The Popular Kitchen Island Feature HGTV's Hilary Farr Can't Stand

Kitchen islands have become a staple in home design. The feature instantly adds more work and prep space when you're cooking, storage space in the cabinets underneath, and even an informal eating area if you add bar stools. Because islands have become such an essential part of the kitchen, more options are always being added to make them more functional. But, there is one feature that HGTV's Hilary Farr would never choose to add to a kitchen island. 

In an interview with Realtor.com, the interior designer and host of "Tough Love With Hilary Farr" and "Love It or List It" said, "Honestly, when I design a kitchen, I work so hard to make sure there is no sink in the island." For Farr, leaving the sink off the island is an aesthetic choice, especially when it comes to guests. "If you have guests sitting at the island, I don't think you'd want to have them looking at a sink full of whatever it might be full of."

Putting a sink in the island can be unsightly, but another reason to keep it off is because it takes up valuable space. An island is typically a large, uninterrupted swath of counter. Similarly, a sink can take away some of the open cabinet storage underneath and can get in the way of storing larger items under the island. Keeping a sink in the island can also make it look cluttered, especially with dish soap, sponges, and even dirty dishes hanging around.

The placement of the sink can affect the entire flow of your kitchen. Hilary Farr prefers to keep the sink off the island, but that begs the question: Where do you place the kitchen sink? In Farr's own home, her sink is along a wall with ample counter space available on either side. However, there isn't a specific place that experts agree the sink should go. In fact, it may be different for every layout.

In terms of exact location, a sink can go anywhere that plumbing can be hooked up. Plumbing lines can create some limits, depending on whether the necessary pipes can exist in certain walls. However, because of the plumbing, many experts suggest placing the sink near the dishwasher. Moving plumbing systems can be expensive, so using the existing system during a renovation is the best choice for those on a budget. Other experts suggest the work triangle, which places the sink, refrigerator, and stove or range within a few steps of each other to create the most effective layout.

Aesthetically, some homeowners prefer to place the sink under a window. This allows you to have a pleasant view while washing dishes or keep an eye on kids or pets while they're outside. Under the window is more of a traditional placement, however, and some homeowners may opt to use that prime real estate for other features.

Hilary Farr doesn't believe a kitchen island should have a sink, but that doesn't mean the space should be devoid of features. Instead of a sink, perhaps your kitchen needs a microwave drawer. Opt for one that can be built into lower cabinets. This can help give your kitchen more of a sleek and clean look by tucking this appliance away. Similarly, you can have a wine fridge or pull-out freezer in the island for a little extra storage space for food or beverages.

With an island, you'll want to prioritize storage. Consider oversized drawers or cabinets that will allow you to stash away larger appliances like slow cookers, stand mixers, and food processors so they don't clutter up your countertop. These spaces can also be good to store large cooking tools like baking sheets or cleaning supplies for the kitchen.

Seating is also a must-have feature for kitchen islands. Bar stools and high-top chairs pulled up to an island create an informal space to eat a meal or have a snack in the kitchen. A two-tiered island may work well if you plan to have a dining space. Having a two-tiered island can create distinct spaces for eating and prep work, allowing someone to sit and dine without getting in the way of someone else cooking a meal. Choose the kitchen island feature that works best for you and your family, just as long as it isn't a sink.