Islands are considered necessities in most American kitchens today. Moms are able to multi-task because of these working tables. They can prepare food in the island while talking to visitors – something that is rather difficult if not impossible to do if you’re doing chores on the sink, facing the wall. Rehabbing kitchens with a new or recycled island is a great way to impress prospective buyers with style and functionality. Just be sure to choose the island with the right size and shape.

The rectangular aisle is the most common shape you’ll find today. That’s because most kitchens also follow this shape. The shape of your island should be based on the surrounding area. For example, if the room is square, and the available space is also square, most likely, an island of that shape will be most fitting.

A rectangular aisle resembles a simple table around 36 inches high. As for the length and width, a measurement of 48 inches by 24 inches will do. You can buy models like this that come with a bottle holder and storage space for around $550. Or you can build one if you want to save money. It wouldn’t take your carpenter much time to piece together this basic working table.

However, there are kitchens that are not simply square or rectangular. When rehabbing kitchens of these kinds, use angular islands instead. Examples of these are the Y- and G-shaped islands. The downside of using angular islands is that they are costlier and harder to build. When faced with this problem, think twice before installing an island. The good thing about angular islands is that they usually offer more shelf space because of their unique shape. Buyers who are looking for functionality will like the property because of this. But then again, weigh your options and determine whether it’s worth the cash.

When it comes to determining the size, again, that will depend on the size of the surrounding area. It must be big enough to be functional but must also be small enough so that it does not obstruct other areas in the kitchen. A cook must have a continuous countertop of 36 inches. The fridge, shelves, and drawers must open fully without hitting the island. You must also be able to walk around the aisle without hitting the centerpiece.

Expert rehabbers believe that it should not be more than one-tenths of the kitchen’s total area although some designers are able to defy this “rule” without making the room look crowded. If the kitchen you are rehabbing is small, you can install a cart or mini portable island. If you have the luxury of space, go on and try designs and shapes that are functional and fashionable.