SFGate

bubblyjock Because cabinet-makers and dealers and kitchen designers don't make money on nice old kitchen tables, but they do make money on fitted cabinetry, perhaps?

I like a little island - it's often a useful staging post - but imo they become a bit too large and overwhelming for the space; slightly a case of the tail wagging the dog, perhaps? Cooking as entertainment for one's audience?

One of the nicest kitchens I've ever been in was in a 17th century Scottish farmhouse: the kitchen was around 18' x maybe 24' or so, with cabinets, sink, Aga, fridge, etc, lining the walls, and a lovely big kitchen table in the middle. Everyone congregated at that table, from the vet visiting to work on lambs to bang-up black tie dinner parties, to everyone else eating there in between. It was seldom immaculate, more often with a pile of bills and clutter shoved to one end, but it just felt intensely *right,* and I've never forgotten that sensation of rightness.

jmo!

Dytecture Good points from bubblyjock. Another trend is homes are getting larger and having a separate 'breakfast nook' is a more desirable selling feature and allows for more seating flexibility. I personally don't use the bar stools either!

kathykeen Yes, and professional designers seem to love islands!

kathykeen Bubblyjock. Yes, that's just what I'm talking about! A big kitchen table where everyone gathers. It's so much cozier than bar stools.

rachelleplantagenet I love neptune kitchens- they specialise in old school kitchen diners as well as islands! If only i had the space *sigh*..

http://www.neptune.com/kitchen

bubblyjock Now, plentr - WHY did you have to go and post that neptune link? Bang goes my diligent afternoon to dust and get away from Houzz!

Right back at ya, then: http://www.plainenglishdesign.co.uk/designer-kitchens.html

kathykeen - I think that's why "rustic harvest tables" command such a high price; it's because people aren't buying 4 legs and a couple of barn boards nailed together badly, they're buying the dream of a romanticised ideal of family life around that table. Nothing wrong with that, right!

Mary Poulos Interior and Exterior Design Actually, I have seen the island as something that has evolved because it handles so many different functions that a kitchen table can not. No one wants to be relegated to the kitchen, chopping away looking at a wall anymore. With an island, your friends and family can hang out and get involved. The counter top of an island is not as delicate as a table and there are usually plenty of angles to get involved with, without chairs being in your way. They are better than peninsulas because you can easily move around them in every direction and don't become landlocked. And, they are very attractive, fun, and inviting. Ask anyone invited to the big cookie making party. And sometimes they are a nice big surface for laying out a project.

You are probably not alone, but I have not met anyone for a while that doesn't pine for an island if they don't have one. The question is always, is there ANY WAY I can have an island.

feeny I'm with you, kathykeen! I love old farm tables in the middle of a kitchen, if it is large enough to handle one, or old butcher blocks instead of built in islands. And my husband is even more island-averse. He refuses to have anything in the middle of a kitchen except open space. But we are decidedly in the minority!

kathykeen I do see the utility of an island. I saw a picture of a kitchen in Coastal Living that had an island (not too wide) and a large table with chairs at a right angle to the island. The best of both worlds!

kathykeen Thanks, teeny. Glad to know there are others out there!

debfree3 We used to own a home that my husband and I had remodled. The kitchen was very large and in the middle we had built a very large granite topped island. That island was THE gathering place for everyone at every party and family gathering we ever had. No one ever came to our house where they didn't immediately go to that island and "hang out." It was slightly "T" shaped and there was seating for 6 at one end, but the other three sides were unencumbered by chairs. The granite surface made it very functional for lots of different uses. No matter how many people were there, there was always plenty of room for everyone that wanted to be up close and personal with the kitchen activities. Yes, the kitchen activities were always one of the main entertainments that took place. We loved it and it worked perfectly for us! I would take an island in a kitchen over a table any day, but that's jmo!

kathykeen Yes, I agree that islands are very functional for the way we live now. I think they are here to stay. Debfree3, did yours have an integrated cooktop or sink? I would not like a cooktop on an island.

hmschoolmom We remodeled to exchange our U-shaped eat-in kitchen w/table to include an island and a breakfast bar that is open to the family room. I LOVE having an island instead of our kitchen table. No more bending over the table to cut Christmas cookies. Now we can stand and face each other as we prep for dinner and use our dining room to enjoy family dinners away from the meal prep mess. Our island does not have sink/cook top so it is very versatile. Great counter space, so much better use of storage than a table. That may be why they are so popular.

curacaoblue I don't have an island. I don't like them either. I do have a wrap around counter that opens up to the family room and kitchen table area. There's room for an island in the kitchen but I would never put one there

Mary Poulos Interior and Exterior Design I do not care for cooktops in islands. Who wants to sit around spitting grease, etc.?