What Is A Kitchen Island Definition Benefits And Design Ideas

73 Kitchen Island Ideas to Elegantly Anchor the Heart of Your Home

If youre dreaming of renovation projects and kitchen island ideas keep popping up in your head, we dont blame you. The way we see it, the kitchen island is the real MVP of the home. From meal prepping to casual dining and extra storage, these workhorses do it all while adding an architectural focal point. Weve gathered 73 of the best kitchen island ideas in a variety of styles. Find inspiration for your futureremodeling project in these stunning kitchens by top architects and designers. Whether you dream of creating a spot for nightly homework, gourmet meals, or morning coffee, a practical and beautiful island will be the most used area in the house.

How should I design my kitchen island?

If youre starting from scratch, you have a bevy of options, but what you should consider first and foremost is how youll use your kitchen island. If you dont think you or your family will actually sit at the island, skip the stools and add more storage space. If the kitchen is where guests often convene when you host a gathering, add a handful of stools and leave extra standing room. If you envision your island as a meal prep zone, maximize your counter space so you can easily fit all of your ingredients as you chop, stir, and store. Whatever you decided, everyone will be shouting, Yes, chef!

What is the best size for a kitchen island?

As mentioned above, the best kitchen island designs take your habits into consideration. Theres no use in a massive kitchen island that isnt practical, but you also dont want to feel cramped. When deciding on your kitchen layout, make sure you leave enough breathing room between the island and its surrounding countertops and appliances.

What looks good on a kitchen island?

Its best to err on the side of utility for a kitchen islandyou dont want the surface to be covered in knickknacks when its time to make dinner! Invest in eye-catching fruit bowls, a pair of well-designed salt and pepper mills, or a pitcher that will look pretty even when its not in use. Otherwise, keep this isle clear.

Should your kitchen island match your cabinets?

The case could be made for both a completely uniform kitchenand acompletely mismatched kitchen. If you lean traditional, its probably best to keep things matchy-matchy, but if you favor a more eclectic style, try contrasting colors to create an especially memorable space.

How do I make my kitchen island stand out?

Its best not to rely too much on extra decorative accents that would take up valuable workspace, so often, your choice of materials is the best way to make an island stand out. If youre in the planning or redesign process, consider how your kitchen island countertop material choice might contrast with the rest of the room to start. If youre trying to figure out a way to make your already constructed island pop, zero in on a single decorative accent for the islandanything more could end up feeling cluttered when you set out to meal prep or lay out a spread of hors doeuvres when hosting. An eye-catching fruit bowl, a woven tray, or a sleek vase can all be excellent choices, depending on the style and color scheme of your kitchen.

What can be used as a kitchen island?

If your kitchen has enough room for an island, there are a number of practical and stylish options for adding one in. The traditional route is to have a kitchen island custom built for your space, but if youre in a rental, dont have the budget for a custom-built island, or just want something in the space quicker, you can buy a prefab kitchen island as well. A variety of retailers, like Wayfair and Crate & Barrel, sell kitchen islands in a range of price points, styles, and sizes. If you have sufficient space for an island but your kitchen is still on the smaller side, choosing one thats on wheels can add flexibility. If youre not afraid of a DIY project, you can try to build a kitchen island yourself, whether from prefabricated modified cabinet bases or from raw materials, if youre in the DIY big leagues.

Read on for kitchen island ideas to anchor your space in style.

62 Kitchen Island Ideas You'll Want to Copy

What is the best place to put a kitchen island?

The place best to put a kitchen island is at the center of the kitchen, but be sure to consider the layout and size of your kitchen before you make your final decision. If you cook a lot, place the island adjacent to the stove and prep areas to make cooking more efficient. Placing it near a sink will give you easy access to water, which will also help with cooking.

If you have an open-plan layout, you can place the island between rooms to act as a divider while still keeping a nice flow through the house.

Is it easier to buy a kitchen island or build one?

