The #1 Kitchen Trend For 30 Years and Counting

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You've never considered the kitchen island a trend, but you will after this video.
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[@loca8048]

I see an island less of a trend than as a rebirth of an original kitchen of the turn of the 20th century. My grandmother in Brittany 1910 had one. This is old school. A classic - timeless.

[@MTKDofficial]

I love your point of view.

[@lazygardens]

My grandmothers huge "work table"in the middle of the kitchen was an island.

[@marlabrunker738]

Back in the day, kitchen tables were a standard furnishing of any kitchen large enough to hold one. But they've been supplanted by kitchen islands/peninsulas, because islands provide the same functions (work and eating surface), plus more storage. (Politics has not caught up with this. You never hear a politician talking about issues that voters discuss around a kitchen peninsula.)

[@Paythepiper102]

That’s because tables are more comfortable to sit around. Islands are too high, so people drift away to the living room

[@221b-Maker-Street]

@@Paythepiper102 Islands frequently force you to perch on uncomfortable stools, and you often can't tuck your legs under. The kitchen table is far superior imo.

[@MeanOldLady]

@@221b-Maker-Street That's why I like a table-height slab attached to the island to sit around. It takes up far less space than a useless table does.

[@krisj99]

Islands are game changing. Our island gives us seating, storage, houses our under the counter microwave AND our induction cooktop. We still have room on the surface for cook prep. It’s not huge, coming in at around 6.5 ft. In length and 3.5 ft in width.

[@rwssinor]

I have enjoyed our galley kitchen since the 90s… it functions well and keeps my guests out of the prep area and creates a quality dining experience …

[@3moirai]

I think the cooktops on islands are not popular because ventilation is a nightmare. The hood and exhaust have to be accommodated through the ceiling away from a wall - that's got to cost quite a bit.

[@whiteserpent6753]

Downdrafts tend to not work well. Overhead hoods block the view, which is opposed to the “openness” trend. Cooktops on islands come out of cooking shows, I suspect, where they want viewers (including the studio audience) to see the chopping and cooking- and face them.

[@QnA22]

In Europe most sold hoods don't have exhausts. But those with external exhaust are more a design element of you really insist of having a hood above the stove. Otherwise the standard is to have the hood installed within the stove. No outlet needed, the filters go into the dishwasher. The lamp style hoods have filters that need to be washed once a year, every 5 years, or the more expensive ones (3k€) never need changeing. Not sure if i described it will enough, but try googleing this if you're interested : 'Bosch induction hob with extractor hood'

[@3moirai]

@@QnA22 I did a search as you suggested and ask I got back were cooktops with integrated downdraft ventilation. Those don't work well. And would say most American households don't have external ventilation on older home builds, apartments, and non-luxury housing. It's often recirculating hoods often with a microwave to save counter space. If I were buying a newer home or building, I would opt for a proper external ventilating hood with makeup air if needed.

[@randyrice1429]

Since a trend is something that comes and goes, I think the kitchen island is NOT a trend. It's here to stay in just about any kitchen that can have one. I think everyone likes them. I like them. I don't have one because my kitchen isn't big enough. But I have a lovely peninsula with a new workstation sink. Love that, too. Nice video, Mark.

[@JackieofAllTrades]

I’m on the peninsula team also Randy. My space won’t support an island. My sink is a large stainless single basin that I’m absolutely in love with. But I would love to see your workstation sink. I bet it’s awesome! Do you have seating on the peninsula? I’ve got a table in the kitchen so decided against peninsula seating.

[@whiteserpent6753]

Kitchens didn’t have islands, they had work tables, some of which were mobile and others of which were fixed in place with storage. What’s newish is building in cabinets and putting a countertop on them. My house was built in 1968 and its original cabinets were in a double L configuration, with one of the Ls being an island with an overhang you could put counter stools under. We changed it to a larger rectangular island in the remodel. But there was an island, and, when we toured other houses in the neighborhood of similar age with their original cabinets, they also had islands. Kitchens started large with work tables, got smaller and ditched this in favor of fitted cabinets, and, as they grew in size again, got islands to replace the work tables. It’s not a trend; it’s a return to an older design.

[@NilZed1]

that L is a penunsula

[@WitchOracle]

The kitchen I grew up with was built in the 60s and had a great peninsula. It had no upper cabinets, just lower with a countertop and it worked well to divide the eat in area and it was also great for gathering kids around for baking projects.

[@whiteserpent6753]

@@NilZed1 It was not. It was free-floating in the center of the room, so it was an L-shaped island.

[@MTKDofficial]

Great insight.

[@221b-Maker-Street]

I live in a c17th English cottage. I have a narrow pine work table similar to your description in the centre of my 'not-quite-a-galley-kitchen'. I've been considering putting wheels on the feet to move it around easier as it's always eventually in the way of _something!_ Most people's kitchens here simply don't have _space_ for a kitchen island. People living in a European flat or apartment are in a similar situation. We even have our washing machines in the kitchen as most of us don't have the luxury of a separate laundry room! I do think the island is far more common in countries where space isn't at such a premium eg US or Oz.

