Technically, any island can be used for dining as long as it has seats and an overhang that allows those seats to tuck in for comfort. A 6-inch minimum overhang is sufficient for dining, although 9 to 12 inches will be more generous, especially for legroom.
Using seats that look and feel more like chairs will give the island more of a “dining room” vibe, and seating with backs will be more comfortable for longer meals.
Keep in mind that comfortable dining also requires a little elbow room. The fact that your island technically can fit a certain number of seats doesn’t mean that that many people can sit comfortably without knocking into each other. The typical shoulder width of a person is 24 inches, but try to give each seat closer to 30 inches if you can.
For example, a 60-inch (or 5-foot) island could fit three 18-inch-wide stools if they’re pushed together, but it would be better to use just two seats so that each person has 30 inches.
The island style shown here features a typical built-in island with storage in the base but with a deeply extended top to create a large surface with lots of room for seats.
Notice how the end of the island in the foreground has room for seats on three sides. (Only two sides are in use for this photo, but a chair could easily be pulled around to the other side, near the fridge.) This can allow a small group of people to sit facing each other and chat easily, rather than sitting all in a row, which is a nice option to have.
Extra-Extended Islands
In a long, narrow kitchen, sometimes the island can only extend in one direction, parallel to the cabinets. In this case, rather than widening the island to allow for stools around the edges, the island can be extended a long way in one direction (50 to 80 inches), creating a dining-table-length extension adjacent to the main work surface. In other words, the island top is very long, but the base with storage only extends halfway and the other half is left open for seats.
This solution gives lots of extra prep space for convenient day-to-day cooking, and when needed, the dining half can be cleared for a proper sit-down meal.
You can create a similar effect by pushing a table up against an existing island. The pairing will look best if the table and island are the same width so they meet neatly. Again, the advantage here is that now the table can easily be used for both dining and food prep, so it does double duty.
Consider using a different material for the tabletop so the contrast looks intentional. Warm wood will add a welcoming air and coordinate easily with a stone countertop.
Also, notice here how the chair fabric ties back to the cabinet color, which gives the eclectic mix of materials a bit of continuity.
This kitchen takes a more unusual approach, but the result is very cool. A custom dining-height table wraps around an L-shaped island, making the two pieces look architecturally integrated. Having a custom piece made will ensure it’s the exact length, width and shape that suits your kitchen, so it’s a great option if your budget allows
Note: Adding an island extension at a lower level makes the surface a little less convenient as extra counter space but more comfortable as a dining table, a trade-off that ultimately comes down to personal preference.
The previous concept works well for a long, narrow kitchen, but what about a more square or open concept? An island with a “bubble” or “node” on it, such as this one, creates a dining space that allows guests to face each other, and also face the chef, so everyone feels included in the conversation.
This setup takes less floor area than having a separate circular table off to the side, so it’s a great compromise between counter space and open circulation space.
Use a 36- to 48-inch diameter for the semicircle to seat two to four people.
Perpendicular Extensions
This kitchen places a picnic-style dining area right against the back of an island, creating a layout similar to the previous “bubble island.” This works if you have a lot more space next to the kitchen than in the kitchen itself and almost cheats the kitchen out into the rest of the room to make it look and feel a bit bigger.
Furniture Islands
If you have a smaller space, are on a lower budget or prefer a breezier look, you can skip the traditional island altogether and use a dining table in its place as a multifunctional piece.
Obviously, a slim table is not as usable for a prep counter as a wide, deep island, but it can be serviceable as an extra space to do a little chopping, mix up a drink or set out some baked goods to cool, which sometimes is all you really need.
In every kitchen, there is the potential for great storage, display, and functionality. The sad fact is all kitchens don’t have enough of any of these. A kitchen island solves these problems and looks beautiful doing it. From mobile islands to seating area kitchen islands, the amenity of having one or two in your kitchen is an added bonus. If you are fortunate to design or choose a home with a kitchen island you’re in for a treat. For those that are on the fence as to whether to have one, continue reading our featured kitchen article of the week.
