Kitchen islands, once a luxury and a conversation piece, are today perhaps the most important element in your home! If you have an older home or one with a kitchen larger than 8'x12' without an island or peninsula (an island connected to a wall or counter), you might consider this idea. After all, the kitchen is the hub of your castle... the most used, most heavily trafficked room you have! You cook, eat, prepare meals, feed the dog, wash the dishes (and other things) and maybe even help the kids with their homework and surf the 'net there.

So, understanding how you could improve the operation and function of your kitchen by adding an island or peninsula may be a very wise thing to do. Besides improving your lifestyle, it may also add to the value of your home. And, if you have the money or you're good with tools and have an understanding of basic remodeling, you could move your kitchen sink or range top there and open up under-cabinet counter space, too.

A kitchen island generally has two sides; the Living Side and the Kitchen (work) Side. These two sides work together to create an efficient, practical unit. The Living Side may incorporate a place to sit, a raised countertop (bar) and a place for utilitarian items used for ... well ... living. This side generally has shallow drawers for storing placemats, silverware, cups, serving utensils and bar items.

The Kitchen Side will have deeper drawers for work items, a counter surface for food prep and maybe cooking or cleaning. Pots, pans, small appliances, bowls, cleaning items and pet supplies are just a few of the things you could store there. To get started, gather your family (in the kitchen) and discuss what everyone might like in an island. Take notes.

Then, with a sheet of graph paper and a pencil, measure and draw - including measurements - what the kitchen is now. Don't concern yourself with details, just draw the walls and counters. No windows, overhead cabinets or appliances, unless they might conflict some way with the island. Once you have your "blueprint", make copies before you draw any island ideas. Then, if you make too many mistakes, simply pitch the copy you messed up and restart on a fresh new blueprint. Make sure your new island is at least 30" from walls and counters. Whether you decide to build the island yourself or have it made for you, this drawing will be indispensable. And, it will save you money in the long run.

Speaking of saving money, how about making your own island for less than $100? You could, if you peruse the cabinet factories and salvage warehouses. Base cabinets, like the ones you now have in your kitchen can sometimes be had for next to nothing, and you may be able to match what you already have! Base cabinets come in 24" or 18" deep by 9" to 48" wide. Take your drawing and one of the doors off your existing cabinets with you when you go cabinet shopping and see what's out there. Remember; be flexible.

Let's say you have a 40"x50"(+/-) area planned for your new island. Consider taking two 18"x 48" base cabinets, place them back to back (finished unit 36"x48") and add a tile countertop that compliments (or matches) the rest of your countertops. If you've never done tile work, go talk to a salesperson at one of the big boxes. Tile work is actually fun and nearly always looks professional. Attach the two base cabinets by screwing the back braces together and attach the unit to your kitchen floor by screws and braces or a construction adhesive like Liquid Nails™ then build the countertop. Add the finishing touches and there you have it. A weekend project that will pay you back each time you gather 'round!

For more info, go to RemodelQuickTips.com and click on KITCHEN IDEAS or search "building salvage your town", kitchen cabinets your town" or "cheap cabinets your town" (ie; building salvage topika ks).