[@dawnrowe8926]

I would’ve liked to hear you talk more about the problems with a cooktop in an island. Aesthetics and view-blocking with an exhaust hood above is one problem. Kids (or clumsy or intoxicated grown-ups) burning themselves while sitting at the island and reaching for something. Is another. 👋✨I really appreciate your videos and you do a fantastic job!

[@toniblackmore3016]

Agree with all points. Big appeal is open, flexible workspace. Obvious safety concerns aside (scary thought), unless it’s a massive unit in a massive kitchen, cooktops reduce the overall function an island is put there for.

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

Absolutely agree!

[@lisagorman2480]

Our cooktop in our island has a built-in ventilation system. It wasn't cheap, but when we redid our kitchen, I chose to reinstall a newer in-island range, mostly because I couldn't imagine cooking with my back to my family or guests after being able to interact with them while I cook for so many years.

[@elizabethstump4077]

Islands give you a ton more counter space!

[@susanpetropoulos1039]

U mean flat file area?🤔

[@bizzybits1918]

In my old U-shaped kitchen I had a peninsula that dropped down to standard table height. It was great! Regular comfortable chairs worked there, it was great for kids and was also fine as a regular prep surface, turkey carving, etc.

[@randyrice1429]

P.S. Something that is not here to stay is the double island. Think that bit the dust a few years ago. Not functionl and sorta in the way.

[@edwardcasper5231]

The trend you didn't specifically label as such is that of using the kitchen as a gathering and social space. Back when I was a kid (admittedly, quite a while ago), kitchens were mainly work spaces, not gathering spaces. People usually ate and socialized in formal dining and living rooms. Now, kitchens tend to be larger and/or part of a larger "family" room/entertainment space - which is where the island/peninsula shines - providing a place to mix work with socializing.

[@teresev1435]

You are exactly right! Same here. Now we have huge TVs and people often want to eat and watch tv. The only way I’m gonna stop my husband from eating on the couch in front of the tv is to put a tv visible from his seat on the island - LOL! We designed our kitchen and island for gathering, seating and parties-no waterfall-because that’s how we use it. All our friends have dining rooms, NO ONE sits there. Does it feel too formal to them? I don’t know I sit at their dining table because their chairs are more comfortable for me. I’ve tried to lure ppl away from the island seating, but it’s HARD! And the chairs at two of my neighbors’ homes ARE NOT comfortable at all. I can usually get one person to sit at the dining room table with me, but that’s it. Dining rooms are like “old people land” no one will go! 🤣🤣🤣 I’m gonna put a banquette, also an olden days seating arrangement, but it’s cozier to me. I wonder if banquettes will become the new dining room, more casual.

[@rjones3955]

@@teresev1435 I think you're on to something here. I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel now, and we're putting in a built-in banquette with drawers and a round kitchen table. I'm also in the process of changing my dining room into an office/library/sitting area. Our large dining table will be just off the kitchen in a family room with tv. All much more casual.

[@teresev1435]

@@rjones3955 I made that trend. You’re welcome 🤣🤣🤣

[@MTKDofficial]

Very good point!

[@221b-Maker-Street]

There was a UK pop hit in the 70s *_You Will Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties_* by Jona Lewie. Maybe that's a British thing as not everyone even had a dining room back then. Or maybe it's because that's where the bottles of booze normally get plonked when people arrive?! 😉🍾

[@user-uf6je3jd5s]

I've never been "trendy" in any way, and I guess that goes for kitchen design too. Islands in the kitchen are just a big box to walk around and take up floor space to me. When we build (soon I hope), I am planning my favorite: a U-shape kitchen with a peninsula making up one side.

[@MeanOldLady]

Yeah, I had a U shaped kitchen for 10 years & it drove me mad having to walk around it all the time to get to the sink & storage. Part of the U was a peninsula instead of the U taking up 3 walls - which would've made sense & been a lot more open when it was built...

[@oliphauntsneverlie6227]

A well planned kitchen with an island will not have you "walking around a big box all the time".

[@vidform]

To piggy-back on this topic, can you do a video discussing the kitchens seen in TV sitcoms? It would be cool to talk about the kitchen set of "The Jeffersons," "Maude," "All In The Family," "The Cosby Show," "Family Ties," "Leave It To Beaver," "Married With Children," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," etc. They had interesting kitchens for the times. And let's not forget The Brady Bunch kitchen which had an angled island.

[@nataliejones6269]

I believe The Dick van Dyke show had and angled island, too. Fun suggestion!

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

The island is what you have after the wall is removed. Hahaha. Removing the wall gave the kitchen huge functionality.

[@greg_216]

Waterfall edges are ideal for making a space uncomfortable to stand in. In that sense, they're ideal for gangways with tight clearances and for islands too close to ovens or dishwashers -- spaces where you don't want guests hanging out while you're cooking or cleaning up.

[@jewelscott6029]

I personally do not like islands with a sink in the middle. I feel like I’m on display & my company gathers around me to watch me chop, dice, slice, and hook up meals while they sip & talk! Lol no thank you! However I do love a functional kitchen. 98% of my family meals were prepared at home when my kids were home. My parents had the 60’s kitchen with the cabinet hiding most of the view but I could sit at the countertop & watch my mom & dad prepare meals. I loved that and that is how I learned to cook. So I have been hesitate to knock out a wall and put an island in my kitchen area, problem is I do not like open spaces. Kitchen leading to family room. The other option is to turn my dining table area (in the kitchen into a functional island area! Love your post & yes I just prescribed 💜💜💜💜

[@MTKDofficial]

Hey Jewel. Thanks so much for watching.

