Island design is a little more complicated than you might think. You will need to consider details such as storage (do you require concealed drawers? ), countertops (natural stone or man-made stone? ), bench space (will you include a cooktop or sink?), and seating (does everyone have enough room to participate in the project?). To help you decide, we’ve curated the best kitchen island ideas.
INCORPORATE SHOWSTOPPING FIXTURES AND HARDWARE
It takes a lot of thought and planning to design a kitchen island, and you’ll want to avoid a bunch of kitchen island mistakes.
Islands tend to make the cooking feel like a movie theater, with the cook at the center of attention. Everything on the island at mealtime – from the breakfast bar ideas to the appliances and hardware – needs to be well thought out design-wise.
Amanda Evans’ kitchen features a Butler sink that draws attention to the kitchen’s rustic roots while presenting a modern spin on farmhouse style.
MIX AND MATCH YOUR STORAGE OPTIONS
A kitchen island adds a lot of storage options if you’re short on space. Plan your kitchen island with plenty of storage options in mind. Include a mix of drawers and cabinets for easy storage of table and cookware. Open shelving can also be used to display some of your favorite kitchen essentials.
Smith says you should go for an integrated island bookend to add a touch of homey. By doing so, the most loved cookbooks will be placed on display, adding an additional layer of personality, and freeing up counter space.
ADD IN A WORK TABLE TO CREATE A MULTI-PURPOSE SPACE
An open-plan kitchen with an island provides extra prep space and reduces footsteps between the sink, cooker, and fridge. In addition, it separates the work zone of the kitchen from the living/dining area, preventing kids and guests from getting into trouble in the kitchen. Nowadays, the kitchen is also used as a workspace.
Worktables give you extra space and can incorporate clever kitchen storage ideas for all of your kitchen items and office stuff. They usually include a seating area with high stools, which gives you another place to work or relax and helps zone the kitchen.
ADD DESIGN DETAILS TO A KITCHEN ISLAND
Taking inspiration from the simple English countryside aesthetic, paneling is having a moment.
According to Merrin Wright at Plain English, tongue and groove paneling is more popular than ever. When used on kitchen island ideas, the natural design choice gives off a tactile and warm feeling.
Have fun with shapes and materials.
It’s a good idea to get an unconventional shape for a kitchen island if you want a unique look and to make moving around it easier. Curved or circular islands can really make your kitchen pop.
Every home needs a kitchen since it’s where people gather to eat and socialize. It’s hard to beat a custom-built kitchen island to make your kitchen stand out and become the focal point of the room.
You can customize a kitchen island to fit your needs. You might want to choose a smaller island if you have a small kitchen to save space.
It is also possible to be creative when choosing the materials to be used for your kitchen island. If you choose a wooden island with a rustic finish, your kitchen will have a warm, cozy feel. If you choose a marble island, your kitchen will have a sleek, contemporary feel.
FAQs
What are the most popular kitchen island designs?
Among the many design options available, you may want to consider linear design, an open design with oak cabinets, a gloss finish, a block of color, a slim central element, a wood island with wide planks, or a seamless white island. Choose a black and white island with brass hardware if you’re looking for a classic look. Try combining old farmhouse ideas with modern ones if you want a modern farmhouse kitchen. Regardless of what you pick, make sure it is practical and welcoming.
Which materials are best for kitchen islands?
The materials you choose for your kitchen island should complement the overall design of your kitchen. In order to achieve a sleek and contemporary appearance, you will want to choose materials that are in keeping with that style. You may want to use materials that reflect that style if you are going for a rustic or farmhouse design. There are a bunch of materials you can pick from, so you should be able to find something you like. You may want to consider the following materials:
With a wooden kitchen island, you can give your kitchen a warm and rustic feel while still providing a lot of functionality. Wooden islands are available in various finishes, so you can find the ideal one to complement your kitchen.
An island made from stone can give your kitchen a luxurious, high-end appearance. Stone islands are also very durable and easy to clean, making them a popular choice for kitchens that are frequently used.
Modern kitchens often feature metal islands. Additionally, metal islands are very durable and easy to maintain, making them an ideal option for busy kitchens.
An island made of glass can make your kitchen appear bright and spacious. The ease of cleaning glass islands makes them an excellent choice for busy kitchens.
