Islands do add glamour to kitchen spaces but some people would rather have an open airy space to groove to their playlist while cooking (yes, that would be me)! So which one are you? Comment and tell us!

Buying a home that needs a lot of updating. We plan on painting the kitchen cabinets white or cream and installing granite countertops, new sink, new light fixtures, new stove vent, etc. The floor is hickory hardwood. My dilemma is the island. Should I keep it? Or remove it? If I keep it I am thinking of topping it with a dark butcher block to match the floor. I am open to any suggestions to make this kitchen better, without breaking the bank.

Totally doable as long as the island is not too bulky. And of course if the circulation space around the island is at least 3'-0" wide. You don't need too much space to move around in a kitchen because you should be able to pick up a hot dish and put it down on another surface without having to move too much. 12'x14' is a large size and a work island would possibly make the space more practical to use. In the pictures attached, the work island is only 2' wide but 4' feet long

However, it may not be available in your desired colour. For the custom finish we may have to get exterior shell fabricated. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.