How To Choose A Small Kitchen Island That Still Makes A Trendy Impact

Kitchen islands are on a lot of homeowners' wish lists as they can completely transform the look of your home. They are a practical and stylish addition to a kitchen as they offer extra storage space, but also a place to gather with friends and family. However, not everybody can have an island as part of their kitchen design due to size constraints. It is said that you should have at least 3 feet of clearance space surrounding your island to make sure your kitchen is still fully functional. If you have a smaller kitchen, but can still logistically fit an island into your design, then you may be wondering if an island is still worth having, and how to make sure it still makes a solid impact. An innovative way of spicing up your kitchen island is with a waterfall design. 

A waterfall island is characterized by how its countertop extends. The chosen kitchen worktop, whether that be marble, granite, or quartz, extends down either one or both sides of the island to create a clean and elongated look. The end panel should meet with the countertop at a perfect 90 degree angle, creating the illusion of a seamless waterfall. But what should you consider before incorporating one into your kitchen design? The key things are going to be the cost, how well it functions for you as a family, and the overall look of it. 

Just because your kitchen island is small, doesn't mean it can't have a big visual impact. The continuous and sleek design of a gorgeous waterfall countertop tricks the eye into making an island, or even a room, appear bigger. This is because there is a natural flow to it, and the eye isn't drawn to any drastic material changes. If you decide to opt for a waterfall countertop, then we'd recommend going for a lighter color, especially if you're working with a smaller-sized island. A light colored marble or quartz is going to make your kitchen feel brighter. It will also bounce natural light around the room, giving the illusion of a larger kitchen. 

Another practical thing to consider is that having your countertop run down the sides of your kitchen island is actually more durable than having a regular worktop and cabinet combination. Because a waterfall island is one continuous slab of material, there are fewer edges for people to bang into and inevitably scuff and damage. A piece of wood or imitation wood is far more susceptible to wear and tear than stone or quartz. Also, the likelihood is that if you're working with a smaller island in a smaller kitchen, you won't have the space for people to sit and perch at both ends anyway.