17 Kitchen Island Ideas for Small & Large Spaces

By Interior Designer Tracy Svendsen | Published September 27, 2023 | Updated February 11, 2024 |

Kitchen Island Ideas: Are you dreaming of the perfect kitchen island design that combines functionality and style? Here, you’ll find the ultimate guide to choosing the ideal kitchen island design. Whether you have a small space or a spacious kitchen requiring a large island, I’ll cover kitchen design ideas that will transform your cooking area into a stunning focal point.

From contemporary and sleek designs to rustic and farmhouse-inspired styles, this article will explore the latest trends and timeless classics, helping you find the perfect match for your kitchen. I’ll also delve into the benefits of different materials, countertop options, and storage solutions to maximize the functionality of your kitchen island.

Not only will a well-designed kitchen island enhance the overall aesthetics of your space, but it will also provide additional workspace, seating, and storage options. So, whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply looking to upgrade your kitchen, stay tuned for our comprehensive guide on choosing the perfect kitchen island design that suits your taste and lifestyle. Feature image courtesy of Lindye Galloway Design.

Modern Rustic Kitchen Island Design
Image courtesy of House Beautiful

The Importance of a Kitchen Island in Kitchens

In modern kitchen design, the kitchen island has become an essential element. It offers an extra counter space to prepare food, eat, and socialize with your family and friends. A kitchen island also serves as a focal point in the kitchen, adding a touch of style and elegance to the space.

In rustic and farmhouse kitchens, the kitchen island holds significant importance. It serves as the heart of the kitchen, providing additional workspace, storage, a breakfast bar, and seating options. 

A farmhouse kitchen island is usually made of wood, giving it a rustic and cozy feel that is perfect for this kitchen style. The island is also essential in farmhouse kitchens because it offers a place for family and friends to gather. 

Whether for a casual meal or a cup of coffee, the island provides a central location for socializing and spending time together. A farmhouse kitchen island also allows you to incorporate other farmhouse-style elements, such as open shelves, wooden beams, rustic lighting fixtures, vintage decor, and a farmhouse sink. It’s a great way to bring the warmth and charm of a farmhouse into your kitchen while also providing practical benefits.

The kitchen island is perfect for small kitchens where space is limited. It offers additional storage options and a place for food prep, allowing you to keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free. It’s also an excellent way to create an open-concept kitchen, separating the cooking area from the living space.

A Modern Kitchen with Two Kitchen Island
Image courtesy of Modern Nest Design

1. Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Kitchen Island Design

Before you choose a kitchen island design, there are several factors that you need to consider. First, you need to determine the size of your kitchen and the available space for the island. The island size should be proportionate to the size of the kitchen, ensuring that it doesn’t take up too much space.

Also, consider the shape of the island. There are various shapes of kitchen islands, including rectangular, square, circular, and oval. The island’s shape should complement the design of your kitchen, ensuring that it doesn’t look out of place.

Another factor to consider is the style of the island. Do you want a contemporary, sleek design or a rustic, farmhouse-inspired style? The island style should match your kitchen’s overall aesthetic, ensuring it creates a cohesive look.

Lauren Liess Kitchen Design | Helen Norman Photography
Image courtesy of House Beautiful

This beautiful modern rustic kitchen features two islands. This is a great choice for those with a large kitchen area as it reduces the room’s scale. One island can be used for casual meals and homework, while the other can be dedicated to prep and cooking. 

2. Different Types of Kitchen Islands and Their Benefits

There are various types of kitchen islands, each with its unique benefits. The most common include:

Stationary Island

This fixed island is permanently attached to the kitchen floor. It’s ideal for large kitchens with plenty of space and requires a lot of storage options.

Large Stationary Kitchen Island
Image courtesy of Kari Arendsen

Portable Kitchen Island 

This movable island can be relocated around the kitchen. It’s perfect for small kitchens that require additional workspace and storage options.

Portable Kitchen Islands
Image courtesy of Homes & Gardens

Peninsula Island

This is an extension of the kitchen countertop attached to the wall. It’s ideal for small kitchens that require additional workspace and seating options.

Peninsula Kitchen Island
Image courtesy of Nadia Watts Design

L-Shaped Island

This island is shaped like an L, providing additional workspace and storage options. It’s perfect for open-concept kitchens that require a lot of workspace.

L-Shaped Kitchen Island
Image courtesy of Sea Pointe Design & Remodel

4. Experiment with Different Styles

If you’re looking to add a touch of style to your kitchen, there are various design trends that you can consider. Here are some popular kitchen island design trends:

5. Contrasting Colors in a Kitchen Space

Contrasting colors in a kitchen island is a great way to add visual interest and make a statement in your kitchen. You can choose a bold color that contrasts with the rest of the kitchen, creating a focal point that draws the eye.

