It’s no secret that we love a good kitchen remodel! However, space planning can be one of the most important elements when embarking on a new project. In this month’s interior insights post, we’ll be sharing our tips on kitchen island layouts and where we prefer to place the kitchen sink for both beauty and functionality. If you missed last month’s post on wall and trim paint tips, head there to catch up. For some incredible kitchen island and sink tips from our senior designer, keep scrolling!
Where should the kitchen sink go?
In a kitchen layout, where do you place the sink? Do you prefer a sink on the island or against a wall? Why?
In our MGD projects, we’ll typically center the sink on the kitchen island, parallel to the range. It’s the most central spot in the kitchen, so it works functionally for prepping, cleaning, and entertaining. It also allows for the counters flanking the range to remain open while cooking – Win, win!
Alternatively, if there is a window in the kitchen, we will sometimes opt to center the sink under the window. The space underneath a window typically has great natural light and oftentimes a view, making it the perfect space to draw focus to with a sink. It also makes washing dishes a bit more desirable!
If your space permits, another option is to do both! Depending on the layout of our clients’ kitchens, we’ll sometimes add a sink both underneath a window and on the island. This allows for the best of both worlds, but does require a certain type of space. If you want to alter the styles to add more visual interest, one of the sinks can be an under mount and the other an apron front sink.
What is the best kitchen island layout?
If you choose to add your sink to your kitchen island, how do you lay out the rest of the island space?
If your island has a centered sink, we often add a dishwasher to the right or left, based on your preference for loading. Depending on which side you opt to add the dishwasher, we’ll add a trash pull-out to the opposite side of the sink. From that point, we’ll often add banks of drawers, and if space permits, a microwave drawer and/or refrigerator doors. We like to keep the ends of the island as fixed panels that conceal the overhang where your counter stools will sit. If you have enough depth, you can often add doors on the underside of the overhang space for additional storage.
Thanks for following along with this month’s interior insights post! We hope this helps you plan your kitchen remodel and island layouts. Follow along with us on Instagram to submit questions for next month’s post. Then, head to our shop for kitchen favorites to add that special something to your space.