If you have woodworking skills and the time, building a kitchen island might be a better option. You can customize the size and features to get exactly what you want and need. However, it requires a higher skill level than a lot of other household projects. Buying an island is more convenient, the pricing is more straightforward, and you can find budget-friendly options.

If you have specific needs and a unique design style in mind, DIY it. Otherwise, we recommend shopping for an island and finding one that fits your budget.

What is a Kitchen Island?

The cost of a kitchen island depends on its size, materials and features. Prices start from around $1000 for a basic kitchen island or from $10,000 for a high-quality installation complete with sink or other fittings (not including installation).

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As any home cook knows, however big your kitchen is, you can always do with some more room. An ideal way to achieve this is by installing a kitchen island. But what exactly is a kitchen island, what are the benefits and how much does it cost? Read on to find out.

A kitchen island is an attractive and very usable feature of a kitchen. It can most simply be defined as a standalone counter that has been placed centrally in the kitchen in order to provide extra storage and working space.

Kitchen islands are most often used as an additional work surface, but they can be used as an eating area as well, if the benchtop is extended to create an overhang under which chairs or stools can be placed.

Islands are prominent features in many modern kitchen designs, but they're not the best choice for every space. So it's useful to have a balanced overview and consider the possible problems as well as the benefits.

Pros

• Adds versatile surface area to your kitchen
• Extra storage space if cabinets are installed
• Extra seating area for stools or dining chairs
• Helps to define your kitchen in an open plan space

Cons

• Takes up valuable space in smaller kitchens
• May restrict access and flow between appliances
• May require special plumbing and wiring
• Increases kitchen installation or renovation costs

Some of these issues can be avoided with careful kitchen design.

Adding a kitchen island involves careful planning to make sure it adds convenience to your daily life rather than getting in the way. A time-honoured rule of kitchen design is the 'golden triangle' ensuring easy access between the sink, the fridge and the oven. Your kitchen island should be positioned where it won't restrict access.

Keep in mind that your kitchen island is a workspace first and foremost, just like any other of your kitchen benches. Therefore, it's vital to make sure it is adequately lit with good task lighting. You can install downlights, spotlights or other lights directly overhead or install lighting nearby that can be angled to provide you with bright, shadow free light.

Read more tips and ideas for kitchen island features.

Kitchen islands come in many different designs and configurations. The most common is a benchtop that is placed on top of a support, which may or may not have cabinetry underneath.

The benchtop can be made from any material you like, but they are commonly made of tile, stainless steel, Caeserstone, laminate, natural stone (such as granite or marble) or wood.

A wooden kitchen island is also known as a butcher block. While most kitchen islands are a permanent addition, you can get ones on wheels or castors to allow you to manoeuvre them as necessary.

While most kitchen islands only have a benchtop on the surface, some are more advanced, allowing you to include different things such as a cooktop, a sink, a dishwasher or a bar fridge. You can also include cabinets that can be opened from any side of the island to create heaps of extra storage.

Another thing that you can do is to install special racks overhead to hold your favourite pots and pans or kitchen utensils, or install a canopy rangehood to take away cooking odours from your island cooktop.

A variant on the kitchen island is the kitchen peninsula, which connects to the main kitchen at one end. Read our comparison guide to kitchen island vs peninsula.

Read more: Kitchen island design ideas

The cost of a kitchen island depends on its size, materials and features. Prices start from around $1000 for a basic kitchen island or from $10,000 for a high-quality installation complete with sink or other fittings (not including installation).

Expect to pay around:

• $1000 for a basic breakfast bar or budget benchtop
• $1500 for a portable kitchen island on wheels
• $10,000 for a mid-range kitchen island with professional installation
• $2200$2500 per square metre for natural stone benchtops

If you're thinking about a full kitchen renovation with an island, expect to pay $30,000 or more.

You can buy basic or portable kitchen islands in standard sizes from home improvement stores, and these don't need to be professionally installed. However, if you prefer your kitchen island to be custom made, get quotes from kitchen builders or renovators in your area.

