When thinking of a kitchen island, a larger, rectangular island usually comes to mind. This traditionally has been the best way to have a kitchen island with enough space for prep, storage, seating, etc. But, it’s not the only type of kitchen island available. Square kitchen islands are popping up more often in some kitchen designs. Here’s what to know and what to do with a square kitchen island if you’re considering one for the kitchen in your custom home design:
Square Kitchen Islands vs Traditional Kitchen Islands
Traditional kitchen islands are typically rectangular to allow for more seating and more available work space. They also tend to be included in larger kitchen designs, which helps balance the layout while allowing enough space for the various ways to use a kitchen island.
Square kitchen islands still offer many of the benefits of kitchen islands, like additional prep space, storage, etc.; they just do it with a symmetrical square shape instead of a rectangle. Square kitchen islands are often smaller than traditional rectangular kitchen islands, which can make them a good fit for smaller kitchen designs or as a secondary kitchen island in larger kitchens.
However, square kitchen islands can be larger as well to accommodate more space, especially if you want slightly more seating than a smaller island would provide, but still want the symmetrical square look. This can be a popular option for people who want a larger surface with the symmetrical look that square kitchen islands provide. The right type of kitchen island will depend on the kitchen size, layout, overall design, and desired functionality.
Why Are Square Kitchen Islands Becoming More Popular?
Square kitchen islands allow for some of the functionality and versatility of a traditional kitchen island with the benefit of symmetry, maximizing space, and more. Because they are usually smaller, they can also fit in both larger and smaller kitchen designs.
7 Key Reasons Square Kitchen Islands Are Becoming More Popular
Some of the key reasons why square kitchen islands are becoming more popular include:
- Optimizing space without overwhelming it
- Enhancing functionality
- Versatility and customizability
- Adaptability and flexibility for various kitchen sizes
- Accessibility from all sides
- Offering a modern, sleek aesthetic
- Providing a perfect fit for square kitchen design and layouts
5 Ideas For a Square Kitchen Island
For the right kitchen design and layout, a square kitchen island could be a good fit. If you’re considering one for the kitchen in your custom home design, here are some ideas for a square kitchen island to inspire you:
- Mix materials.
- Add a burst of color.
- Make it mobile.
- Turn it into a cozy breakfast nook.
- Give it a specific function.
1. Mix Materials
Similar to traditional kitchen islands, you can also mix materials on a square kitchen island to enhance your kitchen style. If you’re going for more of a traditional farmhouse kitchen design, you can pair warm woods with light colors to complement this look and feel.
Metal and wood can help enhance a modern or industrial kitchen design, depending on the tones and finishes you choose. Because a kitchen island, square or not, is customizable, there are a lot of options to explore to get the functionality and look you want.
2. Add a Burst of Color
As a supporting element in your kitchen, a square kitchen island can be a great place to add a burst of color for an interesting visual. This is an idea to use bright colors in your kitchen in a way that enhances the overall look without overwhelming it.
You can choose a color that really pops compared to the rest of your palette for a statement piece or a color that still works as a small accent, but is more complementary to other elements in the kitchen. Maybe it complements or matches your cabinets, pulls a brighter color from the backsplash, or matches the fabric on your dining room chairs? The possibilities are practically endless.
3. Make it Mobile
Because square kitchen islands tend to be smaller than traditional islands, one of the ideas for square kitchen islands is to put them on wheels and make them mobile workstations. This won’t make sense for every square kitchen island or kitchen design, but it can be a great option in some cases.
A smaller, mobile island allows for flexible and versatile work surfaces that you can move around the kitchen for some extra prep or storage when and where you need it. This can be a good solution for smaller kitchens where you might want to adjust the layout and space.
It can also be a good solution for larger kitchens, especially if the square kitchen island is the secondary kitchen island. Doubling up on kitchen islands is an idea for kitchen islands with seating, and allows you to have one dedicated to gathering and one dedicated to prep.
4. Turn it Into a Cozy Breakfast Nook
Another idea of what to do with a square kitchen island is to turn it into a cozy breakfast nook. You may not have a ton of room for seating, but the symmetry of a square island can make it a great option for creating a cozy area for a couple of people. This can be a way to make your kitchen feel more welcoming.
This can also be a way to include a breakfast nook in your custom home design without having to dedicate a lot of square footage to it. And, when you’re not using it for a meal, the square kitchen island can still provide extra storage or another work surface.
5. Give it a Specific Function
Kitchen islands are great ways to add more storage to your kitchen design, and the same is still true for square kitchen islands, even if they might be smaller. Aside from some extra seating, prep space, and/or storage, another way to use a square kitchen island is to give it a specific function.
If you want to create a beverage or coffee station, turning a square kitchen island into your own personal coffee bar is a coffee station idea that can work well for coffee, tea, and other beverages. You can even include a small wine fridge if you want to create more of a small home bar.
This is a good way to get the function you want and have everything you need in one convenient place, all without taking up valuable counter or cabinet space in other areas of the kitchen. Depending on your goals for it, a square kitchen island could also become an appliance garage for storing larger appliances that you don’t need to access as often.
Design and Build Your Custom Home With CHG
These are a few ideas for what to do with a square kitchen island. It may not be the best option for every kitchen and function, but square kitchen islands can work well in the right design and layout. Working with a custom home builder can help you make sure your custom home design includes what you want in a way that works for a home you’ll love. If you’re ready to get started on your own custom home in Central Pennsylvania or Northeastern Maryland, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090.
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