"GRAND CENTRAL STATION"

Let's take walk back in time to 1997, to take a look at the different kitchen islands that were being created to serve a multiude of purposes. These photos were taken by Bob Greenspan, Rick Taylor, Jon Jensen, Maris/Semel,Taylor Woodcraft, Roy Inman, Gene Johnson/Hawks. These pictures were featured in Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publication of Country Kitchens.

There is something about a kitchen that will never change. It is and always will be the heart of the home.
It is where everyone seems to gravitate too so the kitchen is our Grand Central Station. If that is true then what about the concept of a kitchen island? How do they serve us?

They shorten the distance between our work centers and minimize the steps necessary to do our chores.
They provide counter and storage space without adding square footage.
They divide the kitchen proper from other areas of the house.
They serve as a buffet or eating area.

This island offers elevated counters for serving, and the ledge hides messes on the lower cleanup center workstation.

 

Underneath a naturally lighted alcove, this two level island provides work space below and work space above. A semicircular dining table at one end completes the arrangement.   

Near the family room, the I-shaped island has an eye for entertaining. The multipurpose design features a cooktop and warming drawers at one end of the island. A second sink and workspace at the other end make food prep easy.

 This kitchen is equipped for two cooks with a wide center island. This island houses a grill, gas cooktop, second sink with garbage disposal with a maple butcher-block counter. Old tractor wheels that move easily for access, hold a collection of pots and utensils.

Pull out drawers give the island acess to storage. The drop leaf top doubles as a dining area and additional workspace using only minimal space.

  

This island has a built-in food center that can operate 10 small appliances. Below the vegetable sink is a recycling drawer with plastic bins to separate plastic, glass and tin and a canvas bag at the back to collect newspapers.

Located in a small kitchen only eleven and a half  feet square, the island really measures up. A swinging ninge at one end allows a top section of the solid-surface counter to slide and rotate 180 degrees to expand the workspace.

 This butcher's block is topped with a slab of marble. This old world piece serves as a baking center.

An antique general store seed-bin-turned-island makes a colorful divider between the kitchen and the breakfast area. The glass front bins store popcorn, rice and beans and more storage is located on the backside. 

This island separates a great-room work area and a living and eating area. Painted country blue, the island has display shelves and plenty of work space on both sides of the sink.