Kitchen Islands in Canada

Having enough working surfaces is what makes your kitchen truly functional. When you have a wide preparation zone, parallel countertops to operate on, combined with a breakfast bar you may boost your cooking activity to the next level. A kitchen island is a stylish and modern unit, equipped with storage, sometimes appliances as well, that can be both practical and space-saving.

Every homeowner will probably want to have an island if the kitchen layout allows it to be equipped with one. A kitchen island unit can be incredibly convenient if installed according to all requirements. With the island in your kitchen, you have more flexibility - you can enjoy communication with your friends and family instead of looking at a wall. You also don’t have to go back and forth within a kitchen with pans and ingredients when cooking, but grab or drop everything you need from the counter to the island with one turn.

Before installing, it is crucial to take into account some important factors. For example, how big your island will be, whether it's square, rectangular or L-shaped, and the features that you want it to have. In this Cut2Size blog, you will discover a complete guide to kitchen island sizes, shapes and styles to help you make an informed decision on upgrading your kitchen.

What You Should Consider When Designing a Kitchen With an Island 

Let's explore the pros and cons of adding a kitchen island to your space. Whether your goal is a bustling family kitchen or upgrading modern space functionality, join Cut2Size as we navigate the features of kitchen island design.

Kitchen island types

There are many different types of kitchen islands. Let’s look at the most popular ones:

Portable Kitchen Island / Movable Kitchen Island / Mobile Kitchen Island

A portable kitchen island is an excellent option if you have limited space. It will help you create an extra cooking surface. Also, it can be moved easily around the kitchen. Most of the time, they are Prefab Kitchen Islands which can be purchased from Wayfair, Ikea, Lowes, Home Depot, and Amazon.

Freestanding Kitchen Island

The freestanding kitchen island is ideal if you don't want to have a permanent cabinetry piece in the kitchen. This type of kitchen island can be used as a dining and cooking surface as well. The good thing about it is that it can be easily changed. It can also be moved against the wall if you need open space in your kitchen.

Rustic Kitchen Island / Farmhouse Kitchen Island / Country Kitchen Island

Rustic, farmhouse or country-style kitchen islands are usually made out of distressed wood. They have a frail look, but are very far from it because they are made of high-quality material. 

Huge Kitchen Island / Massive Kitchen Island / Large Kitchen Island

When space is not an issue, a vast kitchen island might be an option. Having an oversized kitchen island for additional storage and food preparation space is not a bad idea. A massive kitchen island can have many features, such as a wine fridge, garbage recycling bin, or spice pullout. 

Small Kitchen Island / Skinny Kitchen Island / Space Saving Kitchen Island/ Tiny Kitchen Island

For a small kitchen with limited square footage, the space-saving kitchen island is a solution. If a kitchen island is small, it doesn't mean it can't offer ample storage. Tiny kitchen islands can still have drawers for storing spices, utensils, and other cooking items. The kitchen island plays a significant role in a small kitchen because it provides an extra countertop for meal preparation.

Industrial Style Kitchen Island

You don't need to have an industrial kitchen, but an industrial kitchen island is an excellent way to do it if you want to add an industrial touch to the space. Materials that make a kitchen island industrial-looking are concrete, metal, reclaimed wood, and stainless steel. These materials can be mixed and matched. 

Modern Kitchen Island / Contemporary Kitchen Island

The modern kitchen island is all about what’s popular or trendy in the design industry at present. Modern kitchen islands are usually associated with a clean, open, and functional space. A modern island’s contemporary design offers no handles, straight lines, geometrical shapes, and a mix of different textures and finishes.   

Minimalistic Kitchen Island

The kitchen island is a focal point of the kitchen, and to make an accent, it is not necessary to go creative about shape, colour, or material for the island. In this case, less is more. The minimalist kitchen island looks clean and straightforward. 

When money is not a problem, Creative Kitchen Islands will make your kitchen unique. There are millions of ideas to make your island a feature of your kitchen, but let's look at some of them. 

Multi-layered Kitchen Island

The multi-level kitchen island is very versatile. Different levels can serve several purposes. Levels at different heights create zones for meal preparation, cleaning, serving, and dining. 

Island with Integrated Dining Table

Not everyone likes to have a meal on the island. Many people prefer to eat at the table because they can sit in front of each other. Therefore, a kitchen island with an integrated dining table might be the right solution. Moreover, an island like this looks interesting and can be a feature of your kitchen. 

