We’re all looking for interesting ways to make our kitchens stand out. Kitchen islands, in general, are incredibly popular due to the way that they break up the visual aspects of the space while also creating usable countertop. Most people that get kitchen renovations done these days install a kitchen island if it fits in their home.
But not everyone gets a waterfall island. Waterfall islands are kitchen islands where the countertop continues from the top down, creating what they call a “waterfall effect.” You can see an example of this type of countertop here:
These designs are increasingly popular for their aesthetic effects, and they even have a functional purpose, though they are mostly for the look. These types of islands have many advantages to homeowners looking at a kitchen remodel, but keep in mind that they are not without their disadvantages as well.
Why Consider Kitchen Waterfall Islands?
Waterfall islands offer many benefits to those looking to remodel their kitchen. Easily the primary benefit, and the one that draws people to these types of islands, is the modern and high end aesthetic that it brings.
The seamless flow of the countertop material down the sides of the island creates a clean, sophisticated look that enhances the visual appeal of the kitchen. Waterfall islands also showcase the “high end material” like marble, quartz, granite, or porcelain, increasing the perceived value of the kitchen even in situations where the rest of the kitchen uses less expensive materials.
Still, these are not the only benefits of waterfall islands. Other benefits include:
- Durability and Protection – The continuous material used in a waterfall island protects the sides of the island from wear and tear, such as scuffs or scratches that might occur in high-traffic areas. These hard services are also easy to clean and resistant to stains and damage, helping extend the perceived longevity of the kitchen.
- Functional Edge – Though technically possible with any type of island, waterfall islands require a longer edge, which allows for the addition of legroom for seating and a surface that is useful for stools. Many people use waterfall islands as a dining area. The extended countertop is also additionally supported by the vertical sides of the island.
- Increased Resale Value – Because waterfall islands are “in” right now, they tend to increase the perceived value of the property. Waterfall islands, while “trendy,” are also not considered a passing trend, so the resale value is likely to continue for years to come.
- Visual Cohesion – Waterfall islands typically use countertop that matches the rest of the countertop on the property. This creates visual cohesion, adding color to the space and helping to tie the kitchen together. It is one of the best ways to make sure that a kitchen doesn’t look bare and that all the elements fit together.
Most people simply love the look of these types of islands, but their benefits extend beyond the appearance alone. They are one of the better options for those that are looking to improve the look of their kitchen, and often a great choice for a kitchen remodel.
Weaknesses of Waterfall Islands
Still, there is no such thing as a renovation that has no weaknesses. There are other situations in which a waterfall island may not be ideal for your needs. These include:
- High Cost – Waterfall islands do require a lot more of the premium material, careful craftsmanship, and individuals that are able to create them. It is most certainly an investment that those on a budget would need to carefully consider, as it can throw off their renovation plans.
- Possibly Limited Storage – Waterfall islands can slightly reduce storage options, as they take out the possibility of cabinets on the two ends of the island. Most islands do not add cabinets to those ends anyway, so this is not a major problem, but those that are trying to create more space will be limited.
- High Cost of Repair – Most of the time, the high end materials that are used in waterfall islands are designed to withstand damage. But if damage does occur, repair can be extraordinarily difficult, and in some cases impossible depending on the material used. For example, if you use porcelain, and the design has been discontinued, damage may not be repairable and any replacement material will be expensive and more pronounced in its differences.
- Stuck With It – We’ve personally never heard of anyone regretting their waterfall island, but if you did regret it, you’d be in trouble. These are fixed structures, and so they are not something that can be easily removed or modified without significant labor and expense.
In addition, the look is simply not right for everyone. You have to love your countertop colors and want them to be the focal point. You have to enjoy minimalism, as they tend to have a minimalist feel. You have to have space for an island at all and make sure that the final look is such that you’re going to be happy with the design.
Next Steps
Any time you’re considering a kitchen remodel, it becomes important to make sure that you’re thinking of every element as it works cohesively. Even if you like waterfall islands, they might not be the right choice for your space. Yet if you do like them, and it does work, these islands can be an incredible upgrade and make your property look incredible.
Looking for kitchen remodeling in NYC? Contact Christian Construction today to get started.
