People love food. So it's no wonder that kitchens often become a focal point in the home. You have your family in-and-out throughout the day, and your friends gather round to chat as you make a meal for them. We have the tendency to want to usher everyone out into a more comfortable environment. But if the kitchen is so popular, why not make it more comfortable and functional for everyone? A kitchen island can do just that.

Why an island? Well, kitchen islands can serve multiple purposes. 1) Islands add counter space. You can even add an extra sink or move the cooktop for a second cooking zone. This configuration can make for a functional work space, but pull up a couple of stools, and you've also got an extra table. 2) Islands can add storage space. You can customize an island to include cabinets, shelves, and drawers. 3) Islands can visually separate the kitchen from the rest of the house. If your kitchen is visible from other rooms, a kitchen island can also serve as a visual distinction between rooms.

What should you look for in an island? First, you'll need to know how much room you have, including space for traffic and clearance for cabinet doors, dishwashers, and ovens. Next, decide what you want the kitchen island to do for you. Will it just be extra counter space with storage underneath? Or do you want to add a sink or cooktop? Then think about where to place it, considering how you work and how you want the kitchen island to function. If you're moving the cooktop to the island, for instance, you may want to place it near the refrigerator, sink, or primary countertops.

There are also design choices to make. Square or rectangular islands are popular, especially when they include a sink or cooktop. If adding a cooktop, you might want to raise part of the countertop as an eating area to avoid splattering family or friends while cooking. If it will be more of an eating and prepping center, why not look into an oval or round island shape? Some people use the same materials and colors as the rest of the kitchen. But the island could also stand out a little with different color cabinets or a different countertop material such as granite. If you can't afford to do all of your countertops in a material like that, the island may be a perfect opportunity to use it.

A kitchen island can create a great work flow in your kitchen. If you're having trouble with awkward angles or your kitchen is spacious and needs a little bridge in the middle, an island can smooth things over and add valuable work and storage space. The extra countertop may also prove to be a favorite spot to sip coffee in the morning or eat an informal dinner at night. Whatever multiple uses you think of for this innovative design feature, consider adding an island to your kitchen.