like to hang out while you do final prep of food and/or beverage service. Any island that becomes a blockade to getting food prepared or serving your guests - or allowing them to self-service - while you work and socialize - is a failed kitchen island design.
how about for small spaces that you'd like to be a kitchen/diner - could you use a large table as an island alternative? Seems a lot use the island as someone for people to sit while you prep facing the room - which a table could do?
I have a standard L-shaped kitchen with window over sink. It's not big enough for an island. I have to say that the wide galley kitchen with sink on opposite wall (no window) and adding a bigger prettier large window where the sink is currently has turned my head. How do people feel about galley kitchens with 6 feet between them, and having sink and stove farther apart, versus a standard L-shape, small kitchen sink window, where sink and stove are closer? I'm bored.
lol. No worries. 6' is definitely on the upper limit of distance between surfaces, but from comments from viewers who have galley kitchens, they really love them. Especially if it is a 2 person cooking kitchen. The space allows for multiple appliance doors to be open at the same time and still have flow through the space.
As long as you have proper clearance, I'd say "Yes". The size is debatable on what is too small. I've seen some pretty small islands. Do you have room for 36" wide? Thats as small as id go for a stationary island, otherwise a rolling island cart would work. Could be smaller like 24"
(3)36”cabinet with PO drawers 3x6ft island with 12” over hang for seating. Dumb question should island seating face the beautiful bay window that neighbors see you from their backyard? Or seating facing opposite?
Island seating normally faces you towards the kitchen. However, depending on the circumstances you might rather be looking out at a view. Usually the other elements of the home such as window placement predetermine the seating.
@@MTKDofficial Micro Mike is right about microwave over stove! Got me thinking. I replaced thinking I replace three microwaves or four microwaves in 22 years. What a pain in the butt to replace that thing over the stove exhaust thur exterior if it fails. You’re right microwave will stay on the counter !
I think it can look and function great for banquette seating. It's not something I've done recently, but I think it could be a good choice. Sink in the island however, would make it less desirable for me personally. I just wonder about splashing water on someones head who is sitting there. May not be a big deal if there is enough clearance.
Hi Mark, brand new to your channel and in the midst of a force remodel. You have probably answered this thousands of times, but how do you feel about Rustic Hickory Cabinets in a primarily Southwestern style setting ... sorry, off topic, I know
Hey no worries! I think the Rustic Hickory can look great in Southwestern style. Especially with the opportunity to pair it with unique tile and other elements that will stand out and highlight the space.
Is a 3 x 3 kitchen island (without seating overhang) adequate for food prep? We're thinking about building a home, but there is only enough space for an island of this size in the kitchen.
It's on the small side, but if it fits the space and allows for proper clearance around it, I'd say go for it. The extra prep space will definitely be valuable.
Want to send pictures of laminate which was fabricated in one piece but don’t have email to send to, don’t have social media so if you could supply email I will send pic of kitchen. The cabinets are a lil over 11 1/2 foot long and the cabinet maker did a great job at laying laminate in one piece, yes the 45 degree corner gives me more counter space as I have plenty of room in my kitchen.
Having an island with a cook top or sink makes me wonder about people using laptops and phones with electricity so close to splashing/spilling water from sink and boiling water/frying grease from burners. Whenever I boil a large pot of water for pasta, soup, or whatever, I always push it to the back burner to avoid people getting scalded (me, as I cook reaching for something, or oblivious family walking by). When I see that narrow island at the end of your video with cooktop, it looks like you could push yourvpot off the back, or kids could knock something off the cooktop while running, etc. It just looks like an accident waiting to happen. The back is so exposed. Perhaps it needs a guardrail of some kind.
@@MTKDofficialthis is my objection too. Washing, boiling and frying means that all the area gets a halo of spilled drops. Very dirty and/or very dangerous. This is why, in my opinion, it is better to keep both the sink and the cooktop close to the wall and the-- easy to wash-- backsplash
Here's a video I just found on changes to the electrical code regarding kitchen islands and peninsula's. Perhaps you could do a couple of videos on other code requirements for kitchens. ua-cam.com/video/CFwoCklNIow/v-deo.html
Totally agree with your comment about island seating and depth. Please, help us, banish forever, the deadly uncomfortable “counter height” and “bar height” stools that are horribly designed and completely inhumane. I’ve actually designed and custom built some bar height stools that people actually want to sit in and are comfortable using. I NOT a designer and I didn’t want to do this, but was forced to because the people who make kitchen bar stools are beyond clueless in terms of good design, ergonomic considerations and overall use-ability.
Whoever came up with those "standards" anyways?
I enjoyed having our island while my 3 kids were young. When they got older, we are constantly dodging each other or walking around the island to make food/do dishes. They rarely sit at the island now that they are grown. My sister in law has a peninsula and I am jealous! LOL 💕
In the 50s, my grandma had an island. We called it a worktable, so technically a piece of furniture, but it was big enough that I assume it was built in place. Large, square, with cupboard and drawers on 3 sides (4th was against a wall in the smallish kitchen). Along the other 3 walls were the wood cookstove, the stand with the pail for well water, and the refrigerator. I believe the top was something like linoleum. All kitchen work was done at that table.
