by thegirl

Created on: August 18, 2008

Growing up, my grandmother and my mother did not have a kitchen island in their kitchens. I remember the fondest memories in the kitchen. As an adult, I lived without a kitchen island until 3 months ago. I did not know how I survived before without it.

The kitchen island is my next best friend, after the dishwasher. I do everything on it. I mix cookie batter, make shakes, garnish my salad, and even dine on it.

Nonetheless, I would have to say that the island is really more of a convenience than a necessity. Sure, it's convenient to have it in the middle of the island where it is within reach easily from anywhere without reaching an extra step. I love how I am able to just pick up the washed vegetables and dropped it into my stir fry on the range. However, I also did not forget that I had lived a life without the island before.

I have to admit, my life at home often revolves around the island. It is arguably my favorite piece of furniture in my house. It fills up my kitchen and undoubtedly beautify it. I get many compliments about it. With a stainless steel butcher block as a counter, it matches perfectly with my stainless steel appliances. The island sure does make kitchen chores seem easier. I can chop vegetables and slice meat on it. It is also often the gathering place when friends come over for dinner parties, while I prepare the meals. This can easily be achieved with a dining table or a bar area set in the kitchen as well. The island is not going to make my food any tastier, or make my friends any happier when they visit. The functionality of a kitchen island can easily be attained through another piece of furniture in the kitchen.

Convenience, when given, are taken often without questions. It is so easy to take it for granted and allow ourselves to think of it as a necessity. If you take away the convenience, you will find that you are still able to carry on your daily life without much effects. You might have to take that extra step to reach for your washed vegetables at the sink, but it is doable. You will either get used to that extra step or learn to come up with solutions to make your kitchen smaller and within reach.

As human beings, we tend to forget how simple life actually is. We tend to overcomplicate things and eventually create a dilemma for ourselves. Why stress yourself over a kitchen island?

You'll live through it.

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