Compare 3 quotes to get a good idea of prices and so you can check out the background of each company to make sure you're dealing with professionals.

Get quotes from local kitchen builders now

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.

50 Kitchen Island Ideas to Perfectly Suit Your Personal Style

A kitchen island not only increases the function of your kitchen, but it also serves as a key area for cementing your kitchens aesthetic. While there are endless ways to arrange a kitchen islands appliances, seating, storage, and food prep spaces, there are even more ways to decorate them.

This guide features our best kitchen island ideas for every style so that you can find a look and layout that works for your kitchen. Whether youre wondering about waterfall edge countertops or sourcing a vintage kitchen island, get inspired by our collection of island designs.

Use an Island to Enhance Your Kitchen

This pretty kitchen island fits right into the rest of the kitchen with a matching countertop and an all-white color scheme. Add interest and texture with beadboard panels, and consider how the stools factor into the overall scene. In this kitchen, acrylic stools add a modern touch and take up little visual space.

Kitchen Island Seating

Adding a tabletop to your island is an excellent way to add seating in the kitchen. Its also a way to enjoy the added prep space of an island with less visual weight, which in this kitchen allows a better view of the stunning tile design. This option may work for you if you have ample storage elsewhere in your kitchen or limited room for dining.

Kitchen Island Sink

Adding a sink to the kitchen island is almost essential in the workflow of this small kitchen, and it might make the most sense for your home, too. Bear in mind that moving plumbing off the wall is an added cost, so make sure its practical and necessary before going this route.

Double Islands

Double islands can give you dual functionality. Rather than one giant island, this parallel arrangement uses the center of the room, creating a direct line between the sink and prep space to the oven.

Kitchen Island Clearance

Islands need at least 36 inches of clearance all the way around for easy navigation and to ensure you can open cupboard and appliance doors. Knowing this will help you determine the largest size island you can fit in your kitchen.

Island Drawer Storage

This unique island prioritizes storage over a seating area with a set of beaded drawers. This could be a good route for you if you have a separate dining area or a lot of storage needs. Adjust the drawer style and hardware to suit different aesthetics.

Vintage Table Kitchen Island

Vintage tables as kitchen islands add priceless character to new-build kitchens like this one. If youre using a lot of wood tones, bring in some contrast, such as the modern chrome stools used here.

Double-Sided Island Cabinets

Most kitchen islands have some storage on the side facing the rest of the kitchen workspace. This island shows that you can also add cabinets on the back of your island. This makes the storage on both sides less deep, so the objects inside are easier to reach.

Open Island Storage

Open storage on your kitchen island puts objects in easy reach, and it creates an opportunity for decorating. Here, colorful cookbooks and entertaining items bring vibrant color to the space, while less aesthetic items are tucked into storage baskets.

Consider Your Needs

Rather than a full line of stools, seating shares space with additional storage on the outer side of this island. Given that the footprint of this kitchen is relatively small, more storage makes sense, especially if theres a dining table nearby.

Natural Wood Kitchen Island

The island is a great place to bring in natural wood, which can be too expensive to use as all-over cabinetry. You can see how the lightly stained wood island offers warmth and a sense of life to this kitchen.

Kitchen Island Storage

The options for kitchen island storage are almost endless, from drawers and cabinets to open or hanging shelving. Here, two large pull-out cabinets face the open side of the kitchen, allowing easy access to trash and recycling. The bar side of the island is used for storing hanging items.

Waterfall Edge Countertop

Waterfall edge countertops are stunning. They look gorgeous in modern or contemporary spaces and allow you to feature more of a stone you love in your home. This look requires more stone and installation labor, so be prepared for a higher cost.

Vintage Butcher-Block Kitchen Island

A vintage butcher block is the ultimate score for home cooks who love a vintage look. These gorgeous pieces are made to prep food right on the surface. Theyre heavy and can be expensive, although you can usually find less expensive options on local online marketplaces.

