About eight years ago I remodeled 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 center 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.

Watch Video: The Ultimate Kitchen

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