Movable Kitchen Island

Movable kitchen islands became very popular. They are not permanent structures of your kitchen. They can be of different shapes and sizes. Portable kitchen islands do not have sinks or appliances in them; they give plenty of counter space, which is advantageous. 

Banquette Kitchen Island

An incorporated banquette in your kitchen island is a space-saving idea for your kitchen. When you are limited in space, a built-in bench on your island will do its job. The bench can have drawers on its base, which will give you extra storage space. The top of the bench can have an upholstered seat and back to provide you with comfort while dining.

Retro Kitchen Island

Back in the 1930s and 1940s, retro metal kitchen cabinets were trendy; this trend returned in 2015. Designers started to use steel in kitchen cabinets, for example: 

1. Metal hook rail
2. Steel countertop supports, not only for support but also for decor.
3. Metal casters
4. Steel brackets
5. Metal pulls

All these elements give a retro look to the cabinets.

Island Material Options

Kitchen island materials present endless options, allowing for creativity in design and functionality. You can find something suitable for every household's needs when choosing materials to craft the ideal island. From distressed solid wood to sleek high-gloss finishes, each material offers distinct benefits, and we will guide you in selecting one that meets both aesthetic and durability standards.

Painted Kitchen Island

Most of the time, MDF is used for this type of island. MDF can be with a profile or flat. The white kitchen island is one of the most popular selections, which is practical in everyday use. 

Solid Wood Kitchen Island

There are so many different kinds of wood that can be used for the kitchen island, but the most popular wood for kitchen islands is 

1. Maple Kitchen Island;
2. Oak Kitchen Island;
3. Walnut Kitchen Island;

Textured Melamine Kitchen Island

Textured melamine is a very cost-effective option. It can have a wood grain texture or even a stone print. It is one of the most durable materials for the kitchen island. If your kitchen is a high-traffic area, this material is an excellent option for you.

High Gloss Kitchen Island

The high gloss has been in trend for the last 20 years. It has a glossy finish, which gives brightness to a room. High gloss can come in different colours, from very bright to neutral. A high-quality, high-gloss finish does not leave fingerprints on it. For this reason, it became one of the most favourite options for homeowners.

Stainless Steel Kitchen Island

Stainless steel is used most of the time to achieve an industrial look. Often, it is also used to match stainless steel appliances.   

Decorative Elements of the Kitchen Island

Add character to your kitchen island by using decorative accents.

1. Corbels;
2. Barn door;
3. Wheels and metal brackets;
4. Wire mesh doors;
5. Glass doors;
6. Mirror accents;
7. Toe kick lights;
8. Cabinet lights;

Islands can Have Exciting Features

1. Pot hanger or suspended shelving;
2. Garbage bin;
3. Farm sink;
4. Spice rack; 
5. Paper towel holder;
6. Knife block;
7. Pet feeding station;
8. Baskets;
9. Appliances (Dishwasher, Microwave, Bar fridge);
10. Wine racks;
11. Open shelves;
12. Towel hangers;
13. Toe kick step stool;

Prefabricated vs Custom-Made Kitchen Islands

The main difference between Ikea products, Rona, Lowe’s, and Custom Kitchen Islands made by Cut2Size is that these companies have prefabricated cabinets, and there is no option to customize the size or colour of the cabinet. Custom-made kitchen islands can be made in many different shapes and sizes, colours and materials. However, prefab kitchen islands are very cost-friendly. If you are on a budget and don't want to spend tons of money for a kitchen island, stores like Ikea, Lowes, and Home Depot offer great options. 

With the possibility of customizing the cabinetry, kitchen islands can be made in different shapes. It all depends on the space available and the budget. More complicated designs or shapes are more expensive as they involve more time building and designing them. The rectangular kitchen island is the most common, but there are so many possibilities, like: 

• Triangular kitchen island;
• Curved Kitchen Island;
• L-shaped kitchen Island;
• Round kitchen island / Circular kitchen island;
• Rectangular Kitchen Island;
• Square kitchen island;
• U-shaped kitchen island;
• Galley Kitchen Island.

Bar Stools for Kitchen Islands

Kitchen chairs serve not only a practical but also aesthetic function. They provide comfort for the dining area and create a cozy and stylish interior. Bar stools differ from traditional models in height. Traditional bar stools that are used for kitchen islands are between 24 and 26 inches. This height is the best pair with the countertop, which is usually 36” from the floor. Bar stools are essential for kitchen islands. Bar stools come in many different shapes and styles. They can be round or square-shaped. They can come with backs, armrests, and footrests. They can be fixed height or adjustable height. Therefore, before making a decision, you should consider your needs and wants.