[@nancysmith6053]

I'm not a fan of eating or drinking at an island. There are far more comfortable places to sit and eat/drink than a stool at an island. Even for a quick breakfast we like to sit at the 'kitchen' table (not actually in the kitchen, but the other side of the peninsula). A peninsula with double sided, shallow storage will be fine for me.

[@ecoheliguy]

My parents built their kitchen from scratch 1979-80 and they installed a long (3’x12’ I believe) Island running east west, cooktop at one end on the narrow edge (standing facing east), double sink on the other end on the long edge (standing face south). and two large flour tip-out bins in the middle (standing facing south) with large flat working surface between cooktop to the right, and double sink with a dish rack to the left

[@busybry9813]

No way we would put sink in the island. We got 4 teenagers who can’t even empty the bloody dishwasher and fill up the sink with dishes or on counter imagine that on island sitting front and centre in middle of the island

[@runningfromabear8354]

We have a pantry with a second sink. That's where the mess goes, guests don't see this.

[@MTKDofficial]

I can visualize it. Not pretty.

[@bettysuffle]

One of the reasons I like this channel 8:24 😂

[@alimo1611]

islands ae useful to separate openspace zones

[@trinaroe5132]

As open concept homes became more popular homes lost a wall for cabinets to be attached to. Thus the need for an island to make up the base storage and counter space lost without a wall for it. As drawers became more popular for base cabinets and access improved in the lower cabinets (which often weren’t well used much previously) there was also less need for as many upper cabinets, additionally opening sight lines while the island still set off the kitchen area as a defined space.

[@cookiemonster6401]

I am subscribed. Have been for a long time. Like your face. Enjoy your videos as I am renovating my 100+ year old home, currently the kitchen part. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@MTKDofficial]

lol. I'm glad someone likes my face.

[@pearlskid8425]

It think quartz island tops might be a trend for where you sit. It’s cold and uncomfortable. We reused our wood Island top when we remodeled. Quartz for the countertops and wood for the island. It’s much more comfortable to eat at.

[@michaelkagan6910]

I personally think the "open concept " and island are so overdone. It leaves absolutely zero separation/privacy.

[@runningfromabear8354]

We have 16 month old twins. Open space saves my sanity! We didn't have open concept with older kids and constantly found after the fact messes. Markers scribbled on the walls, banana mashed into rug I didn't even know they had those markers and bananas. Now I can see what they're upto at all times. It's a breath of fresh air!

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

Less stressful.

[@rjones3955]

@@runningfromabear8354 I felt the same way about open concept when my kids were very little. We rented an apartment with open concept during that stage, and wound up buying a (not open concept) house after the youngest turned three. Now that they are not destructive I love having separate spaces. So I totally agree it's a sanity-saver with very young kids.

[@whiskybrush3219]

I jumped in before actually seeing the whole video. See I desagree on the trend part of the Kitchen Island. I personally believe the Island was a natural evolution of the kitchens getting larger. As kitchens across the board underwent the transformation of being the homemaker's space to becoming the hub of the home, the storage and function that previously rested against a wall had to be replaced with something. Depending on the size, most often that was a peninsula, but as kitchens got larger, even that was very impractical. Enter the kitchen Island. Not only can it take on 80% of the function that a wall of cabinet used to, it allows social for congregation, helping hands, family miltitasking, AND forms a visual boundary defining the space from living or dining to kitchen. A nice, vlean visual break where you are not staring at vertical wall of a work space from across the room. So for this I call booo in the trend. It's a standard feature dictated by the footprint of the space. Now the finish on islands, that is generally highly influenced by trends. Be it a breakfast bar, bow shaped, waterfall edge, open shelved cart etc I freaking hate waterfall edge. Waste of materials and kitchen real estate. They have been around 20 years now and still only trending in the teens. I can only imagine how many toes got crushed against that edge, how many vacuums took that bottom corner out, bleeeeegh so static and boring

[@trinaroe5132]

I hate waterfall edges too. Forget the toes. I don’t like how they look.

[@rjones3955]

I don't like islands very much, but I realize I'm in the minority. I think they're here to stay. I find them very uncomfortable to sit at. When I lived in a place with an island, I felt like an employee in my own home: cooking behind the counter and serving my kids--like slinging hash in a diner. They do provide a big expanse of counter space, which is a plus. They go well in an open concept design, which I love for vacation homes but not for every day. I like the coziness and conversation of seats around a table, and am putting a built-in banquette in my new kitchen.

[@MTKDofficial]

You are right about the comfort level of an island. Pretty much nonexistent unless it’s intentionally designed with that in mind.

[@JackieofAllTrades]

Hey MTKD! 🙋🏾‍♀️ Another great video. Very dynamic, informative and entertaining! I see how you went on the offensive 9:07 and craftily usurped my inevitable comment about the one enduring kitchen appliance that is the PINNACLE coupling of trend and function.

[@MTKDofficial]

Hahaha. I’m always thinking of you Jackie!!!

