I used to design kitchens for a large well-known company before retiring. I often saw the work of other companies whose designers were negligent in advising clients on the seating height of their island in reference to their bar stool function. The stools they picked were unusable at the bar because no one could fit their legs under the bar, let alone cross their legs. Too many designers are willing to give a client what they want without informing them of their choice 'cons'. That is why people hire them, not just for design, but to help with the important detail they are likely to miss. Just found you! Kudos! 🥳
Many thanks. I've watched a couple of your very practical and informational videos on Islands. Can't tell you how much I've appreciated the simple straight talk about function. Thankfully I am not going to have any stools or sitting around my work focused island, but the inches and distances have been SO useful to prevent future pain.
Hi Liz, Our kitchen plan is for two 4' x 10' islands, I do have to check and adjust the spacing between and around each of them. The kitchen is the short leg of an "L" partially open to the DR on the left and three defined seating areas to the right nt he LR. I'm using cut out furniture sizes and I recently bought a Drexel magnetic floor plan kit It's quite useful. I like the drop down doors to hide electric and other tricks in design. I'll be watching you videos over again to really absorb the information. Mark & Scott
Thank you! I wish whoever designed the kitchen in my house knew something about design! I’m working on a redesign because my refrigerator and sink are 10’ apart, my sink and cooktop 8.5’ apart and my cooktop and fridge 7.5’ apart. Cooking is like a cross training routine. (The issue is the only sink is in the island, which is huge L shape that is far, far away from the counters/appliances on the perimeter. The space between perimeter and island is like a dance floor. The designer has come up with 2 sinks for both a prep zone and a cleanup zone, and a rectangular island closer to the perimeter (54” spacing). I appreciate all the info you provide!
Thank you for this! I’m starting to design an island. I would love to hear the cons of a 2 tier island? We have plenty of space, so the bar area can be quite deep if needed. It seems very practical, especially since it is open to the entire living space. Would love to hear!
I had one and loved it! It accommodated all heights, hid the mess from the dining room and gave separation from cooking to eating and social zones. The con was the ability to spread out on a single big surface for 🍕 making and buffet type parties. The bar height is also difficult for older parents guests to sit at. If you’ve got plenty of space, see if you can give yourself those spaces you need around the kitchen!
Great video. I appreciate how you break it down into a few points that make sense. Is there an ideal height for a breakfast bar on an island? Same question for width 😊
What’s ideal for you? Are you tall, short? Do you like counter height seating 36”?, bar height 42”? For width, do you want to sit across from someone? Then 36”+ is good (two plates!)
Always informative & Interesting. If i understand correctly, The new 2024 National Electrical code specifically indicates NO power under counter, so options are becoming limited now. I certainly don't want to take up valuable counter space for a spring up electrical outlet (not to mention its robbing my cabinet below of space also) Time to run some extension cords again i guess!
My range and my island are two separate units. So, should my range be centered to the room or island? If I center my range to the kitchen, then it would be about 14 inches off-center from the island. If I center the range to the island then it will be off center to the walls in the kitchen.
Not seeing it, I’ll put in my two cents! I’d center the range on the wall it’s on (or however on that wall it makes sense as a center) The island is on its own journey!
what do you think about islands with a contrasting colour + contrasting countertop? eg light wood tone cabinets + grey countertop with island white gloss cabinets + white countertop - too much going on?
This is a personal preference, so I hate to say what’s “right”. But, I have opinions 🤣😇 one too much! Either counters are the same or base cabinets. They need to relate somehow 🤔 Otherwise, it’s like the island dropped in from another kitchen👩🎨🤷♀️
Great tips! Quick question on the single-height island power outlets... Doesn't the new 2023 electrical code forbid under-counter outlets? Have most designers started to incorporate this change into their island design plans? The advice to talk with your electrician still holds, but I think all single-height island outlets need to be pop-ups now.
So that’s about 15’ by 30’🙄 sounds like you could make it work. 15’ wide kitchen with about 16’ x15’ left over for living area! And you’ll be “borrowing” space from the room behind the stools from the kitchen space for the living to feel more spacious than the 16’
How deep/how much overhang should there be on the island? I want there to be comfortably enough space to have the barstool fit in the island without hitting it. Thanks :)
It depends on the material and thickness. But most counter fabricators get uncomfortable after 12” unsupported. You can add brackets and metal flat straps to extend support if you’re tall and want more room, 13-14”
Not sure when you posted this, but electrical outlets on the sides of the island are no longer allowed by the 2023 NEC (National Electrical Code) due to the hazard then present when kids and pets pull on the cords). They are ONLY allowed on the top surface - and they must be water resistant which makes them very expensive.
