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Kitchen Island Bases - They Have To Fit In
Kitchen island bases are just one part of the overall design on which you must decide, but in terms of style, they are probably the most important part.
A kitchen island top might be suitable on any kitchen island, but the base has to lend itself to the surrounding decor.
Kitchen islands help direct traffic flow, convert eating areas to multi-use areas, keep the cook and guests together-but-apart, and bring focus to the kitchen design and how it's used, but more importantly, they provide additional work space and storage.
Almost all these concerns determine the style, design, finish, material, and shape of a kitchen island base.
To Complement The Overall Design
Island bases are available in a style to meet nearly every taste including contemporary, hip, traditional and country styles, and they can often be customized or custom-made.
While a top installed on the base might be wood block, stainless steel, granite, marble, or synthetic countertop, the bases themselves are often made from oak, cherry, beech, maple, or other woods and sometimes in combination with glass and/or stainless steel or copper sheathing; some are entirely metal.
Base finishes are usually natural or oiled wood, painted color or, on metal, powder-coat.
Island bases are available in just about any shape.
Round or square units are good ideas in limited-space areas or where kitchen traffic requires greater clearance.
Long or elliptical designs work well to divide a room or separate cooking and preparation areas from seating and dining areas.
Many island bases are cabinets with or without legs and may have drawers as well, but some are table designs with open storage on shelves; a few are a combination of all three storage options.
Although most optional appliances like bar-sinks or deep fryers are installed in the top surface, some thought has to be given to the base installation, particularly if it's a large design.
Overhead lighting, plumbing, and electrical outlets might have to be installed in the base if it is to complement the overall kitchen design.
For more information and ideas click here.
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