If your kitchen is lacking storage areas, a kitchen island may solve your problem. With the option of additional drawers, pull-out shelves, and cabinets, the island is an extension of your existing casework. Ever thought you didn’t have enough room for recycling bins? A kitchen island makes a great accessible space because it doesn’t interfere with the main preparation area of the rest of the kitchen.
Whether it is homework time or they pitch in to help make dinner, a kitchen island is a great place for kids to feel part of the action and be in close-eye view. Another option for kitchen islands is to place kid’s height amenities like a microwave and refrigerated drawer in reach. For after-school snacks and Saturday morning early breakfasts, amenities that the kids can feel independent using are a good idea for some households.
A kitchen island can act as informal dining area for the kids or it can act as additional seating when entertaining. Having access to your family or guests is always an advantage while cooking and preparing meals. Even if your kitchen is small, a counter extension into the adjacent room can act as an island. Whether your space can seat 2 or 6, it’s always a plus to be able to seat more people.
Need extra counter space and at other times need more floor space? A movable kitchen island offers more room when you and your friends want to cook a huge meal and each person takes a section of the kitchen to prepare. Once your meal is complete, roll your kitchen island out of the way for added space. Movable kitchens are ideal for smaller kitchens that need the best of both worlds.
For larger kitchens, the ability to add preparation sinks, refrigerator drawers, and additional cooking area is a way to make your kitchen more functional and useful. Since larger kitchens have the ability to have plumbing and electrical services run to them the options are limitless. Add a range hood over your stove/grill and now your island becomes the main hub of cooking and entertaining.
Whether you are using your island for utilitarian purposes or you want the island to be the show stopper of the kitchen, there is a countertop surface for you. If cost is a concern, consider plastic laminate or solid surface man-made finishes. For mid-level spending consider higher grades of solid surfaces or stained concrete. At the high end of the cost spectrum are butcher block, granite, and custom exotic wood varieties. Visit our showroom for inspiration or use our online kitchen visualizer tools to get dream kitchen island ideas.
Don’t forget to stop by our Jackson Stoneworks staff today or this coming Saturday to discuss plans on upgrading your kitchen island.
2 Top Countertop Options for Families
Families need countertops that are practical, durable, and low maintenance. The best kitchen countertops for families meet those needs and are still beautiful. They don’t sacrifice looks for durability. Today’s 2 optional countertop materials are among great choices for the family kitchen.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz, also called engineered stone, is perfect for families. It is heat, scratch, and stain resistant, and does not etch. (Some of the lighter-colored quartz countertops may stain, so be sure to research your choices.) It’s easy to maintain and does not require sealing. With care, such as using trivets and cutting boards, it is practically indestructible. Finally, it does not require any special cleaners, just warm soapy water.
Quartz comes in a wide range of costs and usually falls on the higher end of the countertop price spectrum. For many, the combination of low maintenance and durability justifies the price.
Granite Countertops
For those looking for something more natural, a granite kitchen countertop is an answer. Like quartz, granite is very durable and resistant to heat and scratches. For the most part, it is also stain-resistant.
Because granite usually has a speckled appearance, it can be a great choice for families. Sometimes, living with children can feel like living with Charlie Brown’s friend Pigpen. They just seem to generate dirt and crumbs without doing anything. Those speckles in the granite do a great job of hiding all the little crumbs that seem to always be on a counter.
Granite also comes in a pretty wide range of prices. Depending on the grade, granite can be a great economical countertop choice for the kitchen. Check out our stone-yard inventory for more options and information.
Jackson Stoneworks specializes in and supplies Pompeii quartz countertops for the local area. This popular countertop can last for the life of your house or business due to its resistance to harmful elements.
If you have any concerns about this kind of countertop you can give us a call at (352) 372-6600 or come to our showroom, located at 1111 SE 22nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641. We have a broad selection of samples on display and we’re ready to help you make an informed and confident choice on your countertop.