For example, if your kitchen has a neutral color scheme, you can opt for a bright blue or green island to add a pop of color. Alternatively, you can choose a contrasting color that complements the rest of the kitchen, such as a navy blue island in a kitchen with white kitchen cabinets. 

Whatever color you choose, make sure it enhances the overall aesthetics of your kitchen and creates a cohesive look. I’ll be touching on this in more detail near the end of the post. 

Kitchen Island Ideas | Sophisticated & Energetic Kitchen with Dark Blue Island
Image courtesy of Benjamin Dhong

6. Mixed Materials

A kitchen island with mixed materials is a great way to add a touch of texture and interest to your cooking space. You can mix different materials, such as wood and metal, or combine materials like marble and concrete.

This design trend creates a unique, personalized look that adds character to your kitchen. Mixing materials also allows you to play with different colors and finishes, creating a cohesive look that complements your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse-inspired style or a modern and sleek design, a kitchen island with mixed materials is a great way to make a statement in your kitchen.

Mixed Materials in a Kitchen
Image courtesy of Park & Oak Design

7. Open Shelving

Open shelving in a kitchen island is a great way to display your kitchenware and add a touch of personality to your cooking space. It provides easy access to your favorite cookbooks, dishes, and glassware and creates an open and airy feel to your kitchen.

Depending on your storage needs and personal preferences, you can choose to have open shelving on one or both sides of the island. The open-shelf design also allows you to showcase decorative items, such as plants, vases, or artwork, adding a touch of character to your kitchen island.

Kitchen Island With Open Shelving
Image courtesy of Elle Decor

The kitchen of a Long Island home renovated by designer Daniel Sachs and architect Kevin Lindores includes 1920s American pendant lights over the island and a bespoke copper hood; the range is by Bertazzoni, and the cabinetry at the far right is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue.

8. Waterfall Countertops

Waterfall countertop kitchen islands are a popular design trend that involves extending the countertop down the sides of the island, creating a seamless look. The countertop material flows down to the floor, giving the island a modern look.

This design is perfect for those who want to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their kitchen. Waterfall countertops are made from various materials, including granite, marble, quartz, and wood. They are a great way to create a focal point in your kitchen and make a bold statement.

Kitchen Island Ideas | Kitchen Island With Waterfall Edge
Image courtesy of Modern Nest Design

9. Fluted Kitchen Island

Fluting refers to the vertical ridges found on architectural columns, a design element prevalent in architecture since ancient Egyptian times. It has gained significant popularity, mainly when applied to kitchen island’s front and back surfaces, resulting in the highly sought-after fluted kitchen island.

There are various fluting styles for your kitchen island, ranging from individually crafted curved components made from plaster and stone to straightforward wooden slats and even creative paint techniques that create the illusion of fluting. 

Whether you opt for marble, wood, or stone or incorporate a painted pattern, introducing curved elements to your island will infuse your kitchen with personality and allure, regardless of whether your space leans towards modern or traditional aesthetics.

Beyond providing texture, these decorative accents also produce a graceful dance of light and shadow, rendering them a considerably more captivating choice than a simple, flat design. Select the style that resonates with your preferences, and you’ll have a captivating focal point in your kitchen that you’ll be eager to showcase.

Fluted Kitchen Island Ideas by Sola Kitchens
Image courtesy of Living Etc.

The fluted detail creates a beautiful feature around a rectangular form, adding texture, warmth, and contrast to the space.

10. Maximizing Functionality with the Right Kitchen Island Layout

To maximize the functionality of your kitchen island, you need to choose the proper layout based on your cooking needs and the available space in your kitchen. Here are some popular kitchen island layouts:

– Galley layout: This design involves placing the kitchen island parallel to the kitchen cabinets, creating a galley-style kitchen. It’s perfect for small kitchens that require additional workspace and storage options.

– L-shaped layout: This layout involves placing the kitchen island in an L-shape, providing additional workspace and storage options. It’s ideal for open-concept kitchens that require a lot of workspace.

– U-shaped layout: This layout involves placing the kitchen island in a U-shape, providing additional workspace and storage options. It’s perfect for large kitchens that require a lot of storage options.

U-Shaped Kitchen Island Ideas
Image courtesy of Kari Arendsen

11. Choosing the Right Materials for Your Kitchen Island

Choosing the suitable materials for your kitchen island is essential to ensure that it’s durable and long-lasting. Here are some popular materials for kitchen islands:

– Wood: Wood is a popular material for kitchen islands as it’s durable and provides a rustic, farmhouse-inspired look.

