Landlords interested in adding a small kitchen island to their small kitchen remodel should come in fully informed. In this article, we’ll go through why exactly these furnishings are such a hit with renters, what features to consider, the pros and cons of having them, and more.
Main Takeaways
- Small kitchen islands can offer tenants functionality, efficient space and storage, and seating spaces.
- On the other hand, if you’re not careful, they may obstruct access to key features of the apartment kitchen, take up too much space, or be untenably expensive.
Why Are Small Kitchen Islands So Popular with North Virginia Renters?
Small kitchen islands are popular with property management companies in Northern Virginia because they offer unparalleled, easy convenience. They offer renters the opportunity to hold all sorts of activities, all contained in one central area. Whether renters want to hold a dinner party, study, or simply make breakfast, small kitchen islands can be the focal point of all these events.
Features to Consider
As you plan to add a small kitchen island to your small kitchen remodel in North Virginia, you should consider the following factors:
- Size: Needless to say, your kitchen island’s size will differ depending on how big your rental kitchen is. For the purpose of this article, we’re assuming you want a small kitchen island.
- Placement: In turn, your apartment kitchen’s size can determine where you place the island. For example, while a larger apartment or house may comfortably hold kitchen islands in the center of the room, this would clog up too much space for a small kitchen. Instead, small kitchens may be better suited towards unobtrusive, corner islands.
- Functionality: You must map out how exactly the small kitchen island will be used. For instance, is it going to mainly serve as a food prep station? Or will it be used for meals, as a communal hang-out space, or more? If you’re working with an apartment kitchen, you might want the small kitchen island to be multi-purpose. This way, it can cover various needs at once.
The Benefits of a Small Kitchen Remodel
Here, we’ll go over the defining features that make small kitchen islands stand out from other types of apartment kitchen furniture.
More Efficient Counter Space & Storage
Small kitchen islands provide an opportunity to build in storage, all in one centralized space. They could place small appliances, cooking ingredients, a food prep station, a TV, or countless other things, all on top of this one island. The multi-purpose potential of small kitchen islands in otherwise limited-space apartments can’t be overstated.
Have High Customization Potential
You can plan your small kitchen remodel’s island around your layout’s size and shape. For instance, you could carve out an L-shaped island in the corner of a kitchen to make space for other parts of the room.
Can Provide a Lot of Seating in One Small Space
To really maximize efficiency, you can add cushy seating to the small kitchen island. This way, the small kitchen island doubles as a dining table. Or, if the tenant wants to entertain guests, they don’t have to worry about having enough room for a dining area. Instead, they can hold the dining area and food prep area in the same, stylish, convenient place.
Negatives for a Redone Rental Apartment Kitchen
While small kitchen islands can be very convenient, they can also pose some challenges to a small kitchen remodel in North Virginia. Here’s what to look out for:
Can Obstruct “Work Triangle” Access and Other Kitchen Structuring
If not planned correctly, a small kitchen island can obstruct users’ access to the “work triangle,”—the burner, fridge, and sink. Furthermore, if you don’t plan adequately, it could block and complicate ventilation, electric wiring, plumbing, and other crucial facets of safety.
To avoid the “work triangle” problem, you can incorporate the parts of the work triangle that need ventilation less into the small kitchen island. Fridges and sinks don’t generally require much airing out.
As for structural issues, you should always find a trusted contractor in North Virginia to handle safety concerns. Just as importantly, they can make sure your small kitchen island complies with legal and safety regulations that affect North Virginians, such as the National Electric Code.
Can Take Up a Lot of Space
Small kitchen islands are bulky, big structures, so they eat up much of the apartment kitchen’s space. As such, you need to make sure that it’s feasible for tenants to have a small kitchen island in your kitchen and still be able to move around.
Furthermore, you may want to build in much of the apartment kitchen’s uses, such as storage, in or on top of the island. This way, you can achieve the kitchen island North Virginia tenants so desire in your small kitchen remodel while still maintaining efficiency.
May Be Expensive
The design and installation of small kitchen islands may be expensive, depending on their size and how many bells and whistles you add. Furthermore, if your small kitchen island requires electrical or other installations, it can rack up your costs.
Small Kitchen Island Examples
Here are a few examples of top-selling kitchen islands of various price points for your viewing pleasure:
- $243.94: Fufu&Gaga White/Oak Wood 59.1 Inch White Kitchen Island Dining Table with Adjustable Shelves and Drawer
- $860.00: HOMESTYLES Americana White Kitchen Island with Drop Leaf
- $1,999.99: 72” Sintered Stone White&Black Kitchen Island With Storage Modern Kitchen Cabinet
Need Help Appealing to Renters in North Virginia? Call PPM!
Small kitchen islands can offer tenants multifunctionality, more efficient space and storage, and seating spaces. As long as you make sure they match your budget, are safely installed, and fit your apartment kitchen units, you can appeal to tenants’ desire for ease of access in their rentals.
If you want to make sure your marketing strategy is up-to-date with what tenants want, we can help. Our experts can handle the marketing process, all the way from analyzing your target market to finally posting your listings online. And that’s not all we do—we can handle tenant customer service, financial management, legal compliance, and more. Contact us today to attain a truly passive investment.