Pompeii quartz can be described as a stone that is made up of an amalgamation of natural and pure quartz that is bonded to other materials. With the use of the latest technology of Berton, Italy, the Pompeii quartz producers take the material on the surface and mix it with resin as well as other organic substances. This cutting-edge technology makes the quartz nearly indestructible, without sacrificing the style or elegance of natural quartz.
Pompeii Quartz is designed and produced to withstand moderate heat. However, the product isn’t thermally resistant. The resistance to shock and thermal increases with the increment of the thickness used by the Quartz. A slab that is thicker than 3 cm is stronger than a slab of 2 centimeters. As with all composite materials, Quartz may be damaged due to long-lasting or sudden exposure to extreme temperatures especially around cuts and edges of the material, resulting in cracks. To avoid heat shock, coloration, and other harms, it’s important that you use pads with insulation while placing hot objects close to open flames, or in contact with pots that are extremely hot. We recommend always using trivets or hot pads particularly when cooking equipment like electric cooking pans, crockpots, frying pans, and toaster ovens.
Quartz is extremely resistant to the stains that are caused by juices of fruit as well as liquid food coloring wine, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. It is also resistant to grapes and nail polishes. It also resists paints and removal fluid, automobile fluids along with a permanent marker. If one of these is spilled onto the floor, clean the area stained with any multi-purpose cleaner that is commonly used and wash it off with normal water.
For more severe spills and staining, repeat the process multiple times, and then apply an ordinary scouring pad to clean the stain. It is possible that some difficult stains will leave a slight scratch or a very faint discoloration of the stones. High gloss and low absorption of moisture in Quartz completely eliminate the need to seal the stones.
When it comes to kitchen countertops, there are a ton of great options in our stone yard. From granite to ceramic tile, and from marble countertops to marble floors – you name it, and we have it in our showroom!
Recent years, however, have shown an increase in homeowners looking into quartz, a hard and crystalline mineral that’s all the rage.
Many are dying to have quartz countertops installed in their homes, and with the material’s whole slew of advantages, it’s not hard to see why. Here are four reasons why you should consider upgrading to a quartz countertop with Jackson Stoneworks today.
To say that quartz is durable would be an understatement. It is, in fact, one of the hardest materials on the planet. This means that your quartz countertop will stand the test of time, no matter how busy your kitchen is. Its longevity is the main reason why quartz is in high demand with many families. No one, after all, wants to shell out money for maintenance costs whenever your child accidentally drops something heavy your counter.
People usually gather around the kitchen; it’s where we prepare our food, our kids do their homework, and where we find ourselves sipping coffee in the morning. Because of this, countertops are always exposed to various elements, such as spills, stains, and splatters.
Quartz, however, has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, and all those other nasty stuff, which means that your countertops won’t be a petri dish of germs and bacteria. Additionally, quartz is much easier to clean than other natural stone surfaces so you don’t have to keep wiping it down hour after hour.
Quartz is incredibly versatile and can be found in a wide range of colors and pattern combinations. Want an elegant, sophisticated look? Then go for a stunning white marble-like quartz. Feeling a bit artistic? A swirled design is your best bet. There’s even cherry for the adventurous, mint for the brave, and custom purple for flamboyant owners looking to stand out from the crowd! Whatever your tastes are, there’s sure to be a quartz countertop color to suit it.
Quartz isn’t just a favorite among homeowners – architects and designers have fallen in love with it too! The material’s abundance of color options combined with its consistency means that it can be used in nearly every single feature of a home, from the bathroom walls to the living room fireplace, and so much more. Quartz isn’t just limited to your kitchen countertops. Rather, it makes a whole world of creativity available right at your fingertips.
If you want a low-maintenance countertop material that has a consistent appearance, consider using quartz for your kitchen. With its spectrum of color and pattern combinations, you’ll surely find one that perfectly fits your kitchen’s interior.
