by Rob Purifoy

Created on: May 02, 2008

As a Realtor, and having seen more homes than a roaming colony of termites, I can say that a kitchen island is not a necessity. In fact, I have seen builder's ruin a kitchen with a poorly placed, hip bruising island. Islands have become such a hit with buyers that even a small kitchen can have one wedged anywhere you please and it's just fine, for some. I do have an end prediction that will lead to islands as necessities however.

It's true that islands add counter space but in smaller kitchens it depletes floor space, and turning radius ability for the cooks. Therefore the emotion of having said island is just that, an emotion. If the home is big enough to have an island it can truly add some space and ambiance especially when pans are hanging from the ceiling above it. And when the lighting is right it can make a normal kitchen look stunning. So to have or not to have an island is purely related to the how it makes the kitchen flow and function.

That is the short and to the point version of the topic. But I realize that the island has become a favorite among the cooking elite no matter the size of the kitchen. It has also become an envious item in some respects and some wont do without one. But I would ask anyone with Fillet Mignon dreams on a Spam budget, will your kitchen fit the extra space it takes for an island?

There is a kind answer to this question however and that is a roll away island. A non fixed island that can be purchased after-market may be just the ticket. I have seen this in several homes with smaller kitchens and it works great in that it serves the purpose but can be moved against a wall when and if needed. These roll aways can be purchased at many home stores although you may have to search for a good match to your counters and decor. If you place your home for sale you can add it to convey with the property if it's really a great fit to the kitchen or you can opt to take it with you as well. Islands are a hit if they fit and will likely not go down in history as obsolete items but instead will remain a mainstay.

I do have a prophetic theory on kitchens themselves which will make the island of post 2010 built homes a standard option. My theory is this; when entertaining or just having a few friends over the typical good manners of the host consists of a hot chili cheese dip and chips, or appetizers and food of some sort. This always leads to guests in the kitchen. Guests in the kitchen leads to conversation. Good conversation consists of eye contact and standing in place of where you currently are. Where are we usually in this scenario? In the Kitchen. My prediction is that kitchens will become glorified living rooms, and my vision of the new home is an island in every kitchen, bar stools and a flat screen TV on the wall. Bon Apetite and Cheers...In the kitchen.

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