– Granite: Granite is a popular material for kitchen islands as it’s durable and easy to maintain. It also provides a sleek, modern look.

– Marble: Marble is a popular material for kitchen islands as it’s durable and provides a luxurious, elegant look.

– Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a popular material for kitchen islands as it’s durable and provides a sleek, modern look.

Kitchen Island Ideas | Jean Allsopp Photography
Image courtesy of BHG

12. Incorporating Storage Solutions in Your Kitchen Island Design

To maximize the functionality of your kitchen island, you need to incorporate storage solutions. Here are some storage solutions that you can consider:

– Drawers: Drawers are a great way to store your kitchenware, ensuring it’s organized and easily accessible.

– Cabinets: Cabinets are perfect for storing cookware and appliances, ensuring they’re easily accessible.

– Open shelving: Open shelving adds personality with a place to display kitchenware.

– Wine racks: Wine racks are a great way to store your wine bottles, ensuring they’re easily accessible.

Kitchen Island Storage Ideas
Images courtesy of BHG

13. Lighting Considerations for Your Kitchen Island

Lighting is an essential element of any kitchen island design. It helps create a warm and inviting atmosphere, ensuring your kitchen is functional and stylish. Here are some lighting considerations for your kitchen island:

– Pendant lighting: Pendant lighting is a popular choice for kitchen islands as it provides focused lighting and adds a touch of style to the space.

– Chandeliers: Chandeliers add a touch of elegance to your kitchen island, creating a luxurious look.

– Recessed lighting: Recessed lighting provides ambient lighting, ensuring your kitchen is well-lit.

Kitchen Island Ideas
Image courtesy of Luxe Source

14. Styling Your Kitchen Island

Start by defining the design aesthetic of your kitchen and follow through with an island that coordinates perfectly with the space. Choose decorative elements to complement this design. Features like fresh flowers, plants, vases, and decorative bowls can add texture and color. 

15. Consider Creating a Centerpiece for your Countertop Space

Explore various shapes, textures, and elevations to craft the ideal focal point for your kitchen island. Embrace the principle of decorating in threes to amplify visual allure and establish a central point of interest. Arranging items in odd numbers and at diverse heights yields the most pleasing aesthetics. 

16. Choosing a Kitchen Island that Complements Your Kitchen Cabinet Colors

Choosing a kitchen island that complements your kitchen cabinet colors is essential to designing a cohesive and stylish kitchen. One way to achieve this is by choosing an island that contrasts or complements the cabinet color. 

For instance, a warm gray kitchen island would create an eye-catching contrast if your kitchen cabinets are cream. A black or dark-colored island would also make an excellent choice as it would create a sleek and modern look. 

On the other hand, if your kitchen cabinets are already bold or dark-colored, a neutral-colored island would complement the cabinets and create a cohesive look. A white or light-colored island would also make a great choice as it would create a bright and airy feel. 

If you have wood kitchen cabinets, consider choosing a color contrasting with warm wood tones. For instance, a dark blue, green, or black kitchen island can add a bold statement to the space and create an eye-catching focal point.

Another way to complement your kitchen cabinet colors is by choosing a kitchen island that matches the cabinet’s color. This creates a seamless and unified look that ties the space together. For example, if your cabinets are navy blue, a navy blue kitchen island would create a cohesive look that makes a statement. 

Ultimately, the key is choosing a kitchen island that complements your kitchen cabinet colors while reflecting your style and taste.

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Image courtesy of Lindye Galloway

17. Budget-friendly kitchen island design ideas

If you’re on a tight budget, there are various budget-friendly kitchen island design ideas that you can consider. Here are some ideas:

– DIY kitchen island: You can create a kitchen island using repurposed materials, such as an old dresser or a bookshelf.

– Repurpose an old table: Repurpose an old table by adding a countertop and storage options, creating a functional kitchen island.

– Add wheels to a cart: You can add wheels, creating a portable kitchen island that can be moved around the kitchen.

Conclusion: Finding the perfect kitchen island design for your space

The kitchen is the heart of your home, and choosing the perfect island design can transform your kitchen layout into a stylish and functional space. Kitchen islands have many benefits, including creating a natural work triangle, providing extra space for prepping meals, and being the perfect place for a quick breakfast or casual dining.

Whether you have a small area or a spacious kitchen, a kitchen island design is the perfect choice for your remodel. So, explore the various options and find your space’s ideal kitchen island design!

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