60 Beautiful Kitchen Island Ideas
By Anna Callaghan
September 9, 2015 in Decorating Ideas / Kitchen
White Island With Blue Seats
Get additional seating without giving up much space
White Island Wicker Stools
White island with hidden stools
Seating Island Grey And White
Extended island with chair seating
Seating Island Low Profile
Combine seating option with storage
Seating Island Low
Low island with formal dining chairs
Seating Island Sleek
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Seating Island Small Stools
Long island creates bar-like seating option
Seating Island Long
Long island creates bar-like seating option
Seating Island Brown Chairs
Corner of island can be used for comfortable dining
Seating Island Stainless
Make your space more social with island seating
Multi Level Island Bright
Create two spaces in one by making your island different levels
Multi Level Rounded
Different levels allow for many different functions
Multi Level Seating Low
Low to the ground seating pairs well with functional food prep space
Multi Level Brown Contrast
Dark wood cabinetry works nicely with lighter, polished counters
Multi Level Blue And White
In addition to varying the height of counters you can also vary the colors
Multi Level High Stools
Create the feeling of completely different spaces by varying height and material
Multi Level Wood And White
Create the feeling of completely different spaces by varying height and material
Multi Level Breakfast Bar
Allow one level of the island to be for seating and another for sink access and food prep
Multi Level Curved Design
Create different spaces by varying height and material
Multi Level Island Wood
Add function to your space by experimenting with island height
Storage Island Dark
Display books and other items by installing open shelving
Storage Island White
Display colorful cookbooks in an otherwise white and bright space
Storage Island Black And White
Store pots, pans, appliances and cutlery in a combination of deep cabinets and drawers
Storage Island Red
Use minimal real estate on the ends of the island for wine without having to give up much storage space for larger items
Storage Island Blue
Get creative with under island cabinetry
Storage Island Light Wood
A big wood island makes a statement in an otherwise light and bright space
Storage Island Wide Hardwoods
Add a few shelves for handy access to cookbooks
Storage Island Modern
Combine different types of storage to get the look you want
Storage Island With Seating
You don't have to sacrifice storage for seating–here's a smart way to do both
Storage Island Neutrals
Adjust your design to match your personal taste and display your cookbooks on your island's shelves
Space Above Island Drinks
Keep glasses handy by installing a hanging shelf
Space Above Island Sleek Range
Range hoods don't have to be an eyesore as demonstrated by this out-of-the-way ventilation option
Space Above Island Light Wood
Install a shelf above the island to both house glassware and provide a lighting options
Space Above Island Hanging Shelf
You wouldn't hang a shelf from the ceiling in the middle of the room unless it was over an island so take advantage of the option to do so
Space Above Island Modern
Use the space above the island for a sleek and unobstrusive range hood above the stove top
Space Above Island White Stainless
Tailor the range hood to match the style of the rest of the room
Space Above Island Range Hood High
Use the space above the island for a modern range hood
Space Above Island And Seating
Putting the stove top across from bar seating creates an environment where guests can socialize with the chef
Space Above Island Wood
Use the space above the island for a stylish range hood above the stove top
Space Above Island Hanging Pots
Showcase a matching pot selection by hanging them above the island
Appliance Island Multi Level
Combine multiple island ideas together for high utility
Appliance Island All White
White island counter tops make both the black countertops and stainless steel appliances pop
Appliance Island Sky Lights
A centrally located sink makes prep more efficient
Appliance Island Light Dark
A centrally located sink makes prep more efficient
Appliance Island Bright Contrast
Though there's already a more formal dining table, seats at the island make the prep area more social
Appliance Island Display
The island houses the stove top that couldn't be placed elsewhere in the room
Appliance Island Contrast Wood
Using different materials creates two distinct spaces with different purposes
Appliance Island Sunken Sink
Adding an appliance still leaves plenty of counter space
Appliance Island Black
Take advantage of the island's extra space and use it to spread out appliances
Appliance Island White
Move appliances from under cabinetry to the center of the room to increase efficiency
Countertop Island White Black
A black base pops nicely against stark white countertops
Countertop Island Wood And White
Islands can still work well in small kitchens by adding counter space that may be lacking
Countertop Island Farm Sink
A simple all-white island complements bold statement pieces in the rest of the kitchen
Countertop Island Overhang
Leave space under the counters to tuck stools
Countertop Island Wheels
An island on wheels is both flexible in purpose and lightens up the room
Countertop Island All Wood
Use a wood island to contrast stone countertops
Countertop Island Shapes
Experiment with shape and purpose
Countertop Island Perimeter
Perimeter islands help frame spaces with open layouts
Countertop Island White
A big island with no features creates lots of additional counter space
Countertop Island Brown
Use different materials to create contrast
Kitchen islands serve a number of purposes. In addition to being a visual anchor in the space, they also help increase the room’s functionality and efficiency.
