Design Your Dream Kitchen With a 60" Island

A kitchen island is often the crown jewel of an open concept kitchen design. This versatile piece of furniture adds functionality, provides extra seating, and makes an undeniable style statement. For homeowners looking to make a dramatic change, integrating a customized 60-inch island opens up exhilarating design possibilities to create the kitchen of your dreams.

With meticulous planning and smart design choices, a 60-inch island with comfortable bar stool seating can become a beloved gathering place for family and friends. From weekday meals to special celebrations, this expanded prep space and casual dining nook facilitates connection in the heart of your home.

Select the Perfect Height for Eating and Prepping

One crucial early decision is choosing the ideal island height to maximize functionality. Standard kitchen countertops measure 36 inches tall--but an island intended for seating and eating calls for a different height that feels comfortable and allows enough leg room.

Accommodate Bar Stool Seating

Islands designed for bar stool seating generally range between 40 to 42 inches tall. This allows enough overhang space for patrons' legs and feet while perched atop bar stools. Taller homeowners or those with bar stools that have backs may prefer a counter height near 42 inches. We recommend taking measurements with your specific stool to gauge what height allows you to tuck your knees and thighs comfortably under the counter overhang.

Match Existing Countertops

If you prefer a standard 36-inch counter height, some manufacturers offer adjustable-height islands. This allows you to raise the island to dining height for gatherings with bar stools, then easily lower it down to 36 inches for food prep and serving.

Construct with Rich, Durable Materials

While a 60-inch island makes a dramatic style statement, it also endures heavy daily use. Maximizing durability and ease of maintenance is key in material selection.

Opt for Oak, Maple, or Walnut Wood

For a timeless, warm aesthetic, choose solid hardwoods like oak, maple, walnut, or cherry. These dense grains showcase beautiful variation in pattern and color. Modern water-based stains in lighter or darker wood tones allow for diverse customization. Expect to reapply stain every 2-3 years depending on use and exposure to sunlight. Protect wood surfaces with trivets and coasters to prevent hot items from leaving white marks.

Select Granite, Marble, or Quartz

While natural stone surfaces like granite and marble offer unmatched beauty, these materials can be less durable than engineered quartz. Granite rates 7 out of 10 on hardness, while marble is further down at a 3. The more porous surface requires diligent sealing to prevent stains. However, their striking visual impact brings unparalleled style to a large island.

Incorporate Sturdy Metal Elements

For added support and an industrial edge, incorporate a stainless steel base or black metal accent band. While susceptible to scratches and dents, metallic touches bring modern appeal. Use liner trays or pads when prepping meals to safeguard the finish.

Maximize Storage with Customized Elements

A 60-inch span allows ample space to tuck away kitchen equipment, serveware essentials, and pantry overflow. Take advantage of every inch by incorporating specialized storage options.

Cabinets Offer Hidden Storage

Closed cabinets neatly conceal small appliances and other clutter along the back side of the island. For a streamlined appearance, select cabinet fronts minus visible hardware. Customize interiors with adjustable shelves, lazy susans, and pull-out racks designed for everything from pans to spices.

Open Shelving Adds Display Space

Alternatively, open shelving introduces eye-catching display space for ornate dishware, cookbooks, or barware. Stagger floating shelves at varying heights for dimensional appeal. Secure delicate glassware and china by opting for shelves with raised lips to prevent sliding items.

Unify Your Kitchen Theme

A cohesive kitchen design draws the eye smoothly around the space, intentionally defining gathering areas. Anchor your 60-inch island visually within the existing layout for a custom furniture look.

Select Matching Materials

Fusing your island to the kitchen cabinetry creates a streamlined, upscale appearance. Consider using the same wood species, identical hardware, and complementary countertop materials. Adding an accent, like a marble herringbone backsplash solely on the island, prevents boring repetition.

Depending on your design theme, the island presents possibilities to layer in colors, textures, or materials used nowhere else in the kitchen. For contemporary cool, clad the base cabinet in polished brass or jet black steel. Install pendant lighting overhead for on-trend industrial flair. Treat the island like a blank canvas for one-of-a-kind style.

By thoughtfully considering seating requirements, spatial functionality, material durability, storage solutions, and dedicated design, your dream island oasis awaits. Allow a 60-inch span to stretch your imagination of what an island can bring to your newly renovated kitchen.