Layton, UT · Member since 2016 · 3 posts · 0 votes
All,
This is my first BP post and am looking to see if anyone has any advice for me. I figured with the wealth of knowledge on these forums, there's likely to be people that can help me with the question of island versus peninsula. The home is a 1971 split-level that originally had the kitchen and living room separated by a large wall. Since, we've removed the wall and opened the space completely up. I understand there is no right or wrong answer, but now the space is wide open we are trying to decide which way would likely be more enticing for a potential buyer. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Real Estate Agent · Cedar Creek, TX · Member since 2010 · 161 posts · 63 votes
10y
I am a cook as well as a general contractor and flipper and I am a huge fan of peninsula's they are the most efficient way to gain more counter space. That being said, people love islands. Look at your market and see what is selling because unless it's my own house it really doesn't matter what I think, it only matters what your buyers think. One last thing, the best part of either an island or a peninsula is the large amount of uninterrupted counter space, don't waste money cluttering that space up with a cooktop or sink.
Real Estate Agent · Cedar Creek, TX · Member since 2010 · 161 posts · 63 votes
10y
I answered before I saw the post, now I'm going to amend my answer. Have you considered putting the refrigerator next to the door and running the peninsula out from where the refrigerator is the length of the kitchen. I don't like the second picture you've posted because the sink is visible from the living room without any barrier, the first option is better from an visual perspective but you have to be really careful with your clearances. I had a kitchen like this in my last flip and we had to buy a smaller refrigerator because the space was too narrow between the island and the fridge to feel comfortable. I've attached a picture of that layout to give you a feel of what the space would look like.
Architect · Louisville, KY · Member since 2014 · 94 posts · 47 votes
10y
Agree with above that I find the peninsula to be more functional, but people do love their islands. The benefit to the island is the traffic flow -there's not a dead end. I would probably do the island here.
Architect · Papillion, NE · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 840 votes
10y
If you go with and island you are able to add another base cabinet to gain more counter space. Maximize your counter space and cabinet space. I like the tall cabinets.
On those home remodeling shows they seem to always put in islands. That is probably what your future buyer is going to be looking for, a kitchen that looks like the ones they saw on TV.