A well-designed kitchen island is one of the highest-value additions you can make to a Northeast Ohio home. It adds storage, counter space, seating, and a natural gathering point — all in one piece. But the cabinet configuration underneath the island is what makes it functional.
Deep drawer banks. Deep drawers on one or both ends of an island are among the most useful storage configurations we install. They're ideal for pots, pans, and large serving pieces. Pull-out trash and recycling. Building these into the island keeps them accessible from the cooking zone while keeping them out of sight. Open shelving on the seating side. Open shelving here — for cookbooks, a wine rack, or display items — adds visual interest and function without adding bulk.
Two-tone kitchen design has been one of the most consistent trends in the Northeast Ohio kitchens we've designed. The most popular combinations: white perimeter cabinets with a navy or deep blue island, white perimeter with a forest green island, gray perimeter with a warm wood-tone island.
The waterfall edge — where the countertop material continues vertically down the side of the island to the floor — has become a signature element in higher-end Northeast Ohio kitchen remodels. It works best with stone countertops and creates a dramatic, furniture-like appearance. In the Beachwood, Solon, and Westlake markets, a waterfall island is often a worthwhile investment.
Interested in adding a custom kitchen island? Schedule a free design consultation or visit our Euclid showroom to see island examples in person. Learn more about our kitchen cabinet services, or see how we serve Solon homeowners.
Free custom design consultation. No pressure. No obligation. Bear Cabinetry has been serving Northeast Ohio since 1977.
Free custom design consultation. No pressure. No obligation. Bear Cabinetry has been serving Northeast Ohio since 1977.