The Functional Feature HGTV's Jasmine Roth Loves Adding To Kitchens

HGTV's Jasmine Roth has a wealth of design tips for all areas of your home, particularly the kitchen, which Roth describes as one of her favorite spaces for renovations. 

In a recent "Mind to Design," Roth discussed many of her tactics for dramatic transformations, including ripping out walls, opening up spaces, and filling them with beautiful details like cabinetry and penny tile backsplashes. One element, in particular, is a favorite for Roth — the kitchen island — which she often works into her own designs.

By opening up smaller kitchen spaces and placing an island at the center, each kitchen not only has a dramatic new focal point, but also a place for seating, extra counter space, and storage. Since kitchens are often a gathering space in the home, adding a well-appointed island with stools not only gives people a spot to grab a bite but also a place for people to gather in the kitchen. An island also improves the flow of the room for those using it for cooking, eating, and entertaining.

No matter the dimensions of the kitchen and space considerations for an island, the element can have a dramatic impact. Roth suggests that just a small cart placed in the center of a kitchen space adds a functional new workspace and some shelves for additional storage. This works particularly well if the top is covered in butcher block or marble, both useful surfaces for cooking and preparing food. A slender counter-height cart or bench with a couple of stools can become an excellent spot to gather.

For larger kitchens, homeowners can take advantage of extra cabinetry and storage within the island which is useful if perimeter storage is in short supply. Many kitchen islands also have functional kitchen appliances that free up the perimeter like sinks and stove tops built into the island. These designs for larger spaces often help work out the ideal traffic flow for chefs by creating a more sound kitchen triangle between the sink, stove, and fridge. This makes the kitchen more functional and coherent.