I completed the base for the kitchen island today. When the countertop is added it will create a seating area on one side and have the induction cooktop placed on the other. Unlike the other cabinets in the kitchen, the island will sit on top of the finished floor. Therefore, I have not yet fastened the end caps or the back panel to the drawer carcass to keep the weight manageable; it would be very difficult to move fully assembled. The end cap on the kitchen-facing side includes open shelving for frequently used spices and cooking oils. Should we be so lucky to entertain toddlers at some point, I am sure this will be a favorite point of interest and I already have some child-proofing ideas in mind.

We deliberately pulled our electrical permit in the final week of 2022 so that we would not be subject to new 2023 code requirements that do not allow for kitchen island-mounted outlets. The new regulations only allow for outlets mounted on island countertops which is the last place I would pick to put an outlet, pop-up, or otherwise. The outlet within the seating area will include 2 USB-C charging ports and will not be visible from the dining and living areas. The other outlet will be for cooking-related appliances that are temporarily used on the island.

With these choices, we have a single island with two personalities. Viewed from the dining/living space, it presents clean lines and no clutter. while the kitchen end is all about the business of cooking.