Having just a kitchen island without full cabinets and countertops is absolutely possible. Many homeowners opt for a standalone kitchen island for extra prep space, storage, and style without doing a full kitchen remodel. Kitchen islands can be purchased on their own and customized to match your space and needs.
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What is a Kitchen Island?
A kitchen island is a freestanding unit that sits in the middle of a kitchen, unattached to the walls. Islands provide extra counter space for meal prep and entertaining, storage for kitchen items, and seating. They are extremely versatile and can be customized with cabinets, drawers, shelves, sinks, and other features.
Kitchen islands are available in many styles, sizes, colors and finishes to match any decor. Simple cart-style islands bring extra surface area on wheels, while larger islands with cabinetry offer enclosed storage. High-end custom islands can be built to your exact specifications.
Benefits of a Kitchen Island
Some key benefits of adding a kitchen island include:
- Extra countertop space for chopping, mixing and serving food
- Storage for kitchen tools, bakeware, dishes, etc.
- A place to install a sink or appliances like a wine fridge
- Informal dining space with seating on stools or chairs
- Flexible placement to improve work triangles in the kitchen
- stylistic element to enhance kitchen decor
Islands provide more room to spread out and get cooking done efficiently. The extra storage helps keep countertops clutter-free. An island can also be a casual place to sit down for quick meals and snacks.
Buying a Standalone Kitchen Island
Purchasing a kitchen island separately is an affordable and customizable way to get the function and style you want without a full kitchen renovation. Here are some tips for buying an island on its own:
Consider Your Needs
Decide how you want to use the island and any must-have features to inform your purchase:
- Seating – Barstool space for 2-3 people or none?
- Cabinets – Enclosed storage or open shelves?
- Drawers – Deep for pots and pans? Shallow for utensils?
- Countertop – What material and size?
- Sink or appliances – Will you add any?
- Overall size – How much floor space do you have?
Measuring your kitchen and thinking about your storage needs and meal prep style will help narrow down your options.
Select a Style
Islands come in many materials, colors, shapes and finishes. Consider your kitchen’s existing features and decor style:
- Kitchen cabinet style – Match or complement?
- Countertops – Coordinate materials like granite or quartz?
- Hardware finishes – Match existing kitchen knobs and pulls?
- Color palette – Pull an accent color from your kitchen decor?
- Accessories – Stools that tie into your style
Blending or contrasting your island with the rest of the kitchen is up to you!
Shop Different Types of Islands
You can find a wide selection of standalone islands both in-store and online:
- Big box stores – Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s have affordable ready-to-assemble islands that ship to your home.
- Furniture stores – IKEA and other furniture sellers offer versatile kitchen carts and islands.
- Kitchen designers – Custom islands built to suit your space with features like butcher block, polished concrete, etc.
- Online retailers – Islands available for order online and quick shipping from sites like Wayfair.
Narrow options by browsing photos, user reviews and dimensions to find islands that fit.
Measure Your Space
To ensure the island fits and functions well:
- Measure overall kitchen dimensions
- Mark out traffic pathways with painter’s tape
- Experiment with island placement for optimal use
- Be sure there’s enough clearance around island
- Account for stool seating overhang if planning seating
An island should have at least 36-42 inches clearance from walls and other furniture. Carts with wheels can always be moved around as needed.
Prepare for Delivery/Assembly
Islands bought online or shipped to home require:
- Clearing space and removing doors if needed
- Assistance lifting heavy pieces during assembly
- Tools for assembly like drill/driver, wrench, etc.
- Leveling and anchoring freestanding islands in place
Proper assembly and leveling helps maximize function and prevent wobbling.
Customizing Your Island
One benefit of a standalone island is you can fully customize it over time. Ways to make it your own include:
Seating
Add stools, chairs or bench seating to create a casual dining spot. Seating with backs and arm support is ideal for lingering longer. Match existing kitchen chairs or choose complementary stools.
Countertop
Swap out the countertop for one that fits your style. Butcher block, marble, quartz and more come in multiple colors. This lets you change the look while keeping the cabinets/base.
Storage
Maximize storage with drawer organizers, shelves, racks and other inserts suited for everything from wine to pans. Baskets or bins keep items tidy.
Sink or Appliances
Plumb it for a sink or small cooktop. Integrate speciality appliances like a beverage cooler, wine fridge or pop-up electrical outlets.
Finish
Freshen up the look with new paint or stain on the base cabinetry. Replace hardware like knobs, pulls or lighting fixtures.
Decor
Style with accent pieces like a backsplash, pendant lights, barware and serving pieces.
Pros and Cons of Buying Just an Island
Below are some key advantages and potential drawbacks of purchasing a standalone kitchen island:
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The simplicity and flexibility of buying just an island makes it a smart choice for many homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchens. Start browsing options online and in stores to find the perfect island to suit your needs!
Conclusion
Purchasing a kitchen island separately allows you to add storage, seating and style without taking on a full kitchen remodel. Islands can be customized to your taste and space over time as well. Measure your kitchen, determine how you want to use the island, and shop a variety of retailers for the right freestanding island to enhance your cooking and entertaining. With some smart planning during selection and placement, an island can be a worthwhile investment that serves your household for years to come.