And according to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders more than 70% of buyers want an island in their kitchen, and of those, 50% consider it a must-have. Since it’s apparent that adding an island is a sound investment, we’ve gathered 60 of our favorite kitchen island ideas to use for inspiration.
Think about what kind of design (whether custom or prefabricated) is going to provide the most utility by asking the following questions: What will it be used for the most? What particular features will enhance the existing kitchen? What does the space need? If the room lacks cabinet space, you’ll want storage. If you don’t have a kitchen or dining room table (and even if you do), extra seating might be a priority.
There are many different ways you can approach this decision, and since an island takes up a significant amount of floor space it’s worth it to take time to make every element of its design intentional.
A good general rule for enclosed kitchens is to place it in the center of the room. That way it’s equally accessible from all sides and won’t be an obstacle for people walking through. That placement might not work best for all kitchens, however. A perimeter island, for example, might work better with open floor plans. Size and shape are also determined by room’s layout; Allow for at least 36-48 inches between the perimeter of the island and the surrounding cabinets so there’s enough room for people to move around.
From creating more counter space to adding additional seating, we’ve selected a few different kitchen island ideas that will help you get the most out of it. Choose one or combine multiple of the design elements below to create the feature that works best in your room.
Our Top Kitchen Island Ideas
- Add more counter space
- Create more seating
- Add appliances
- Make it multi-level
- Get more storage
- Use the space above
Add more counter space
Keep it simple while adding value by using an island to significantly increase the amount of counter space in your kitchen. Having more counter space adds obvious benefits: more room for meal prep, multiple chefs and can serve as an eating area. Create contrast by using a different material or color for the island counters than you did in the rest of the room. If your regular countertops are white quartz, try black or a dark stained wood for the island.
Create more seating
Whether your space lacks a proper dining table or you’re looking to create a more casual bar-seating option, adding low-profile seating to the island is an easy way to increase functionality and make the environment more social for both guests and the cook. Create a breakfast bar or dining table, and leave a counter overhang that offers enough room to tuck the chairs or stools underneath when not in use.
Add appliances
Incorporating sinks or stovetops into the surface of the island is one way to spread the workflow throughout the kitchen. Installation can be tricky, so pay attention to details like ventilation and plumbing. This will require running downward (most common in islands) or overhead venting (which can be expensive), and allocating extra space to in-cabinet pipes.
Make it multi-level
Add another dynamic by creating variation in the height of your island. Using the island for multiple purposes, like eating and food prep, will both maximize the utility and make it feel like two totally different spaces. For example, add an appliance to one level (like a sink or stovetop) and create a breakfast bar on a higher tier.
Get more storage
In addition to creating more counter space, an island is also a way to add more storage and avoid kitchen clutter by using drawers, cupboards and shelves. This is beneficial especially if appliances take up a lot of cabinet room, or if you’re looking for a unique way to showcase certain items by using open shelving. Store dishes and pots within reach or keep less frequently used appliances out of the way. Another option is to use open shelving to display cookbooks or other items.
Use the space above
Take advantage of being able to use the space above the island by adding suspended storage, where you can display a matching pan collection or your best stemware. You can also experiment with lighting elements, or if you’ve decided to install a stovetop with overhead venting you can use the space for the range hood.
If you have a smaller kitchen and less space to work with, be sure to check out these small kitchen island ideas.
