Updating a Kitchen Island During Cabinet Refacing
Want to turn a basic kitchen island into a designer’s showpiece? Here are some changes you can make when you reface your kitchen cabinets.
Change Kitchen Island Countertop
The kitchen island often is the central gathering place in the kitchen. Whether you are entertaining guests or helping kids with homework, the island should be a comfortable yet dramatic place to be. One way to achieve drama is with a granite countertop. Among the benefits are:
- A granite countertop will create a design statement on the island.
- You’ll save money by only adding it on the island.
- You can select a unique color and design the island cabinets and accessories around it.
- Granite countertops are durable and heat resistant, so you can leave hot pots and pans on the counter without worry.
Add Cabinet Molding
When selecting the cabinet fronts for your island, ask the refacing company about decorative molding. By adding vertical wood molding near cabinet doors you can turn an ordinary island cabinet into a stylish piece of furniture. Also consider adding:
- Furniture-styled legs on the bottom of the island cabinets.
- Chunky carved vertical wood sections at each corner of the island.
- Decorative toe kick panels under the island cabinetry.
Buy New Prep Sink and Faucet
A new prep sink can also draw attention to the kitchen island. There are many sinks that are both decorative and functional. For example, try:
- A copper sink that has a hammered look, with indents around the inside of the bowl.
- A stainless steel sink with a satin finish, which has a softer appearance than traditional stainless steel.
Update Cabinet Decor
During a cabinet refacing, the layout of the cabinets stays the same. There are ways to modify the cabinet doors, however, to revamp the island design. Try removing a few cabinet doors and leaving the shelves open for decorative storage. Or, add a colorful curtain in the doorframe instead of a cabinet door. This approach works well with cabinets on the ends of the island, as these areas are highly visible.
There are many ways to update a kitchen island and turn it into the centerpiece of the kitchen. With a little creativity, you can turn a plain island into a work of art.
About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer. She has been a writer of home improvement columns for 15 years. Her articles have appeared in numerous national newspapers and magazines, and on home improvement web sites.