I’ve been binging on your videos bcause we’re retiring in the Philippines. Our house is being built while we’re still in the US and the layout our architect made is beautiful but I have other ideas. Your videos just confirmed thst my wishes are not too crazy. No to OTR, no to sink on the island, big sink (2 separate sinks actually), don’t like high chairs on the idland, etc…
Thank God space is not an issue
Awesome! Thanks for watching my content and all the best with the new build. Sounds very exciting!!
We are building a new house. The kitchen will have 2 walls and trying to decide to go peninsula or island. Open concept to dining and living area. Love seeing and hearing your ideas!
Thanks so much!
To learn how much room we wanted to pass one another in the kitchen, we looked at mobile homes and measured the kitchens we liked.
Yes, to boxes to help visualize 3-D reality of space, rather than just looking at a drawing. This works well with all types of furnishings. Pile up boxes and "feel" the height and clearance around a desired piece.
Your content is super informative! Love your Channel. 👍🏼
Hey! thanks for watching. Glad you find it helpful!!
Our last 3 houses had essentially a peninsula, and other than the 2 that had a lunch counter height, I LOVED them! The last house had a super-deep (42"?) granite counter that gave me tons of workspace and the availability of (comfortable, extended overhang) seating, which we did use. This house has a wall between the huge kitchen and dining/living area, and we want to open it up to be a peninsula. People currently drag chairs into the kitchen to chat while I'm cooking, and we're constantly wanting to talk between the kitchen and living room. The kitchen is big enough we're considering putting in an island, too. (BTW, this wall blocks the view of the lake from the living areas! I anticipate sitting at the peninsula instead of the table once it's open!) I'll probably be getting in touch with you soon for a consultation, Mark. How far out are you scheduling?
42" is a really great size for island depth". So much area, I love it". Right now, I am scheduling for the same week. Reach out anytime.
Simple truth - downdraft does not work. You can't force steam and heat to go down. A previous home had one when I bought the house. It didn't remove anything, and there were stains on the cathedral ceiling from previous cooking. It just did not work.
Yeah, it's not the best solution. Maybe better than recirculating though? You think?
Anything is better than recirculating. But downdraft is a close second.
I have a peninsula and an island. Still trying to make up for the harvest gold galley kitchen in our old house. We did a lot of wok on it, but it was still a galley.
This is so random but I came to this video and saw the comment about you talking too slow. I'll have you know that I am pregnant with my 3rd child and have always had trouble sleeping(way before kids). My sleeping schedule is all kinds of whack. I envy my husband who's able to sleep so fast and easily while I'm here struggling lol. Anyway, although I love your regular videos, I normally come to your live stream replays and just fall asleep listening to you talk about kitchens LOL. (I'm also hoping it'll help me dream about ideas of my dream kitchen one day in our old home haha) Your voice is therapeutic and helps me to sleep, even if it's just a quick nap. You're right up there with Bob Ross 😅
I'll take it as a compliment! lol. There's nothing better than a good nap!
Be sure, as well, that you plan storage underneath the island. On the back side of the island where we have bar height stools, we have both door and super deep pullouts that store both our very occasional use serving dishes and utensils and our holiday serve-wear so we no longer have to run to the basement or attic. The original island that came with our home, a spec house, had the stupid builder grade cabinets with he faux wainscoting and faux “legs” like some of your pictures that wasted a huge amount of space and added design flourishes that were completely irrelevant to the the rest of our house and the kitchen style.
Nice. How about a video on movable kitchen islands?
Excellent idea!!
I have an island in my new home and have always wanted one, but I can’t understand why they made it diagonal in an open concept room. Now I’m looking to turn it to face my dining room table and longer, much like your first layout.
correction : you CAN fit 5lbs of potatoes in a 10lbs bag ;-) i think you meant 10lbs of potatoes in a 5lbs bag...
hahaha oops
The first kitchen they had a blank wall which could have been used. The sink could have been there, or what ever wall went outside.
Don’t let the island design mess with the traffic flow through your kitchen space. Think about how you prepare/cook food and who, if anyone else, is working with you and how much space you need to be able to work comfortably together and, also, what happens when you have company and where they like to hang out while you do final prep of food and/or beverage service. Any island that becomes a blockade to getting food prepared or serving your guests - or allowing them to self-service - while you work and socialize - is a failed kitchen island design.
Yes. no bottlenecks!
how about for small spaces that you'd like to be a kitchen/diner - could you use a large table as an island alternative? Seems a lot use the island as someone for people to sit while you prep facing the room - which a table could do?
You can. The only issue with a table is it's height, but if you are sitting for prep, then it would work.
?? If there is no toe kick, does it make it harder to stand close to the countertop? Is that space for feet to go??
I'm a fan of toe kick space for this reason.
