Kitchen islands serve as a gathering place in the kitchen and are a bonus feature for potential homebuyers.

Most homeowners have a vision of what their next home will look like even before they begin searching.

Often referred to as the “heart of the home,” the kitchen is where we gather to share meals and toast in celebration with family and friends.

A 2013 survey asked respondents that had purchased a home within the past two years what top features they wanted in their kitchen. The survey, conducted by the National Association of Realtors, reported the results as:

• 56 percent of homebuyers wanted new appliances. Of those, 76 percent got them.

• 50 percent of homebuyers wanted an eat-in kitchen. Of those, 89 percent got it.

• 42 percent of homebuyers wanted an island. Of those, 75 percent got it.

• 39 percent of homebuyers wanted granite countertops. Of those, 75 percent got them.