[@bettysuffle]

Great video 💯 One thing I have been considering is a banquette. I haven't heard you talk too much about it. 😉

[@trinaroe5132]

I love the banquettes of the 1910’s and 1920’s and wish my 1918 home had one! But alas no and no room to add one. My kitchen doesn’t even have room for a table or island. I love banquettes and would love to have one!

[@karengray6641]

I had a banquette built in my last house. I loved it and wish I could get one to work in this kitchen.

[@MTKDofficial]

I actually plan on talking about that soon.

[@bettysuffle]

@@MTKDofficial Cool! I'll be on the lookout.

[@SuperYoshi29]

I have a drawer microwave in my island, I love it!!

[@trinaroe5132]

The waterfall edge also only appeals to those people who like a modern aesthetic which further limits its appeal. Those who prefer a traditional or transitional decor aesthetic are unlikely to find a waterfall edge even attractive.

[@FantomSinghCanada]

great video

[@tealkerberus748]

My late grandmother's kitchen didn't have an island because it had a kitchen table. The island is just the kitchen table rebirthed, with a proper benchtop rather than a tabletop so it can handle what really happens in kitchens.

[@RAGordy]

The first update after purchasing my 50s era home was to remove a curved peninsula and use that wood to make an island. Just a blank work surface with an outlet on the side and storage underneath. The update was so seamless I can’t imagine it not being there. Islands are definitely an enduring trend.

[@kitchinsider]

Great video Mark! I wonder if there would be much difference from a UK based image search 🤔 (Goes off to search images)

[@LilianTejada]

Please I'm curious what did you find out? Let us know if it is different over there.

[@MTKDofficial]

Let me know what you find out!

[@LadyE46448]

I, too, have thought of the island of not a trend but rather a return to older 1800's kitchens in larger home with a kitchen work table. I grew up near a large dairy farm where the owners lived in an old house built by her parents. They had a large center kitchen work table. Beautiful and functional! Sink clean up area tucked to the side. What I absolutely totally dislike is the same kitchen plan over and over and over that puts the main work kitchen sink in the middle of the island work space facing everyone along with the stove behind that. Often even having moved a sink from under a window on a side wall to now the middle of the island. Makes me scream for us to think for ourselves. 1) it cuts the work space functionally in half! 2) that means all the clean up that wasn't done while preparing a meal is now left as a main focus. 3) bar stools are not comfortable - that is why chairs exist 4) your back is to everyone while cooking. PLEASE use a bit of our creative minds and think for ourselves. Function and beauty can and definitely do co-exist Flip the design sideways is an easy start solution - stove is on a 'side' wall which can still be outside wall for ease of ventilation and visibility to everyone while cooking. Sink under a window away from center workspace. Get rid of an 'island' and bring back the large work table. Table with chairs - which are a lot more comfortable for seating! I did this and love it as well as getting many compliments! - I do have a lot of people ask about 'less' storage, however, I honestly have not missed it. Yes, I cook a LOT. No, I do not have nor need every kitchen gadget nor small appliances that only do one thing. Long live basics and simplicity!! Double wall ovens with a warming drawer underneath … especially when placed right next to the refrigerator for an 'appliance wall'. THE worse kitchen design that makes me want to scream every time I see it. Obviously for show which is tremendously sad! Warming drawers are incredible! Warming drawer temp 85℉ - 185℉. Slow cooker on low = 190℉ - 210℉. Proofing = most professional bakers use 100℉ depending on yeast. Sanitizing = 174℉ (never more than 200℉). Yes, warming plates and cups as well (cups 130℉ - 140℉ / plates 140℉ - 190℉) Get warming drawers off the floor level and use them! No wonder French and Italian cooker stoves are showing up here in the US more. They bring the ovens back to the stove, oven configurable with two ovens, and/or warming cupboard. Ah ... they know how to cook simply, deliciously, and with style.

[@sherristockfleth746]

I think the island is a trend that turned into a staple because of the functionality that you mentioned. I, like you, think that a clean work surface is my favorite island which is essentially the age old work table but with closed storage underneath so .....was it ever really a trend or was it just an improvement on an original design? hmmm

[@cakedupkevin]

The island became popular once open concept home layouts became popular

[@edkaempf906]

Very good insight and analysis.

[@theresawilson7386]

The design for our builders kitchen, on an 8 x 8 foot print, was a U-shaped work area with peninsula and bar top. An incredible waste of space and crowded an already small kitchen. By designing a 5 x 3 ft island instead of a peninsula we opened up a second access, 12" overhang for counter height stools, pull out storage and a full worktop. We opened up the area and created great function. Try working with your builder, you don't need to have a cookie cutter design. .

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

Sinks can be stressful messes. Out of sight deep laundry sinks are a clever idea in the clean up area. Dishwasher handy for loading. Sinks that you don't have to have a bent back reaching down into are more comfortable. So maybe 2 sinks.

[@marvelboy74]

I have a bar height peninsula on a pony wall that helps block off my kitchen space. I definitely want to lower it to counter height because I could use the extra work space. I'm torn whether to make it more of an island, since I wouldn't have the space to have both seating and cabinetry. So I guess I'm watching your other video!

[@nancybrody5896]

I need a place to dump stuff😅 I do love my island!

[@bluedrummajor2876]

The most successful kitchen that I have had was a large galley kitchen without an island.