I have a standard L-shaped kitchen with window over sink. It's not big enough for an island. I have to say that the wide galley kitchen with sink on opposite wall (no window) and adding a bigger prettier large window where the sink is currently has turned my head.
How do people feel about galley kitchens with 6 feet between them, and having sink and stove farther apart, versus a standard L-shape, small kitchen sink window, where sink and stove are closer?
I'm bored.
lol. No worries. 6' is definitely on the upper limit of distance between surfaces, but from comments from viewers who have galley kitchens, they really love them. Especially if it is a 2 person cooking kitchen. The space allows for multiple appliance doors to be open at the same time and still have flow through the space.
I have to have island seating because I have no dining room😢
Should I incorporate an kitchen island? When is small too small?
As long as you have proper clearance, I'd say "Yes". The size is debatable on what is too small. I've seen some pretty small islands. Do you have room for 36" wide? Thats as small as id go for a stationary island, otherwise a rolling island cart would work. Could be smaller like 24"
(3)36”cabinet with PO drawers 3x6ft island with 12” over hang for seating.
Dumb question should island seating face the beautiful bay window that neighbors see you from their backyard? Or seating facing opposite?
Island seating normally faces you towards the kitchen. However, depending on the circumstances you might rather be looking out at a view. Usually the other elements of the home such as window placement predetermine the seating.
@@MTKDofficial Micro Mike is right about microwave over stove! Got me thinking. I replaced thinking I replace three microwaves or four microwaves in 22 years. What a pain in the butt to replace that thing over the stove exhaust thur exterior if it fails.
You’re right microwave will stay on the counter !
I have an island going in and would LOVE and welcome your opinion on my two size choices and wondering if it comes into the living room too much
Send me a pic. email is in the "about" section on UA-cam
What do you think of kitchen islands with banquette seating. Sink is on the island.
I think it can look and function great for banquette seating. It's not something I've done recently, but I think it could be a good choice. Sink in the island however, would make it less desirable for me personally. I just wonder about splashing water on someones head who is sitting there. May not be a big deal if there is enough clearance.
Hi Mark, brand new to your channel and in the midst of a force remodel. You have probably answered this thousands of times, but how do you feel about Rustic Hickory Cabinets in a primarily Southwestern style setting ... sorry, off topic, I know
Hey no worries! I think the Rustic Hickory can look great in Southwestern style. Especially with the opportunity to pair it with unique tile and other elements that will stand out and highlight the space.
Is a 3 x 3 kitchen island (without seating overhang) adequate for food prep? We're thinking about building a home, but there is only enough space for an island of this size in the kitchen.
It's on the small side, but if it fits the space and allows for proper clearance around it, I'd say go for it. The extra prep space will definitely be valuable.
So the seating overhang will make it 36 x 48? And no cook top or sink?
@@mikerudd4943. No, the island would be constructed with one 36-inch base kitchen cabinet and one 36 inch wide (12-inch depth) wall cabinet.
@Terence and then the over hang to sit at?
No, we do not like islands with seating overhang
Want to send pictures of laminate which was fabricated in one piece but don’t have email to send to, don’t have social media so if you could supply email I will send pic of kitchen. The cabinets are a lil over 11 1/2 foot long and the cabinet maker did a great job at laying laminate in one piece, yes the 45 degree corner gives me more counter space as I have plenty of room in my kitchen.
send it to mark (at) mtkd.ca
Matthew!
What color are your cabinets?
Winter white
New York has a codes
Having an island with a cook top or sink makes me wonder about people using laptops and phones with electricity so close to splashing/spilling water from sink and boiling water/frying grease from burners.
Whenever I boil a large pot of water for pasta, soup, or whatever, I always push it to the back burner to avoid people getting scalded (me, as I cook reaching for something, or oblivious family walking by). When I see that narrow island at the end of your video with cooktop, it looks like you could push yourvpot off the back, or kids could knock something off the cooktop while running, etc. It just looks like an accident waiting to happen. The back is so exposed. Perhaps it needs a guardrail of some kind.
Personally, I don't want anything in an island. Just one big surface for whatever I want. So I wonder about the same thing actually.
@@MTKDofficialthis is my objection too. Washing, boiling and frying means that all the area gets a halo of spilled drops. Very dirty and/or very dangerous. This is why, in my opinion, it is better to keep both the sink and the cooktop close to the wall and the-- easy to wash-- backsplash
Here's a video I just found on changes to the electrical code regarding kitchen islands and peninsula's. Perhaps you could do a couple of videos on other code requirements for kitchens.
ua-cam.com/video/CFwoCklNIow/v-deo.html
Cool Ryan! Thanks for sharing!
hahaha island and main land, hongkong island, main land China. 🤔
sure.
Your talking WAYYYY too Slowwww. Good content, I just can’t sit through alllll comments. Yikes 😳
Yeah, this is a live stream replay. My regular videos are not like this. lol
As long as you aren’t viewing live, you can change the playback speed. I watch a lot of videos twice the speed.