Kitchen Peninsula Base – The proper kitchen has adequate cabinets that serve specific purposes. Kitchen design has evolved to include separate peninsula bases that work to provide more countertop space with storage space underneath. Peninsula bases are not created equal; some are custom made and attach to the cabinets, while some are freestanding. If you’re considering one, there are a few ways to go about it.
Kitchen Peninsula Base Ideas
Peninsula Kitchen Space
If you have room for a peninsula base, take advantage of it — most high-end, well-designed kitchens have them. A peninsula can stand alone, or attach to the wall on one side as an extension of the countertop. The most critical issue is space. You need adequate space to walk around the peninsula, with enough room on the inside perimeter to properly utilize the kitchen. Most kitchen peninsula bases are 24 inches wide, or the same width as the kitchen base cabinets. They are also the same height, which it typically 36 inches. Length is determined by how much space you have. You should have at least 36 inches to walk between the end of the peninsula and the wall, with about 48 inches between the front of the peninsula and the opposing cabinets.
Extension
If your Kitchen Peninsula Base fits fine, it probably has one side that faces out, away from the kitchen. This side is usually perfect for a floating bar extension. This is the contemporary high-end design that includes large steel brackets that lift and position an 18-inch wide piece of granite or hardwood out and away from the peninsula a few inches. The floating bar extension is attractive and can be used for just about anything. Other bar extensions are built onto the peninsula using wooden corbel supports that attach just below the peninsula fascia strip. This bar extension is usually plywood with laminate just like the existing laminate on the peninsula. It’s the perfect place to serve food, as there’s enough room under it for stools.
Freestanding
Build a freestanding peninsula base for simplicity. This type of peninsula is built in one solid piece with four finished sides, and is screwed to the floor from the inside. It should have doors and drawers just like any other kitchen base. The best kitchen peninsula bases also include the range. If you have access under the floor, run wires and build the peninsula or purchase one with a typical 30-inch range opening. It will fit almost any drop-in range. If possible, place the peninsula directly across from the sink. This provides the perfect work set-up for cooking. If possible, drop an angular vent hood from the ceiling directly above the range. If that’s not possible, add a vented range that sucks the air from the bottom, directing it into filters.
Connected and Hanging Peninsula
Lots of peninsula bases connect to the wall on one side. This type of Kitchen Peninsula Base can be built on site, or built off-site with one open end. It basically extends from the wall at 90 degrees to the existing countertop. If you don’t have room on the exterior side which faces the living or dining room, you might consider sacrificing about 24 inches of base cabinets in the kitchen, and build the peninsula base coming off at 90 degrees. For more ambiance, add a hanging peninsula upper above the island base. Install glass doors on the hanging island for aesthetics.
Cosmetic
Grain patterns can be very obvious when facing the outside of the peninsula. Good woodworkers observe patterns before cutting the plywood and cut accordingly. This is more important when using oak, ash, or any other grain pattern with bold grain lines. Focus on centering patterns to preclude the possibility that the peninsula appears unbalanced. Grain patterns usually run vertically, but there’s nothing stopping you from running them horizontally as well. Other options cosmetically are beadboard or shaker-style designs.