[@LilianTejada]

Maybe you didn't have four little kids running around you all day and trying to pull things off counters and tables.?

[@bluedrummajor2876]

@@LilianTejada Very true. I had only a 90 yr old mother.

[@annetteburchett-taylor4420]

Love the info format… lives are not my fav😊🎉

[@keradee8742]

I'm not really a live stream fan either but Mark's are informative, fun and his MTKDers are the best!

[@keradee8742]

I agree with you once again Mark. All I want in my future island is a lot of drawers and a smooth top for work space with pretty pendant lights.

[@annetteburchett-taylor4420]

Too long for my time allotment

[@dash1dash2]

There's a tool called Google Trends where you can see how these trends evolve over time.

[@MTKDofficial]

True.

[@ccdoe2441]

I have never sat at an island to eat, work or do anything else. I don't need chairs at kitchen island.

[@echognomecal6742]

Unsung trend: The utter absence of a refrigerator. (So many photos have this conspicuous MIA)

[@lji_btrfly]

Some can have cabinet doors put on the front so they blend in.

[@echognomecal6742]

@@lji_btrfly Yes, very common...but they're still there. My comment jokingly regards the Absence of them in photoshoot-type scenes, showing a streamlined gorgeous room. Easy when a big appliance is left out, & deceptive.

[@dlvme2]

We are about to build a small kitchen for me and I want an island for storage, work space and a place to have my daughter sit and visit while I cook. I want it because I can use it for many things and it’s NOT because many have it. Also I am not going to have upper cabinets because I am short and older. I love clean uncluttered spaces. My island will just be an island that 3 stools can be at - with it doubling as an eating space. I’m about to turn 72 and everything about the kitchen is what functions best for me and pleases me aesthetically.

[@trinaroe5132]

Yeah, subscribe! It’s a fun club!

[@beckygossett4697]

I would love to have an island. However I can't fit one in my 9×10 kitchen. Not even an islet.

[@trinaroe5132]

Me either!

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

Cook tops are one person work areas. Watching a TV cook in your safe chair is not stressful. After spending money on the island cooktop, people defend it. We all have multiple feelings about things and kitchens, conflicting feelings, that are unresolved.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Don’t look at me like that. I’m subscribed. I think the island is here to stay if you have space. Sink/cooktop in island depends on personality of homeowner in charge when the kitchen is going in. Personally I would want one for the uninterrupted work surface.

[@MTKDofficial]

haha. my bad.

[@billhansen8857]

Agree “functionality” is the key. Seems islands were a natural evolution from walls being removed. Needing counter space to work on. Having worked in a restaurant kitchen, I like a big space to work plus a sink to toss waste, rinse tools and keep hands clean. Stove tops are less used overall, so having a cook top in the island vs a sink seems to be less functional.

[@normaburns7653]

Islands can easily serve as a cook top if need be,simply invest in a portable induction counter top burner. Amazon have a wide selection to choose from, in a wide range of prices.

[@Paythepiper102]

Hi Mark! Thank you for your videos. I have been binge watching them for the last few days. I am in the process ov building an apartment in my daughters new house. I have downsized a lot in the last three years, and I am currently in # 3 daughters basement apartment, however I 😂do not have my own entrance and have come to realize that I feature is very important to me, and that is why I’m moving. Unfortunately I do not have room for a dining room in the new space and I need a solution for eat in kitchen seating (island?) the new kitchen is only 12x 10. It opens up to a hall then into living room area, so I have a bit of wiggle room. Any suggestions? I was considering a moveable island that I could tuck away to one wall when I don’t have company. Btw I had a cooktop in the island in my old house, and I loved it, but I hated the idea of a vent blocking the view, so I bought a Jen air range which had the downdraft system. It was perfect! Also I hate OTR too😉

[@theFLRN]

I think a trend of the future might be big appliances built into the island as they have enough space for a small fridge/washing machine/dishwasher/etc.

[@MTKDofficial]

Imagine a washing machine in an island. That’s something I’ve not seen.

[@catherinedeschryver1036]

I personally think an island takes up so much space and limits the options of how to furnish the rest of the space. For the same reason I don't like built in furniture. If you think sustainably/longterm, your home should appeal to other people with maybe other needs and wishes. I personally walked away from a few apartment purchases, in one case because of island placed in such a way that I had now way to fit my furniture in. And in in the other, the bedroom was one big built in which did not allow any alternative placement or to incorporate my furniture. It might be popular right now, but the risk of no deal increases if the purchaser has to pay for stuff they just want to rip out anyway.

[@lisser7]

The island has to make sense in the space. In my kitchen it would be weird not to have one, because there would just be this huge empty space in the middle (there is already a separate space for a kitchen table). I love islands and would be put off by a house that didn’t have one! But either way people have to have spaces that function for them. I’m not going to design my house in a way that doesn’t work well for me and live in it for 30 years on the chance that the next people who buy it won’t agree with my choices.

[@patemmack7205]

I don’t like seating in an island. We have a large table across from the island, so we never use the island seating. I agree a solid island is best, but we have the sink, dishwasher and a stack of drawers. I don’t like the sink, but it is convenient relight across from the range. I keep the coffee maker on the island,because it wouldn’t fit under the cabinets on the counters. So I put a rolling cart under the island to hold the coffee supplies, lunch boxes, etc. It’s not beautiful, but it’s functional. My favorite kitchen was our apartment that had a galley kitchen.

