10 decorating mistakes that make a kitchen look smaller
5. Designing a kitchen island that's the wrong size for your space
Choosing the right size kitchen island is vital: too large and it will make your kitchen look crowded; too small and will look badly planned.
'A mistake we see often is an island that is too small for a space,' says Jennifer Walter, owner and principal designer of the Folding Chair Design Co.
'You need a minimum of 36n working space around an island but we like to allow at least 40-48in of space for comfortable circulation. With that said, don't sell yourself short by not utilizing all the space both around your island and in building the island itself. Even if you opt for a vintage piece or furniture-style piece, make sure it's in proportion to the rest of the kitchen.
'This kitchen island was intended for the homeowner to use every day as a breakfast spot, so we gave ample room on the eating side and the prep side while equally allowing walking space. Any bigger, and this island (with nothing interrupting the countertop) might seem overwhelming in this space.'
The kitchen, just like any room, can become the victim of space-reducing decor mistakes. Here's what not to do