Ty ,am building owner , builder small cottage. I did an internet..o e can purchase counter pop ups for islands .. Not certain this is a like fie me personally but will give thought.
Hi Liz, I would like to ask if a hallway direct from the main door is sufficient for traffic of 4 family members. The hall way is 2 meters wide, and 8 meters deep from the main door. 6 meters from the main door: Left side - double door 2 meters wide to dining room Right side - double door 2 meters wide to living room
@@samph5 3’ for hallways is bare minimum. That’s around a meter right? We were denied the simplicity of the metric system where I grew up🙄 so at 2 meters, you should have room enough for a generous pass thru with a bench or console table
Didn't know that an island requires an outlet by code. Seems silly and explains why my house's island was in the garage. It was hiding from the inspector!
I used to design kitchens for a large well-known company before retiring. I often saw the work of other companies whose designers were negligent in advising clients on the seating height of their island in reference to their bar stool function. The stools they picked were unusable at the bar because no one could fit their legs under the bar, let alone cross their legs. Too many designers are willing to give a client what they want without informing them of their choice 'cons'. That is why people hire them, not just for design, but to help with the important detail they are likely to miss. Just found you! Kudos! 🥳
Welcome and happy to have a kitchen designer on board!🧑🎨
Adjustable height stools with a foot rest work great for adults and children. Thanks for your informative post.
Thanks for watching! I love my adjustable work stool
Many thanks. I've watched a couple of your very practical and informational videos on Islands. Can't tell you how much I've appreciated the simple straight talk about function. Thankfully I am not going to have any stools or sitting around my work focused island, but the inches and distances have been SO useful to prevent future pain.
So glad they helped!🙏 thanks for watching!
Spacing is so important in every design and organization feature in the kitchen. It's so much to wrap your mind around.
Hi Liz, Our kitchen plan is for two 4' x 10' islands, I do have to check and adjust the spacing between and around each of them. The kitchen is the short leg of an "L" partially open to the DR on the left and three defined seating areas to the right nt he LR. I'm using cut out furniture sizes and I recently bought a Drexel magnetic floor plan kit It's quite useful. I like the drop down doors to hide electric and other tricks in design. I'll be watching you videos over again to really absorb the information. Mark & Scott
"those dirty little buggers..." 😁. I like this woman's take on people, places, and things. 👍
You must have kids like mine 🤣😇
You are informative… and opinionated…in a most friendly manner. Bonus: you deliver your points without sounding condescending! Thanks!
Thanks🙏 My opinions may change, so stay tuned 🤣👩🎨😇
thanks for the thought starters! I'm planning my reno to include a built in kitchen island and these are great considerations!
Glad they helped. There’s plenty more🎥👩🎨
Thank you! I wish whoever designed the kitchen in my house knew something about design! I’m working on a redesign because my refrigerator and sink are 10’ apart, my sink and cooktop 8.5’ apart and my cooktop and fridge 7.5’ apart. Cooking is like a cross training routine. (The issue is the only sink is in the island, which is huge L shape that is far, far away from the counters/appliances on the perimeter. The space between perimeter and island is like a dance floor. The designer has come up with 2 sinks for both a prep zone and a cleanup zone, and a rectangular island closer to the perimeter (54” spacing). I appreciate all the info you provide!
🏋️ sounds like you can skip the gym! Thanks for watching
BRILLIANT!! ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!! i would have made so many mistakes. You are truly a design guru!! TRULY!! keep posting! love watching!
That’s awesome!😎 Keep watching!
Thank you for this! I’m starting to design an island. I would love to hear the cons of a 2 tier island? We have plenty of space, so the bar area can be quite deep if needed. It seems very practical, especially since it is open to the entire living space. Would love to hear!
I had one and loved it! It accommodated all heights, hid the mess from the dining room and gave separation from cooking to eating and social zones. The con was the ability to spread out on a single big surface for 🍕 making and buffet type parties. The bar height is also difficult for older parents guests to sit at. If you’ve got plenty of space, see if you can give yourself those spaces you need around the kitchen!
thank you
Wow you are so knowledgeable. I need you in the future
I’ll be here so keep watching!🙏🎥
Fabulous 🎉
Love your practical advice...thankyou...
Anytime!🙏
Excellent, as always!
Thanks for be here!🙏
Great video. I appreciate how you break it down into a few points that make sense. Is there an ideal height for a breakfast bar on an island? Same question for width 😊
What’s ideal for you? Are you tall, short? Do you like counter height seating 36”?, bar height 42”? For width, do you want to sit across from someone? Then 36”+ is good (two plates!)
great tips love this channel
Good! Watch some more!😂
Always informative & Interesting.
