About eight years ago I remodelled my kitchen. It had been a long time coming, but finally all the things I'd been envisioning were going to be a reality. High on my wish list: more storage and more counter space. Adding an island would give me both. I wanted the island to be the centre of activities and to include an overhang for seating and eating

Some kitchens are large enough to add an island without enlarging the room, however, I didn't have that luxury. I knocked down a wall between the then combination dining room/family room - it was L-shaped. This area became an informal eating area/great room; the former family room became the formal dining room.

Before you decide that an island is in your future, consider these planning ideas that I used in building my own kitchen island.

Countertop: We used a solid surface, and wow it's easy clean up! It is great for rolling out cookies or pastry. It's definitely an upgrade that I'm glad I opted for.

Electrical outlets: Install one on each end. I recommend at least one outlet for appliances, such as a mixer, you might want to use in the island area. (I actually plug my laptop in at the island when I want to work in the kitchen.) As long as you are running electricity to the island for one outlet, it wouldn't take that much longer to install two.

Hob: My hob is placed in my island. For me the island was the best placement for the hob. But your decision should depend on the general layout of the rest of your kitchen. You should think about whether you need a countertop/work area or a sink in your island instead of a hob.

Overhang eating area: I extended the work surface on one side - 12" at each end curving slightly to 18" in the middle. This is the part we have enjoyed the most! There's plenty of room for breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. When there's company, the cook can chat with guests while keeping the meal under control. It also works great as a buffet and serving area, I can even keep food warm by turning the burners low.

Whether the island contains a hob, sink or cutting board, I really encourage adding an overhang. Even if it's only enough room for one stool, you'll be able to sit while doing some of the food preparation or to read the paper and have a cup of coffee!

Lighting: Don't forget lighting over your island. This is one area you don't want too dark. I installed three recessed canister style fixtures over the island and put them on a dimmer switch.

Keep in mind: You want to have a minimum of two feet around the island for traffic flow and of course more space if you plan to have an eating area.