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The Complete Guide to Incorporating Pillars in Kitchen Islands

Kitchen islands have become a coveted feature in many homes. Not only do they provide extra prep and dining space, but they instantly upgrade the design of a kitchen. Incorporating columns or pillars takes the visual appeal up another notch by adding architectural drama. Supporting ceiling beams, framed with open shelving, or topped with decorative molding, pillars introduce stylish new dimensions to islands. Keep reading for everything you need to know about integrating these vertical design elements.

Kitchen Island Basics

Before deciding on adding pillars, it helps to understand what defines a great kitchen island in general. The primary purpose is to offer more countertop workspace for food preparation tasks. Islands also frequently provide casual dining spots with counter overhangs or integrated stools. They present major opportunities for storage as well, with drawers, cabinets and shelves built in.

kitchen island with pillars

Proper proportions are key - too small and islands get cramped, but oversized versions disrupt flow. Allow for at least 36-42 inches of circulation area around all sides. Typical heights range from 34-36 inches, with depths around 24-30 inches. Microwave turntables and seated knees should clear underneath, while leaving room for tall chefs. Standard widths are commonly 4 to 7 feet.

Thoughtful placement matters too. Locate islands away from high traffic lanes, but still easily accessible from sink, stove and refrigerator work triangles. Lighting and electrical outlets must reach the island site as well. Materials usually match cabinetry, with granite, quartz or butcher block tops.

Benefits of Adding Pillars

Integrating substantial columns or slender pillars instantly infuses kitchen islands with drama. They attract the eye, create captivating light and shadow interplay, and elevate ordinary countertops to sculptural focal points.

Pillars offer the chance to exhibit decorative wood elements that relate to beams or exposed framework across ceiling expanses. They introduce height and a feeling of grand architectural scale within kitchen spaces. When spaced strategically, negative space opens up for display shelving or glass-fronted wine storage as well.

Pillar Design Considerations

First decide if pillars play a structural role or simply provide aesthetic appeal. Load-bearing posts require an engineer's specifications for proper sizing and reinforcement. Strictly decorative pillars allow more flexibility in proportions and materials.

Pillar height presents one major option - extending all the way up to high ceilings makes the biggest statement. Lower height columns still add style at more standard 36 inch island levels. Match widths between posts to the island depth for balanced proportions. Narrower or wider gaps can spotlight bigger sections of countertop and introduce knee room as well.

Traditional kitchen pillar materials like finished hardwoods complement exposed beams or ceiling details. Mixing natural stone, nubby plaster or sleek metal finishes contrast beautifully with wood cabinetry instead. Tailor top and base details to suit - simple squared-off caps or ornate turned finials. Include accent lighting to spotlight pillar details and maximize visual impact.

Deciding on Kitchen Island Pillar Placement

Determining kitchen island post positioning takes careful planning. Measure thoroughly and map options out to allow for optimal traffic flow. Mark potential appliance sites, noting needed outlet placement. Account for room to pull out any storage drawers while preserving ample leg room all around.

Balance appearances as well, positioning pillars evenly across larger expanses. Floating solitary posts at corners save floorspace. Just be wary of crammed in pillars that create bottlenecks. Maintain at least 42 inches for moving between a pillar and other elements like walls or ranges.

Decorative Options Between Pillars

Take advantage of eye-catching negative space created between pillars. Open shelves artfully display cherished dishware collections or row upon row of glittering crystal. Stagger floating modules at different heights for added dimension. Install discreet lighting above to spotlight contents.

Framed-glass wine racks keep bottles neatly corralled while still visible. Enclose the area between pillars instead for concealed storage. Opt for floor-to-ceiling cabinetry or sliding woven basket units. The space also adapts well for pendant or sconce fixtures that Wash pillars in ambient glow.

Coordinating counter stools line up attractively between kitchen island posts. Perch pulled-up seats along one side or front-to-back instead. For standing spaces, simply leave intervals open without visual obstructions. This allows unbroken sight lines across kitchens for an airier, less confined feel.

Incorporating Other Design Aspects

When planning kitchen islands with integrated pillars, consider how to cohesively interplay finishes with surrounding cabinetry. Match pillar stain or paint colors to tie spaces together seamlessly. Natural wheat hues, bold navy blue, or deep espresso work particularly well.

Echo ceiling beam elements along tops for a seamless look - crown molding or bracketed cornices smoothly transition pillar tops. Contrast lighter countertop materials like white Carrara marble or grey-veined quartz to truly distinguished pillar details.

Don't forget to decorate supporting structures too. Frame openings attractively with wood trim surrounds or billion glass inserts. Install sconces or mini pendant lights within pillars to cast intriguing shadows. Work with skilled craftspeople on custom metalwork or carved ornamentation.

Avoiding Potential Pitfalls

As striking as kitchen island posts can be, certain hazards exist. Poorly planned pillars cramp room flow when positioned poorly. Leave ample clearance from range ovens for safety too. Groups of pillars that are too closely spaced prevent drawers or doors from fully opening.

While slim pillars save on elbow room, spindly supports may not stand up to years of wear and tear. Consider durability of finishes if located in high-traffic zones. Softer woods show dings over time, while floor moisture takes a toll on some natural stones. Properly seal and protect more delicate materials.

Visually, overly chunky supports overwhelm smaller kitchens. Measure carefully and scale wider posts to space proportions. More slender pillars with sizeable gaps prevent confined feelings, while still providing style. Avoid widely spaced pillars in larger kitchens though - these can seem disconnected or insubstantial.

Check sight lines from seating areas as well. Posts that frequently wind up in diners' lines of vision quickly become annoying and disrupt conversations. Illuminate potential issues with painters tape pillars before finalizing plans.

While the basics of incorporating pillars and columns provide helpful knowledge, nothing substitutes seeing successful finished kitchens. Pillar-framed kitchen islands span styles from pared-back modern to ornately embellished traditional spaces. Explore imagery galleries focused on this feature, paying attention to proportions that appeal most.

Study contractor sites and kitchen design blogs showcasing stunning pillar details worth emulating. Note finishes that catch the eye, like rough-sawn oak or hand-troweled plaster. Save photos of projects with attractive decorative touches worth duplicating - glass-fronted cabinets, vintage light fixtures or custom metal supports. Compile a vision board before meeting with kitchen professionals.

No matter what overall look inspires - industrial warehouse, bohemian warmth or sleek contemporary - kitchen island posts add character. With smart planning that factors both aesthetics and function, pillars provide the perfect vehicle for infusing wow-factor into kitchen designs.