The perfect kitchen island
A kitchen island is a must-have in today’s ideal home. Any cook who has one couldn’t live without it! An island is the solution to a shortage of working space, and it is a great way to add storage cupboards to small kitchens. Even the smallest of homes can accommodate an island, with the many sizes and styles on offer: butcher blocks, mobile units, breakfast bars, and multipurpose islands with sinks or cooking ranges built in. The first step in choosing the right one for your kitchen is to carefully calculate the available space. You won’t want to block the flow of kitchen traffic or hinder access to appliances. Experts suggest a clearance of at least 36 inches around the island and 24 inches of work surface. The height of the island should be comparable to that of the countertops, unless a breakfast counter is to be included in the plan. In that case, the height of this section should be adjusted to that of the chairs or stools. To maximize storage space, the island should be planned according to what it will be used for. For example, large drawers for storing knives and chopping boards are ideal if the island is to be used for food preparation. If the island is to be placed between the kitchen and the dining area, then storage space should be planned on both sides to facilitate access to dishes and utensils, for example. Among the new trends in kitchen islands are “peninsulas”, which are oversized islands with one end attached to a wall, allowing circulation on three sides. They offer lots of storage space and can accommodate a dishwasher or a wine fridge. Many people will
even add an extra sink, which is useful when preparing foods — especially if the chef has a few assistants.
Different types of gutters
Consumers are faced with a wide range of materials when choosing new guttering. Here are a few facts to guide you in making a decision. Vinyl (PVC) guttering is inexpensive and resistant to scratching, corrosion, bad weather, and ice. It offers only average resistance to extreme variations in tempera- ture. During installation, leave enough room for expansion to avoid warping, which can cause leaky joints. Most gutters are white, but there are now more colours available that are resistant to discoloration. PVC gut- tering is adaptable to all types of homes and has a life span of approximately ten years. Aluminum gutters are more expensive but lighter and sturdier. Highly resistant to scratches, corrosion, bad weather, ice, and discoloration, they are also vulnerable to expansion and warping. They can be made to measure without welded joints, which helps avoid leaks. In that case, installation must be done by a professional. They are available in a wide range of shapes and styles and their useful life span extends over several decades. Galvanized steel gutters are protected from corrosion. Models that are covered in baked enamel or polyester paint are stronger, can support heavy loads, and are less subject to warping and expansion. They can be made to measure without welded joints but must be installed by a specialist. Copper gutters need hardly any maintenance work, are non-corrosive, and are highly resis- tant to bad weather and abrupt changes in temperature. Their colour changes over the years to the distinctive patina of copper. With a life span of over 80 years, this type of gutter is the most expensive and should be installed by a professional.
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