Add Contrast with a Vintage Island

Using furniture, such as a work table, instead of an island can add warmth, texture, and a traditional look to your kitchen. Look for something thats counter-height or close to it. If you need to make your table taller, add casters to the legs or a layer of butcher block or stone to the worktop.

Improve Function

Your kitchen island should be counter-height to be a comfortable surface for prepping food. Casters are a great hack to add to vintage items, as they add height and make a piece mobile, increasing its function and versatility.

Custom Kitchen Island Design

You can design a kitchen island to look like furniture so it fits into a traditional kitchen with the benefits of modern design. This island was designed with two functionsa table on one end and storage on the other. To achieve a pseudo-traditional look, be sure your island is built on legs rather than extending all the way to the floor.

Vintage Kitchen Work Table

This vintage kitchen work table fits perfectly in this small kitchen and suits the style of the old home. You can purchase similar tables new and distress them for a vintage vibe. Just be sure any finishes you use are sealed for food safety.

Choose the Right Island Stools

This island setup shows how important the choice of stools can be in your decor scheme. The warm leather of the stools echoes the red oven, which makes both items look intentional and part of a color palette rather than a random accent. Had the stools been gray or brown like the rest of the kitchen, this room wouldnt look as vibrant.

Paint Your Island an Accent Color

Many people paint the island a different color than their cabinets for a more dynamic look. Choose complementary colors if you want your island (or cabinets) to pop. For a more subtle or streamlined look, choose analogous colors, or colors in the same color family, as shown here.

Choose the Right Island for Your Kitchen

This vintage bread cabinet looks right at home in this refined but rustic kitchen. If youre shopping for a furniture piece for your island, define the style of your kitchen based on the era youre trying to emulate to generate keywords for your search.

Traditional Kitchen Island

Work tables were used instead of kitchen islands in historic homes, but in these modern times, the functionality of an island can be hard to beat. So, how do you make a built-in island look right in a traditional kitchen? Try adding details like the corbels and framing used here for a more old-world look.

Add Contrast with Stools

Think about the interplay of materials between your island and the stools you choose. The stools can be a great place to introduce a contrasting material and color for added interest in the kitchen. Here, the natural rattan stools complement the all-blue kitchen and echo the warm wood of the butcher block counter on the island.

Farmhouse Island

To design an island for a farmhouse-style kitchen, borrow some ideas from this detailed example. Turned wood posts in natural wood and barn door style facing combine to make a substantial impact in this rustic kitchen.

Match Seating

This kitchen somehow strikes a balance between rustic traditional and glam, and the island is no exception with a sleek stone countertop and rustic planked facing. Notice how the stools enhance the style, with a natural wood base and plush, almost glam white seats.

Small-Space Kitchen Island

You can still fit an island in small spaces, and they can add much-needed prep or seating space. Start with the square footage of your kitchen, and measure at least 36 inches from any counter, appliance, or door. This will help you figure out what size island your kitchen can accommodate.

Simple Farmhouse Island

This sweet country kitchen is made all the more functional by a large island with a sink and eating area. The extended table portion feels airy and allows more storage under the island.

Modern Kitchen Island

This island adds to the kitchens modern look thanks to the minimalist materials, which are the same larchwood and soapstone as the rest of the cabinetry. The cube-like construction of the island with minimal countertop overhang, also adds to the modern vibe.

Kitchen Island Cart

A pull-out cart is a clever way to customize your kitchen island with more prep and entertaining space. You could do something similar with a butcher-block top as a built-in cutting board.

Small Kitchen Island

This small kitchen island still offers a ton of functionality with two seats, prep space, and storage in the work area. A dark wood worktop is cost-effective and echoes the warm brown in the stools and shelving.

Traditional Kitchen Island Details

You can design a new kitchen island to look traditional with the help of a few details. Turned wood legs, bead board, and an antique paint finish combine to give this new island a vintage French country look.

Tiled Kitchen Island

Islands often have a working side and a side for seating, where you can play with aesthetics more. Depending on your style, you might paint your island or add beadboard or natural wood to this area. This island features stunning ceramic tile for a pop of color thats not too overwhelming.