[@teresev1435]

Great video❤ Love the 411 you bring us. Me, I’d like to do a live. For feedback, here you go: In our current and pending kitchen design, we have a long kitchen on an exterior wall, about 26’. The island will span 12.5 (12.5X3’7”) feet of the kitchen with seating on 12.5 feet on the outside of the island, more seating on one end and two seats on the other side on the same end (that end is open with two square legs (every seat has 14” knee seat clearance) the other end of the cabinet facing side of the island had UC fridge/freezer drawers and two more sets of drawers for plates/glasses, utensils and pots and pans. We’re about constant parties with neighbors and occasional family visits and functionality. No sink, no cooktop in the island because like Mark, I like the open clean CT space on the island also and apparently so does my kitchen and bath designer. I’m torn on pendants over the island and haven’t incorporated any thus far and no chandelier over the banquette. Primarily my decision was based on the fact that we have/had low ceilings and it looked too low and too busy imo-also, when you put holes in the ceiling, what happens when you need to move or replace those fixtures. Me, I prefer the cleanness of the 4” recessed lighting in the ceiling and UC lighting. I think the commenters and I need to throw down on the pros and cons of the OTR microwave because I say nay-nay 😜. There are so many cons, I can’t come up with one pro. I feel that microwaves are like toilets, they shouldn’t be visible when you walk into the room-too harsh? 🤭🤭🤭 otr microwaves also have to hang too low into the human space for the cooktop to be user-friendly in order for the microwave to also be functional-it’s in your face, they vertically impede cooking with large pots. I’ve found they provide inadequate suckage and too much heat from the range goes to the outer cabinets on either side. Now ima go back to pendants with a question. When we opened up the ceilings, we found extensive and currently active termite damage and evidence of extensive water damage from past leaks over 60 years in the trusses. House is circa 1959. Contractor says we can fix it or we can raise the roof. My husband wants to raise the roof and thus the ceilings. It solves a lot of our problems. If we don’t raise the roof, our ceilings can land around 7’10”--too low imo. If we raise the roof we can get 9’ to 9’6” ceilings and then I could put pendants because then they won’t highlight how low the ceilings are at 7’10”, if you get my thought process. So, Mark, if you wanna weigh in or if anyone else wants who weigh in, I’m accepting all opinions on pendants over the island and a slightly larger hanging fixture over the banquette. Kitchen designer says yes; contractor says no. I’m on the fence.

[@JackieofAllTrades]

Ha! I loved this post! Your new island sounds FANTASTIC! And I understand the dilemma on pendant lights with a lower ceiling. I also prefer recessed lights in that situation. And…I’ve never heard the comparison of a microwave to a toilet! lol. Since I just nuked my morning beverage in my beloved OTR, does that now mean I’m drinking toilet water? 🤔 If the shoe fits, I guess… l’m sipping on this mug of Tidy Bowl!

[@teresev1435]

@@JackieofAllTrades Ha! I thought you’d get a laugh out of it-🤭 And…Nooooo, no toilet water!!! 🥺. I conflated my two biggest pet peeves for this post strictly for visual/mental comedic value 😜, not intending to be mean-spirited by COMBINING the toilet WITH the otr…LOL…eww, no-just…no. Yes, our new kitchen will be uhhhh-mazing if and when we get this project moving-(for the love of baby Jesus, the surprises you find when you open up a 1959 house 🤯) Thank you for the input on the pendants. If we raise the roof (we probably will) and thus the ceilings, would you then opt to put pendants over the island with 9-9’6” ceilings? I might…I’m torn 🤔 Taller ceilings, it may look too empty without them.

[@LilianTejada]

​@@teresev1435You just solved my dilemma, I will be redoing my kitchen to sell by the end of the year. It has an OTR microwave and I don't have a problem with it. I want to get new appliances and my son said it is outdated to get another otr microwave and to get a curved glass range hood (IKEA kitchen to go with the look). I was thinking OTR microwave was practical but I don't cook much, and not with large pots. I'm now getting the modern range hood. But then do I need to prepare a cabinet for the microwave? Or let the buyer figure it out where to put it? Raising the ceiling is always going to look better and it will be too empty without pendants. But you mentioned having a different kind over the eating area of the island. I guess you have to look at it in your space but it seems like it would be better to have 3 identical ones for unity. Good luck with your renovation. The good thing about the pendants is that you can try them on and exchange them if they don't look right with the kitchen and get new ones in. ( Before they get installed in, just hang them to see how they go).

[@MTKDofficial]

Raise the ceiling and install pendents. Done!

[@teresev1435]

@@MTKDofficial Decisive, I LIKE IT! Thank you!!! 🩷😘🩷

[@michaelplunkett8059]

Wonder of wonders - A counter you can access from all sides. Subway tile looks cheap. Open shelves are dust collectors and limit your storage. Great for a TV diva with staff, not mere humans.

[@MTKDofficial]

Now this is a comment!

[@lisser7]

I was born in the mid-70s and the house I grew up in had an island. There were cabinets on one side and seating on the other (we only had one bar stool and it tended to not be used because it was heavy and awkward) so definitely not a recent trend. We had a table where we actually ate. It was super handy then as is my island now, would hate to not have one!

