Asked on Nov 18, 2015
Island vs. peninsula. Which to do?
by
Mindy Apple
+18
I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel. I just had a wall removed. At first thought, I didn't believe I had room for an island but after measuring I believe I could. So now I am wondering which would look better, an island or a peninsula. The island would measure 96" x 35" leaving a space 42" from the range and cabinets. The peninsula would come out 96" from the wall. I would have room for four bar stools to side underneath the countertop (which I will leave at counter height). Suggestions everyone? Don't mind the tape in the pictures it is the measures for the peninsula and island. Also note that the cabinets are all going to be replaced, and the lower cabinet making the L will be removed and NOT replaced.
15 answers
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So in this case do you have children that you would prefer sitting at a counterf or is this for appearence,
Janet Pizaro
on Nov 18, 2015
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Just wondering where your fridge is. Ideally you want 3 steps to each area with nothing blocking. Those area's being fridge, stove, sink, and work space. Personally i would include dishwasher in that zone and be sure to have cupboards and drawers for directly emptying your dishwasher close by it. The reason I bring all of this up is once you have that all planned maybe P or I will become clearer. Personally we have the peninsula and have had friends move to the peninsula when they planned their kitchens as they didn't like having to walk around their island. But...their islands were in the middle of the work space.
Fab and Pretty
on Nov 18, 2015
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I have an island but now wish I would have had it made with wheels instead of built into the kitchen. Just a thought.
Claudia
on Nov 18, 2015
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It really is personal preference whether to go with an island or the peninsula. But if you are removing the "L" then what is that going to be attached to? Also, make sure you leave enough room to open the oven or dishwasher doors! I think the standard takes 24" with the door open, and then imagine yourself standing or bending over in front of it to remove a turkey in a roasting pan. You want the surface behind you to be close enough to place items, but far enough so you aren't squished.
Country Design Home
on Nov 19, 2015
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I had a large peninsula for 18 years and it really did block everything. I had a 5 foot by 10 foot area to work and it was tight. Really tight for more than 2 people. When we redesigned our kitchen. I decided to remove the peninsula and add it to the half wall in my kitchen. It works better and allowed pass-through. Here's a picture.
Sabrina's Organizing
on Nov 19, 2015
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Flow is important. I had an island for years (raised 3 kids with it) it was always in the road. We remodled and put in a peninsula. Now with the kids grown we can all fit in the kitchen and it added bar eating in the dinning room. I would lay it out on the floor and walk around it like it was solid and see which one is the most convenient.
Tonia
on Nov 19, 2015
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Find a big box(s) (piece of furniture) and put it in place for a couple days, you will soon know which way to go.
Johnchip
on Nov 19, 2015
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Another route is to do a peice that is moveable (wheels) or the like that you can use in either way depending on the need or mood. I like options in kitchen spaces.
Johnchip
on Nov 19, 2015
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Remember that a peninsula is more of a permanent choice. I recommend doing an Island on wheels w/ locks. I did this and am so glad I did. It gives you CHOICE. It can be moved right next to your counter top when needed, used in the middle of the kitchen or even rolled out of the kitchen when you have a big crowd to free up needed space. IT THE SMART CHOICE :-) Best of luck and I hope you love your kitchen :-)
Marchelle Mack-Costigan
on Nov 19, 2015
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I really like what you're doing with this kitchen and it is so BIG! Love that! I would go with an island personally as I like being able to get around them on both sides. It also looks like where you're putting the peninsula would make it a very tight confined space by the stove, something I think you would regret later.
Glenda
on Nov 19, 2015
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why not both? find really good locking wheels and give the counter space drop leaves?
Rosemary D.
on Nov 19, 2015
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I absolutely love my island on wheels. It's very sturdy so doesn't move unless you want it to. A casual bump or a bump from a young child wouldn't move it.
Laura
on Nov 19, 2015
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Great idea with the wheels and drop leaf is what I wish I would done.. I'm still trying to figure out how to add it. I love mine it is the entertainment center in the kitchen. When we gather for Christmas Eve we place all the food for the buffet there. I also quilt to cut a lot of fabric on that counter top already. But I will figure out that drop leaf idea yet.
Kathy Bitzan
on Nov 19, 2015
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The feedback was very helpful! We decided on a peninsula, and I think we are going to love it.
Mindy Apple
on Nov 19, 2015
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Short answer: it's not just about looks. It's about functionality. Draw a floor plan; imagine where you store your things and how accessible it all is when performing your tasks and seating you family.
Duv310660
on Nov 19, 2015
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