Remodel Your Kitchen with a Spacious Island Base Cabinet
Is your kitchen feeling tired and dated? Do you find yourself wishing for more prep space and storage? Adding a kitchen island with a spacious base cabinet can help transform your cooking area into an organized, stylish, and functional space.
A kitchen island not only provides extra counter space, but the base cabinet area allows you to gain storage in a clever way. With some planning and elbow grease, you can create the kitchen island of your dreams complete with custom storage solutions and gorgeous finishes.
Choosing the Perfect Base Cabinet
The base cabinet is the foundation of your new kitchen island. Take time to choose one that meets your size, storage, and style needs.
Opt for a cabinet depth of at least 24 inches for ample room for storage bins, shelves, and other organizational systems. Drawers and pull-out shelves will maximize the usable space. Custom sizing the height means you can get the exact counter height you need for prepping and serving.
Solid hardwoods like oak and maple provide durability to support countertops. Painted finishes are easy to match to your existing decor. Storage upgrades like soft-close hinges on the doors give a high-end feel.
Designing Your Custom Storage Solutions
One of the biggest perks of adding an island is gaining customized storage space. Think about how you cook, prep, and move about the kitchen to decide what will work best for you.
Pull-out shelves and drawers can house electric mixers, colanders, cutting boards, and more. Adjustable shelves allow you to accommodate different sizes of appliances. Drawers with built-in dividers keep utensils, towels, and pantry items organized.
Don't forget about vertical storage too. Pot racks and hanging utensil rails free up space in the base cabinet for larger items. Open shelving provides quick access to everyday necessities.
Maximizing Your Island's Potential
While the base cabinet provides storage and support, you can add other elements to maximize the usefulness of your kitchen island.
Incorporate electrical outlets if you'll be using countertop appliances. Task lighting illuminates the worksurface beautifully. For quick clean-ups, install a sink or prep faucet.
If space allows, extend your island to include an eat-in dining area. Open shelving underneath makes a great spot for cookbooks and barware. Stools on one side create casual seating for morning coffee or chatting with the cook.
Installation Tips for DIYers
Once you've selected the perfect base cabinet, it's time to tackle the installation. With some basic construction skills and muscle power, you can likely handle this as a DIY project.
Assemble and Secure the Base
Start by carefully assembling the base cabinet according to the manufacturer's instructions. Many come pre-assembled too. Position the cabinet in your preferred spot and use shims during installation to ensure it is level and plumb.
Secure the base to the floor by screwing through the cabinet's frame and into the floorboards below. Anchoring it properly prevents shifting or tipping when bearing heavy loads.
With the cabinet sturdily installed, take exact countertop measurements before custom cutting your butcherblock, granite, or other countertop slab. Carefully position and secure the countertop to the cabinet.
Finish off your island with trim pieces, hardware, and the perfect paint or stain. Additional electrical and plumbing work may require professional help depending on your DIY skills.
When designing your kitchen island, don't be afraid to get creative to truly make it your own. With some thoughtful planning and strategic remodeling, you can gain extra function and beauty with the addition of a spacious island base cabinet.