Kitchen islands and peninsulas

Good morning...

We have a small house and are trying to figure out ways to best utilize our space. In a couple of weeks we're having our living room and kitchen done We originally ruled out an island because of space issues. There's no DR so we need an eat in kitchen.

BUT..

Does anyone have an island or peninsula that they use in place of a table? If we do this I would like to have seating on both sides just like a normal table. If anyone has pic I would love to see, thank you!!

Re: Kitchen islands and peninsulas

Good morning!

If I were you, I would not do an island or peninsula in place of a table if you have no other dining room or dining area.

I know a lot of buyers are disappointed when something is called an "eat-in kitchen" and then it turns out it's just a few stools at an island or peninsula. They want to see room for a table. Also, most people want some space for entertaining, hosting dinners or holidays, and that could be envisioned better with a table, even if small.

Even if you are just doing this for your needs only, and not thinking of re-sale value, I think you are better off putting in a table (even a small round table if space is tight, and sometimes people build in banquette seating to save space). Maybe you could still fit a peninsula (sounds like you can't do an island AND a table because of space), and put a couple of stools at the peninsula for a breakfast bar type seating area.

I just think a table is more versatile than seating at an island if you can't have both, especially if you have kids or plan to. Also, if the only seating is at the island, it may be a pain if you want to use your island for prep and counterspace. Jmo!

Good luck with your renovations!

Re: Kitchen islands and peninsulas

i *think* that if you don't have a DR, you will regret at some point, not having an EIK with an actual table. JMO

Re: Kitchen islands and peninsulas

My parents were in the same situation you are describing -- before they committed to an island/peninsula, they bought a cheap island/cart thing that folded out into a table and put it in the place where they thought they wanted the island and they tested it out.

She ended up liking it, so they had one custom-built in a different size -- after she realized what she preferred. Worth the extra $100 on the cheapo version to be sure, though, IMO.