So you might be considering- taking on a do-it-yourself kitchen island with a sink and you want to know how it’s done. Well, the best way to get started is to have a good plan and learn plenty of tutorials. But before you start, let’s start with a big chunk of ‘piece of mind’ since this will help you to understand what is ahead of you.
How to get started?
The first big question to ask yourself is, what kind of kitchen island design do you want? It’s one thing to have a big idea, but without a clear picture, the dream is going to be cloudy for all the little details. Obviously, you want to have a sink included in the design, but what about countertop space, built-in storage, and added conveniences. This is where you need to start collecting a scrapbook of sorts to collect neat ideas.
You can go to great internet spots such as Pinterest which have excellent kitchen island ideas that are shared by others who want to show off their completed creations. This site is easy to download pictures and collect many ideas that are already published so you don’t need to scan around on Google image trying to find something relevant. Save these images to your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, or better yet, print them out in color to make a scrapbook.
This might sound old school or (at the least) elementary school in thinking, but this is for a very important reason. You can clip out the exact item of interest and put this into a collage of images. This essentially creates a visual ‘cloud’ of elements that you want to be included in your kitchen island. It also allows you to show this to family members to add or subtract ideas that are appealing to them in addition.
Sketch a rough blueprint
Once you have images to gather ideas, the next step is to make simple sketches. This doesn’t need to be done all at once and can include simple sketches on a coffee napkin, the back of a real estate flyer, or from a handy notebook. You need to make an overhead diagram and simple views from the front or sides. If you don’t have much artistic skill, there are free design programs online that can make designing a kitchen island this easier.
Think about storage
Adding a kitchen island is an ideal way to handle storage for accessories in your kitchen. It will also add a layer of simplicity, making it easier to reach items that you will like to use often in and around the kitchen island itself. Roll-out drawers and cabinets are going to be equally important to contain appliances, pots and pans, and cooking utensils of all sorts. Design each cabinet so the items that you intend to use are always within your grasp.
Built-in conveniences
Consider that some convenience elements in your kitchen island are ideal if you add all of the bells and whistles. This should include instant access to electrical outlets, space for mini fridge and electrical kitchen appliances, overhead lighting, and island seating considerations. The placement of your built-in sink should also reflect other nice add-ons such as a Teppanyaki grill or black induction stovetop.
Keep a sense of scale
You can’t build outside of the kitchen space you already have, so adding an island also should reflect what space you are working within. If this is part of a kitchen renovation, use the extra space that’s available to your advantage. This is why it’s so important to build space-saving elements into your island to conserve as much space as possible. Try to utilize every single inch of your island to allow for hidden spice racks, tuck trays, and toe kick steps.
Consult a professional…
There is no shame in consulting a professional as long as you aren’t paying them to do the work for you. Since this is a DIY project, you want to know as much info on how to do this yourself and will take careful planning. You would be amazed how much information carpenters and wood craftsmen can supply. If you want to get a really good idea for free, there are excellent tutorials on Youtube about building a kitchen island.
Look for early deals on materials
Only until you’ve gotten past the initial blueprint design process is when you want to start shopping around for deals. Only purchase items that are on sale or perhaps discounted. Your countertop needs to be the exact size and shape, so this will take expert timing and waiting for the right moment to get the best deal. If you remember ole Bob Villa and This Old House, he’s got some cool tips on pricing what each of these elements will cost roughly.