If i understand correctly, The new 2024 National Electrical code specifically indicates NO power under counter, so options are becoming limited now. I certainly don't want to take up valuable counter space for a spring up electrical outlet (not to mention its robbing my cabinet below of space also)
Time to run some extension cords again i guess!
It’s crazy! They were a pain to design around, but the limited placement of not at all has just as many problems!😱
My range and my island are two separate units. So, should my range be centered to the room or island? If I center my range to the kitchen, then it would be about 14 inches off-center from the island. If I center the range to the island then it will be off center to the walls in the kitchen.
Not seeing it, I’ll put in my two cents! I’d center the range on the wall it’s on (or however on that wall it makes sense as a center) The island is on its own journey!
what do you think about islands with a contrasting colour + contrasting countertop? eg light wood tone cabinets + grey countertop with island white gloss cabinets + white countertop - too much going on?
This is a personal preference, so I hate to say what’s “right”. But, I have opinions 🤣😇 one too much! Either counters are the same or base cabinets. They need to relate somehow 🤔 Otherwise, it’s like the island dropped in from another kitchen👩🎨🤷♀️
@@lizbiancoismydesignsherpa haha yes i tend to agree, thanks Liz
@@imaresurcher Anytime! I'm full of opinions!
Great tips! Quick question on the single-height island power outlets... Doesn't the new 2023 electrical code forbid under-counter outlets? Have most designers started to incorporate this change into their island design plans? The advice to talk with your electrician still holds, but I think all single-height island outlets need to be pop-ups now.
Check your local codes and a good electrician. The codes are changing! No more mandatory outlets in many areas because of too many accidents🤣😎
Hi Liz, I have another question: is a 5meter x 10meter (50sqm) area enough for a kitchen with island and seating and living room for 4 people?
So that’s about 15’ by 30’🙄 sounds like you could make it work. 15’ wide kitchen with about 16’ x15’ left over for living area! And you’ll be “borrowing” space from the room behind the stools from the kitchen space for the living to feel more spacious than the 16’
How deep/how much overhang should there be on the island? I want there to be comfortably enough space to have the barstool fit in the island without hitting it. Thanks :)
It depends on the material and thickness. But most counter fabricators get uncomfortable after 12” unsupported. You can add brackets and metal flat straps to extend support if you’re tall and want more room, 13-14”
Not sure when you posted this, but electrical outlets on the sides of the island are no longer allowed by the 2023 NEC (National Electrical Code) due to the hazard then present when kids and pets pull on the cords). They are ONLY allowed on the top surface - and they must be water resistant which makes them very expensive.
I need a disclaimer! Changed after the video, so I guess there’s an idea 💡 🎥
O great there goes my extra cooking area ...
Ty ,am building owner , builder small cottage.
I did an internet..o e can purchase counter pop ups for islands ..
Not certain this is a like fie me personally but will give thought.
@bawillard2578 I worry about spills!
I'm glad i saw this comment. Good to know. Thanks
NEC code recently changed for islands. Outlet not required anymore. But if it is done, it can’t be on the side.
Yes! Thank goodness for common sense prevailing😜
Hi Liz, I would like to ask if a hallway direct from the main door is sufficient for traffic of 4 family members. The hall way is 2 meters wide, and 8 meters deep from the main door.
6 meters from the main door:
Left side - double door 2 meters wide to dining room
Right side - double door 2 meters wide to living room
I’m not sure I’m understanding. The hall is 2 meters wide, 6’+ ??? Plenty of room!
@@lizbiancoismydesignsherpa is a 2 meter hallway sufficient? What’s your minimum hallway width?
@@samph5 minimum 36" or 90cm?
@@samph5 3’ for hallways is bare minimum. That’s around a meter right? We were denied the simplicity of the metric system where I grew up🙄 so at 2 meters, you should have room enough for a generous pass thru with a bench or console table
Didn't know that an island requires an outlet by code. Seems silly and explains why my house's island was in the garage. It was hiding from the inspector!
It is silly!
Check your local codes! They are scrapping this in many areas!!! Too many stupid accidents tripping over wires.
Not all kitchen configurations will allow an island. I have a galley style kitchen. would love an isle , but there is no room.
It’s not always the best choice or most efficient! Thanks for watching 💕
Great info - scuff marks? We don't wear shoes in our house - problem solved!
Good thinking 🤔 but no one listened!
@@lizbiancoismydesignsherpa Japanese father - they had no choice.