Visit our slab yard today and find out the various quartz selections we have in store for you for your kitchen. Here, you’ll find high-end materials sold at a very affordable price. Find our address here
It’s only natural to debate whether to go with a walk-in or cabinet pantry when you’re building a new home or redesigning your existing kitchen. Some homeowners want a roomy nook with wall-to-wall shelves and customized inserts, while others are satisfied with just a few shelves and pullouts tucked inside a kitchen cabinet. Here are the pros and cons of both styles.
Pro: They have more storage capacity. Walk-in pantries are a home chef’s best friend. They take the cake when it comes to sheer volume of storage space. With multiple walls of floor-to-ceiling shelves, they’re big enough to store dozens of ingredients, cookbooks, snacks, pots, pans, medium to large cooking appliances and more.
Con: Storage is more spread out. Bigger isn’t always better, especially when you’re in the mood to whip up a quick dinner. It may take a few extra minutes to gather your ingredients in a large walk-in pantry. Walk-in pantries are also some distance away from appliances and prep space, which can reduce efficiency when you’re cooking. Some homeowners prefer the convenience of having ingredients on hand in their kitchen.
Pro: They can be better organized. Cabinet pantries aren’t inefficient by any means, but walk-in pantries let you get a little more creative with your organization techniques. You can sort your items by row or column, by food group and so on. Consider dedicating a column of shelves to nonrefrigerated fruits and veggies or your most-used oils and spices. You may even have room to house your baking sheets with built-in tray dividers.
Con: They can require more upkeep. A highly organized pantry may come at a price. More space plus more shelves equals more to keep clean and tidy. It takes time and effort to dust off dirty surfaces and declutter shelves. If you’re looking to cut back on your weekly to-do list, you may prefer a cabinet pantry with less storage and less upkeep.
Pro: They can store bigger appliances with ease. Cabinet pantries can house toasters, coffee makers and mixers, but it’s usually at the expense of valuable storage space. Walk-in pantries can comfortably fit larger appliances like microwaves, slow cookers, juicers and deep fryers, freeing up kitchen counter space and ensuring they’re ready to grab when you need them. Some pantries may even have enough space for a second refrigerator.
Con: They take up a lot of space. A downside to walk-in pantries is that they require a lot of space to be functional and efficient. If you’re designing a new kitchen or remodeling an existing one, you’ll have to shrink your kitchen’s footprint to accommodate a walk-in pantry. This can be an issue for homeowners who are short on space to begin with and want to maximize the size of their kitchen.
Pro: They don’t take up a lot of space. Cabinet pantries are on the smaller side compared with walk-in pantries, which require a large footprint. Most measure 24 to 36 inches wide. They’re an efficient storage solution for small or medium-size kitchens, providing a little extra shelf and drawer space without giving up too much in return.
Con: They take up counter space. You’ll definitely lose some counter space, no matter how small your cabinet pantry may be. If you’re designating multiple cabinets as pantry storage, be prepared to give up a significant amount of prep space. Either way, it’s important to navigate the delicate balance of storage and counter space with due diligence. This loss is felt less in larger kitchens but can impact the way a smaller kitchen functions. Consider the size of your kitchen and the way you cook when deciding.
Share: Which storage solution do you prefer — walk-in pantry or cabinet pantry? Tell us in the Comments.
The countertops are the main focal point of the kitchen, so it’s important that they stand out and leave a nice impression. Jackson Stoneworks fabricates and installs beautiful quartz, granite, and marble countertops. These quartz tops come in over 150 designs that naturally resist chips, scratches, and porcelain. They are also non-porous, so food particles and water drops are unable to seep into the surface which could otherwise cause bacteria growth. Check out these stunning collections on our website.
The cabinets are one of the main focal points in the kitchen. It’s their job to display some of your dishwares and keep the rest tucked away. The way you decide to remodel your cabinets will affect how the rest of your kitchen is styled. There are many different options to choose from that including stylish shelving, open storage, traditional wood cabinets, and much more! I personally love the stylish white cabinets with the modern silver knobs as shown in this photo below
Take the time to upgrade your flooring if it’s looking a little outdated or deteriorating. There are several different designs ranging from hardwood, ceramic, laminate and stone. If your family is always in the kitchen, you might want to take into consideration a floor that can better withstand scratching, staining, spills and moisture. Nowadays homeowners are choosing to have not only their kitchen but their entire home covered in hardwood as opposed to carpet.
