Kitchen Islands and Accessories Come of Age

by Gabby Hyman
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

Does the expression "kitchen island" make you think of sun-bleached archipelagoes with white sand beaches, cocoa palms, and trade winds? Most people know about butcher blocks and other kitchen accessories, but haven't given a moment's thought to the free-standing appliance and utility tables that make food preparation a breeze. Kitchen islands come in all shapes and sizes, along with varying functionality. Islands can become expensive heirlooms -- or serve as cheap kitchen accessories. Look at any online kitchen accessory website or page through a kitchen supply catalogue and you'll discover that kitchen islands are made to be much longer than before and more complex in terms of the gadgetry each offers. You can still get a basic, free-standing butcher's block through an online accessory site or home improvement store. Or you can lay out upwards of $1,000 for an Italian cherrywood kitchen island with a complete tool kit of preparation accessories.

Blocks and Islands at Online Kitchen Accessory Stores

You can visit home improvement and kitchen accessory shops to get an idea of the islands available, and make your purchase units online for savings. Size up the island that you can really fit into your kitchen; then evaluate the cost and features. Some can be delivered or assembled on your own. Others must be installed by professionals if they're to include electrical or sink (plumbing) features.

You don't need to sacrifice beauty for utility, either. One online kitchen accessory vendor recently listed a cart island with natural wood, cutting board, two cabinet drawers, and a spice rack for under $200. Another is selling a lacquered birch or ash work center with oiled-wood butcher block top with drop-leaf surfaces for around $500.

Some islands serve as breakfast nooks, others as rolling kitchen accessory and prep centers. One could make your kitchen a welcome place to visit. Tropical birds, extra.

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He has created online content for eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Avaya, and Nissan UK. He has also been a web consultant to the Governor of California. As an author of fiction, journalism, and poetry, Gabby is a former English professor for the University of Illinois, University of Alaska, and Old Dominion University. He holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama.