Dated peninsula with a half wall
Many 1970s kitchens have a peninsula topped with a knee wall or hanging cabinets. Removing them opens the view and leaves a clean seating counter.
Serving Northbrook & nearby Glenview, Highland Park
Kitchen Island & Peninsula Installation in Northbrook, IL
We add, enlarge or replace kitchen islands and peninsulas in Northbrook, with seating, power and plumbing planned around real clearances.
- Kitchen remodels across Northbrook ZIP 60062
- One project manager from drawings to final walk-through
- Permits and inspections handled for you
Island and peninsula problems we solve in Northbrook
Most Northbrook homeowners want the same three things from an island: more counter space, a place to sit and extra storage. We plan the size around the room, run the electrical the code usually calls for, and suggest a peninsula when an island would crowd the kitchen.
Want the cooktop in the island
Cooking at the island means venting over it and running power or gas through the floor. We size the hood and route the lines during the rough-in.
Want a sink in the island
Facing the family while washing up is a common wish. We plan the drain, vent and supply lines and add a dishwasher next to the island sink.
Cracked overhang on a stone top
Stone seating ledges need hidden support plates or brackets once they reach past what the slab can carry alone. We build them in.
Nowhere to prep
If two cutting boards can't fit side by side anywhere, the kitchen needs a central work surface. An island or peninsula is the usual answer.
Island that wobbles or shifts
A freestanding island that slides when you lean on it isn't safe for stone. We fasten the base to the floor with cleats so it stays put.
Aisles too tight around the island
An island that leaves less than about 42 inches of walkway makes the dishwasher and oven doors a hazard. We resize or replace it to restore clearance.
Island in the dark
Pendant lights over the island light the prep area and define the space. We wire them while the ceiling is open.
What the project covers
- Layout and clearance checkTaped outlines on the floor so you can walk around the island before anything is ordered.
- Floor prepOld flooring patched where a previous island or peninsula stood, and blocking added for anchoring.
- Electrical rough-inA circuit run to the island for outlets, plus wiring for pendants overhead.
- Plumbing and ventingWater lines and a properly vented drain when the island gets a sink.
- Island cabinets set and anchoredBase cabinets assembled, leveled and screwed to the floor blocking so the island can't move.
- Panels and seating sideFinished end and back panels, with knee space and furniture details where you want them.
- CountertopTop templated on the installed base and set with sink and cooktop cut-outs.
Choices you'll make
Island cabinetsIsland cabinets can match the perimeter or stand out in another color or wood.
Quartz and granite topsStone tops give a large, durable work surface; long islands may need a seam or a single large slab.
Butcher blockWood tops add warmth and are pleasant for prep; they need oiling or sealing from time to time.
Counter or bar height seatingCounter height keeps one continuous surface; a raised bar hides prep clutter from the room.
Waterfall endsA slab that wraps over the ends to the floor and protects the cabinet sides.
Kitchens like yours in Northbrook: before and after
Before
In progress
AfterKitchen Island & Peninsula Installation in a 1950s ranch, Northbrook
A 1950s ranch near Downtown Northbrook, a typical kitchen for Northbrook. The kitchen as it was: dark walnut-stained flush-panel cabinets with brass pulls and speckled laminate. What bothered the owners most: a kitchen with no room to prep or gather. After: a new island in dusty blue with a creamy quartzite-look quartz top and seating. On site this meant floor prep, electrical rough-in, plus plumbing and venting.
Before
AfterKitchen Island & Peninsula Installation in a two-story colonial from the 1990s, Buffalo Grove
A two-story colonial from the 1990s near Green Knolls, a typical kitchen for Buffalo Grove. What we started with: white thermofoil cabinets peeling at the edges, oak trim and white ceramic tile with dark stained grout lines. The main complaint was a kitchen with no room to prep or gather. Finished kitchen: a new island in terracotta with a warm walnut butcher block top and seating. The job covered layout and clearance check, plumbing and venting, plus countertop.
Kitchen Island & Peninsula Installation in Buffalo Grove →
Before
AfterA Northbrook postwar bi-level: before and after
What changed: the closet next to the kitchen rebuilt as a pantry with solid wood shelves, pull-out baskets on the bottom and a light.