[@LilianTejada]

I was born in the mid 50s and I can tell you it is a modern trend. Who knows how the visionary designer of your kitchen came up with it because I used to visit a lot around that time, NY, CA, FL, GA and Latin America and never saw one. A table in the middle of a large kitchen or U and L shaped counters only.

[@lisser7]

@@LilianTejada guess it depends on what you define as “modern”. As I said, the house I grew up in was build around 1970 in mid-Missouri. I assure you no “visionary” designer was involved lol

[@list-and-sell]

what about the microwave drawer in the island? Do you think it will become a lasting trend? It just look awkward to me, bending over to put a casserole in the micro and then lifting something hot up and out?

[@MTKDofficial]

I can’t see the drawer microwaves becoming a popular trend. Although I personally like the base cabinet location, it’s just not really functional for many people. I could be wrong but…

[@list-and-sell]

@@MTKDofficialHow about a live video with a game show type quiz - Trend or not. Microwave drawer, wine fridge, built-in coffee maker, built-in icemaker and the like. Maybe you could engage the audience to vote and then settle the matter using your google method.

[@Moonchilling]

I just bought a house built in 1992. It has an island in the kitchen.

[@LilianTejada]

I think the reason why the stove is not good in the island is for safety. You want to keep the stove away from little hands. I will guess the ones who have a cooktop in the island have only adults around. You don't want someone knocking off a pot from the other side of the island. About the waterfall edge, I think it is because it is much more expensive than without it. I wanted to go with the trend a few years ago and every kitchen company was quoting way more with it, which means that if you don't have money to burn, you trim the superfluous expense. About the sink, in 1988 we bought a small house with a small kitchen, all enclosed but it had a window (an opening in the wall) right above the sink which overlooked the dining -living area. It had a small counter on it. Too small to eat on it but at the time I loved the feature, as compared to the fully enclosed kitchens of the neighbors. I positioned the TV in a way that I could be hand washing the dishes (no dishwasher) and watch my kids on the sofa watching the TV and what they were seeing. I could offer them to pick up their food at this pass through and then they would bring the dishes and dump them into the sink without setting foot in the kitchen. I see the island with sink as an evolution and improvement of that idea.

[@MTKDofficial]

Great input. I agree that the cooktop in the island is a problem for safety as well.

[@EJavierPaniaguaLaconich]

islands with faucet/sink are a bad idea though. These things are normally againt a backsplash for a reason that's right there in the word backsplash.

[@EJavierPaniaguaLaconich]

a cooktop on the island is even worse.

[@normaburns7653]

​@@EJavierPaniaguaLaconichdo the island without the cooktop. Invest in a portable induction burner for added convenience.

[@levibisonn7497]

A trend is a change in something over time. If it's been around for 30 years I'm changing I wouldn't call that a trend

[@geoff1235]

LMAO - you called me out on not being a subscriber and thus you got at least one more

[@MTKDofficial]

Haha. Thanks so much.

[@bizzybits1918]

At least I don’t have a cooktop on my island.

[@2chipped]

Don't go chasing "waterfalls",please stick the rivers and the lakes like you used too. I know that its gonna be your way or nothing at all..but I don't think the trend is gonna last! From the best era,IYKYK ❤ Casually seating, is a less formal way way of eating 60% of the time! Wetting your appetite is higher than i thought at 40%. Pending official results,the moon only shows 60% of night lighting in muted tones.😅

[@allent555]

What was the detail on the waterfall counter tops ?

[@MTKDofficial]

Not sure. Veining?

[@pruzzilla3771]

People who think an island is simply a decorating trend and not necessary apparently do not cook, have kids, or need the counter space. I have a small kitchen and bought a counter high table that functions as an island and table. If only it had storage.... sigh

[@whiteserpent6753]

I dislike seating in the island. Sitting on counter or barstools is not comfortable. I see it as reasonable if you don’t have space for a table or if you are doing a cooking show and want to include a few audience members near the cooking. If you do have space for a table, how many eating areas do you actually need? We ditched the overhang in the remodel, increased the number of cabinets in the island (by closing in the L) and made one of the smaller walkways more comfortable. Cooktops in the island aren’t functional because you need ventilation (unless, as mentioned before, it’s a cooking show and they invest in massive ventilation that doesn’t need a hood). Downdrafts work poorly, and a hood blocks the view (which interferes with the openness trend). I don’t hate sinks in the island, but I’d rather look out the window than into the entryway. I do see the advantage in not having your plumbing in the outside wall in winter if you’re somewhere that pipes freezing is a big risk, but it’s going to depend what’s below the kitchen. If the island sink’s conveniently above a wall on the floor below and the plumbing can go through that, ok. If you have to fish pipes everywhere or have them running through the middle of the room below, that’s just silly. You’ve also got the dishwasher to deal with, and electrical, etc.

[@corashell7116]

I agree- I wanted a kitchen table in my kitchen remodel. I don’t like feeling I’m at a diner at every meal. I have an Island and seating can be added. ( for house resale when the time comes) the table is in a corner and can even become a breakfast nook if someone wanted it. We did not have any pendant lights- just the overhead LED ceiling lights on a dimmer switch.