Whether you’ve had your granite countertops or marble kitchen countertops for a while, or you’re still gazing with the eyes of a new love at its lustrous surface while whipping mashed potatoes, you know granite inspires some gratitude. If you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving gathering this year, follow these tips for showing off and taking care of your granite countertops before, during and after the feast!
Remember to proactively wipe up any spills as they happen and store all leftovers in shallow, air-tight containers to allow them to cool quickly for safe storage in the refrigerator. Then sit back and enjoy the time with your friends, family and guests, being grateful for everything wonderful while you admire the sparkle on your granite countertops.
Jackson Stoneworks Staff wishes a Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers and customers.
Is it time for a kitchen remodel? Maybe you’ve been thinking about it for years or maybe you are a new homeowner. The kitchen is the heart of the home, so updating this space brings benefits beyond having a nice-looking room. The truth is that remodeling your kitchen has many benefits. You will likely cook more meals at home. Have friends and family over on a regular basis. Enjoy moments of deep conversation and laughter. Don’t wait… it’s time to stop by Jackson Stoneworks to start the remodel of YOUR kitchen!
Update an Awkward Layout
Above all else, you want a kitchen that functions for your needs. No one works well in an awkward space. Is your working area too small and too cramped? Maybe you can’t open specific cabinets if someone is in the refrigerator. You might need more countertop space or a durable countertop medium for meal prep. These things can be fixed or at least significantly improved with the right remodeling job.
Ideas for improving functionality:
Update Deteriorating Materials
As you reconfigure the space in your kitchen, it makes sense to update deteriorating materials. No matter how durable, shiny and new everything appears when first installed, things fall apart. Dents appear. The wear and tear of life and general use takes its toll. The most important things to update include the cabinets, countertops, sink, faucet, and flooring. Invest in high-quality, durable products that will last many years.
Create a Space that Works for Your Family
With a well-thought-out space comes relaxation and peace of mind. When renovating your kitchen, it’s important to do so with your family’s specific needs. Maybe you want to make a large table for gathering in the center of the room. Do the kids do homework at the snack counter?
Once renovated to suit your needs, your kitchen will be the gathering place you’ve always dreamed about.
Kitchen Needs to Consider:
If your current kitchen doesn’t fit your lifestyle, a kitchen remodel can make it the kitchen of your dreams.
Do you cringe every time you enter your outdated kitchen? If so, it may be time to create a happier go-to space. Your kitchen should be somewhere you want to be and spend time. That means pleasant surroundings that reflect your personal style.
When you have an updated kitchen, you’ll want to spend more time in your kitchen.
Some style considerations could include:
Since you’ll be spending a good portion of your life in the kitchen, make sure it fits your aesthetics. Our designers can help you incorporate the most popular products, colors and designs in your kitchen.
Think beyond yourself when updating your kitchen. The updates will also be appreciated by new home buyers should you choose to sell. An updated kitchen will boost the resale of your home and adds value to your future.
Statistics show that you will likely recoup a good chunk of what you invest. You will get back 62-77% of what you paid for the remodel. It is also likely you will sell your home more quickly as the kitchen is often the shining star for new home buyers.
A home with an updated and remodeled kitchen will almost always sell more quickly than a home without one.
Improve resale value with these updates:
Are your appliances out-of-date and using unnecessary energy? A remodel is the perfect time to update. From ovens to dishwashers to stoves, kitchens are full of energy-sucking appliances that you may not even realize.
Are you ready to speak with our designers? Whatever your reason for remodeling your kitchen, we are here to help. You provide the inspiration and we will give you the options to bring your dream kitchen to life.