Refined Traditional Island

This island lets the materials and craftsmanship shine, and the effect is traditional but timeless. The island is outfitted in simple moldings, which elevate it beyond a simple box and add to the traditional feeling in this kitchen.

Design a Kitchen Island from Scratch

Designing a custom island allows you to get the look and dimensions just right for your space and style. Here, a wooden base with table legs and vertical slats has stools on one side and open storage on the other. The simple design adds function and a modern touch to the traditional kitchen.

Simple Kitchen Island Design

In some cases, people want their kitchen islands to take a visual backseat to other elements in the room. Here, the island is finished in the same cabinetry and countertop as the rest of the kitchen so that standout items, like the chandelier and range hood, can shine. A simple island like this one is also cost-efficient.

Mix Countertop Styles

Using a different type of countertop on your kitchen island can add a ton of visual interest to your kitchen, and it can be a way to find flexibility in your budget. A foolproof combination is a butcher block in one area and stone in the other. Here, the hefty wood counter on the island is stained darker to contrast the delicate marble counters.

Include Appliances on Your Island

Deciding which appliances to add to the island, if any, is a puzzle you need to work out with a contractor. If you include a sink on the island, it makes sense to place the dishwasher nearby. The microwave, often considered an eyesore, is another common appliance to tuck into a kitchen island.

Large Kitchen Island

If you have a large kitchen, it makes sense to go big with your island. This island has a full-size sink and seating area in addition to tons of prep space. The black-painted base of the island features a foot rail for comfort.

Island in a Narrow Kitchen

You can still have a hardworking island, even if you have a narrow kitchen. This island doesnt have seating, but it includes essentials like a sink, prep space, and storage.

Coastal Modern Kitchen Island

Wide vertical planks painted in a soothing blue-gray make this island a grounding force in this coastal-modern kitchen. Stools upholstered in blue ticking subtly enhance the beachy feeling.

Mix Wood and Stone

The island is an opportunity to bring in new materials that your kitchen may be missing. In this case, light, natural wood is a surprise moment of softness that complements the cooler colors and stone accents in the room.

Soothing Color Palette

You can have an accent color on your island and still have a subdued, soothing kitchen. The key is looking for colors you love in muted tones, like this almost-gray green. This room is colorful but not overly bold or bright.

Butcher-Block Countertops

The butcher block on this kitchen island warms up the whole kitchen, and it pairs well with the leather stools. Butcher block is an affordable material that can last decades. However, since its a soft material, prepare yourself for some nicks and scratches and try to clean up liquid spills as quickly as possible.

Adapt an Existing Island

If you have (or only have the budget for) a small island, extending it with a table is a budget-friendly way to get more from the space. Bonus: It offers you face-to-face seating, unlike a typical island.

Split-Level Kitchen Island

Adding a bar-height section to your kitchen island is a great option, especially in small spaces, as it adds some separation between the kitchen and the room beyond, and it hides visual clutter in the space below. Be sure to purchase bar-height stools rather than counter-height if you go this route.

Large Kitchen Island Design Idea

This spacious marble island offers another layout if you have room for a large kitchen island. Theres a counter-height section for food prep and sink access and a lower table-height section with seating.

Styling a Waterfall Countertop

Waterfall-edge counters look so at home in modern kitchens like this one. The cube shape looks great with other geometric furnishings, like the globe lights and grid tile layout in this mid-century kitchen.

Retrofit a Vintage Kitchen Island

Vintage work tables dont always have the functionality of modern kitchen islands. Here, the open shelf was altered to allow more room for people seated on the other side. Such alterations can make vintage pieces way more functional for modern use.

Kitchen Island in an Old Home

The style of your home can help you decide what style and size of island to install. This small farmhouse kitchen could handle a larger island, but it wouldnt be typical for the era, and it would block the path of travel next to the kitchen. Instead, they used a small chest fitted with casters and a stone top to increase prep space while honoring the style of the home.