Pantry Design & Installation in Northbrook →
Before
AfterBuilt-In Breakfast Nook & Banquette in a postwar Cape Cod, Northbrook
A built-in banquette bench with storage drawers and cushions under the window, with a round pedestal table.
Built-In Breakfast Nook & Banquette in Northbrook →
Before
AfterKitchen Remodeling in a 1950s ranch, Northbrook
Finished: cabinets in forest green with matte black pulls, black honed granite counters, a green zellige-look tile backsplash, warm oak luxury vinyl plank flooring and a flush drum fixture and under-cabinet lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Northbrook →From first visit to final walk-through
- Measure and mock-upA visit to measure, check clearances and see where power and water can reach.
- Plan and written estimateIsland size, cabinets, top, seating and trades in a drawn plan with an itemized quote.
- Rough-in and permitsPermits filed when wiring or plumbing is added; rough-ins done and inspected before the base goes in.
- Build and countertopCabinets fastened down, sides finished, then the countertop is measured and set.
- Hookups and walk-throughFinal connections, cleanup and a look at the finished island together.
Kitchen Island & Peninsula Installation questions from Northbrook homeowners
Does a kitchen island need an electrical outlet?
In many jurisdictions, yes — code usually requires at least one outlet on an island counter. We confirm the local rules and wire it with GFCI protection.
How long does island installation take?
Once cabinets are on site, setting and anchoring the base usually takes a day or two; rough-ins, inspection and the countertop add time around it.
Do I need a permit to add an island?
Permits typically follow the trades: electrical and plumbing work need one, carpentry alone often doesn't. We handle the application.
How much space do I need for a kitchen island?
The island has to leave aisles of roughly 42 inches on working sides, more for two cooks. We tape it out on your floor so you can feel the space.
Can you put a cooktop or range in the island?
We can, as long as there's a way to vent it and safe counter space on each side. We plan the hood and the utility lines together.
Northbrook contractor registration: do kitchen contractors need it?
Village contractor license required, good for one year: general contractors $100; electrical $70. We take care of that before work starts.
What is the Northbrook building department phone number?
Permits go through Development & Planning Services, phone 847-664-4050. When your scope needs one, we prepare the application and schedule the inspections.
What does Northbrook ask for on electrical work?
Electrical contractor license $70; must submit a copy of a valid electrician's registration with the application. New circuits and wiring are done by licensed electricians.
Does Northbrook require a licensed plumber for island project?
Plumbing contractors: no village fee; must submit a copy of the State of Illinois Plumbing Contractor Registration (055). Our plumbing connections are made by licensed plumbers.
Do I need a permit for island project in Northbrook?
It depends on the scope. Northbrook's rule in short: Village lists separate permit types: Single Family Alterations - Interior, Electrical (new wiring/outlets), and Plumbing (new fixtures). We handle the permit when one is needed with Development & Planning Services.
Do you work in my part of Northbrook?
Yes. Our crews work across Northbrook, including Techny, Downtown Northbrook — ZIP 60062 — and nearby Glenview, Highland Park, Mount Prospect.
Working in Northbrook
- A lot of Northbrook kitchens date from the 1970s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Northbrook homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Development & Planning Services handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
TechnyDowntown Northbrook
ZIP 60062
Kitchen Island & Peninsula Installation nearby
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Planning and designIsland Kitchen Layout Design: Kitchen Island vs Peninsula and Ideas for Small KitchensAn island kitchen layout works when you can keep about 42 inches of walkway on every side, or about 48 inches with two cooks. In narrower rooms a…3 min read
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Planning and designKitchen Island Dimensions: Island Kitchen Layout Dimensions, Seating and ClearancesMost kitchen islands are about 36 inches (91 cm) high, 24 to 42 inches (61 to 107 cm) deep and 4 to 10 feet (1.2 to 3 m) long. Plan about 42 inches…3 min read
Other kitchen services in Northbrook
Pull-Out Shelves & Cabinet OrganizersRoll-out shelves and organizers built to fit your existing cabinets.
Pantry Design & InstallationPantry cabinets, closet conversions and walk-in shelving, built to fit.
Built-In Breakfast Nook & BanquetteBuilt-in bench seating with storage for corners, bays and nooks.
Kitchen RemodelingFull kitchen remodels, from layout to last cabinet pull.
Kitchen Cabinet PaintingFactory-smooth painted cabinets without replacing them.