[@dianaklien1560]

I bet the reason not a lot of people like the range in the island is because there is no vent for it.

[@MTKDofficial]

Yeah. It can be difficult to do it right.

[@msfromresedaca1271]

I agree with randyrice1429👍👍

[@mitchellkuharski5735]

The dining area is slowly disappearing. Because families don’t all gather and sit together every meal anymore. They use the table for young kids so they don’t make a mess . So the dining Tables are shrinking in size to accommodate 2 or 3 kids . Adults and teens use the island or coffee table

[@MTKDofficial]

Are coffee tables still a thing? I totally agree with you though.

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

Islands are creative space and inclusive space. Cook tops are stand back things. Cooking in the outdoors draws you in. Cooking indoors, fire and heat pushes you away. I think it is a jarring concept. Playing with fire in doors. Stressful.

[@TarotToTheTruth]

Over range microwaves are out.

[@pmaitrasm]

Having a separate table in the kitchen is not a new idea. It seems that the open kitchen idea is less of a trend and more of a marketing ploy to save on materials and make the house stink. Looks are fine but practicality should always take precedence. A kitchen must have four walls. Otherwise, it is not a kitchen, but a pantry.

[@tealkerberus748]

There's something visually very wrong about the door behind you. What's going on there?

[@ryansoo4000]

I have seen this - an island gas cooktop with a venting microwave hood hanging over it. Tell me it didn't work!

[@MTKDofficial]

It didn't work. lol

[@susanpetropoulos1039]

I’m not a fan of islands. Don’t want to stoop down to get things hidden under countertop ledges, don’t like the memory of lab class where we dissected frogs, don’t like all the extra steps needed to get around to the other side.

[@SuperPiper27]

I subscribed now get off my back!😊😊

[@MTKDofficial]

Haha. thanks

[@Moonchilling]

Cook tops in an island…. Not for me. Reminds me of a BeniHannah

[@ellilock1]

I may need to go on record as a data scientist/analyst + serious amateur cook and gardener + corner cabinet and OTR hater pining for a major kitchen/dining reno. You are completely on the money on your google searches to spot trends, but you might want to make it kitchen design 1980, 1990, 2000… and so on to report on actual trend. You can get as granular as you’re willing to make it and produce some trend lines to put a little math behind the trends

[@MTKDofficial]

I wonder what the results would show?

[@ellilock1]

@@MTKDofficial a little late to reply, but we could set it up in 2 year increments and and make bins for expected trends that would smooth out the curve a bit. AI might have to help look for particular trends in pictures or humans would spend weeks doing it. For instance, how many kitchen renovations photos from major home design sources had OTRMs in a given year 1980-0, 1982-0, …1996-5, 2000, 15… 2010, 75… and so on. The opposite question would be how many kitchen renovation photos from major home design sources featuring a stove do not have an OTRM?

[@MeanOldLady]

I've got a large, square, open area with the kitchen section making a small L & a kitchen table that's just a waste of space. I can reclaim that space by turning that dining section into an island with a table-height, counter edge to sit at & it will take up less space, have more storage & be more useful than the table. I like island that don't have hobs or sinks in them since they just gather associated clutter.

[@sandygentry8455]

My sink in the island. Like it. Seats check. Lights checked. No waterfall. Don’t like it.

[@nathalie_desrosiers]

The cook top on the island is not that functionnal. Because of the ventilation. I am way too clumsy to want a waterfall island. I will continuously bump myself on it. So, here come the rounded edges.

[@bizzybits1918]

Wish my island didn’t have a sink. I just don’t have a choice.

[@sandrajunkin4416]

What about kitchens with TWO islands?! That seems excessive. Maybe silly…. ( But then I don’t even like a refrigerator with two doors - too confusing- where’s the milk? ! So what do I know…)

[@MTKDofficial]

It's a trend in large kitchens that can accommodate them. Usually one is used for a work surface and one for eating or social stuff. I'm not a big proponent overall, but in the right layout, I suppose it could work.

[@dahut3614]

8:17 "...Only 83.9% of you are subscribed to my channel." The chart onscreen shows that only 16.1% are subscribed. So which is it?!

[@MTKDofficial]

I said “aren’t”. I talk too fast.

[@Ireniicus]

It is not a trend.

[@MTKDofficial]

Is too.

[@lazygardens]

Cooktops need ventilation to FUNCTION ... and that's hard to do in an island. Also, people who want to have kids eating at the island don't want young kids with hot burners near them as they fidget and eat.

[@dawnelder9046]

You do not want a cook top were you have chairs were children can climb up. I hate the open upper shelves. Great for people who eat put 99 percent of the time and have time to keep things pretty. Or for single people who want the status of the look . Useless nightmare for busy people who actually half to cook.

[@loserplanet]

I don't like a stovetop on the island because of the need for a vent hood. And microwaves above the stove have got to GO. They are horrible! Why are we putting the microwave on display? Why is it so high kids can't use it without climbing on the stove? Why does the vent not VENTILATE!? The WORST kitchen trend and they put them in every single builder grade home. Please make microwave drawers a thing. Thanks.

[@MTKDofficial]

Yeah. Very good point and one I should have mentioned. 100%

[@dahut3614]

How about you just do what you like and not tell everybody else what to do?