Learn how to make your island stand out with a distinctive paint color or wood finish.
A contrasting kitchen island is a great way toinject color into your kitchen.
Rattan bar stools warm up the look and add a layer of texture.
Credit: Helen Elizabeth Norman
Graphic black-and-white cement tiles make a modern statement on the floor.
Kitchen Island Colors
Repeating colorswill help blend a contrasting kitchen island into the overall design.
Here, the island’s slate-blue tone is echoed on drapes and a patterned Roman shade.
Credit: Joyelle West
Lime Green Kitchen Island
A splash of lime green energizes this white kitchen.
Old-Fashioned Island
A distinctive style and silhouette can also make your kitchen island stand out.
In thisfarmhouse-style kitchen, an antique table with a beautifully distressed finish functions as an island.
Credit: Brie Williams Photography, Inc.
Drawers and a lower shelf providespots to stash extra dishes, utensils, and even baskets of produce.
Chunky Wooden Kitchen Island
Juxtapose differing kitchen styles to create a more dynamic design.
Here, a cherry-wood island contrasts the sleek,gray-green outer cabinetswith ease.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Bold Kitchen Island
Don’t be afraid to create strong contrast between the island and its surroundings.
In this contemporary kitchen, a red-orange island makes a big impact against white cabinetry and walls.
Cool blue stools add a fun contrast to the bold island.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
The dark wood of the island pops against the creamy white backdrop.
Hardworking Green Island
Create contrast in a kitchen by varying the color temperature between surfaces.
In this kitchen, thecool green islandoffsets the warm tones on the handmade backsplash tiles.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Open storage, a beverage fridge, and an additional sink make this island both hardworking and stylish.
Although the contrast is subtle, it’s just enough to anchor this airy kitchen.
Ocean Blue Island
A brilliant blue island is perfect for this beachy kitchen.
Credit: Werner Straube
Thecabinetry and walls remain neutralso the ocean-blue island can take center stage.
The backs of glass-front cabinets and a tiled backsplash repeat the bright blue hue.
Lots of chrome and stainless steel add a modern industrial edge.
Credit: Michael Partenio
Blue and Brown Kitchen
Texture rules this kitchen.
The stained-wood island showcases knots and grain of wood, adding warmth to thedeep blue, distressed outer cabinets.
A plank of matching wood above the range ties the room together.
Credit: Emily Followill
Tying in with stainless-steel appliances, the island’swarm, light gray toneis muted in comparison.
In this small kitchen, the oversized island provides tons of space for prep and casual dining.
Together with the white cabinetry, the table’s dark finish repeats the high-contrast color palette of the tile.
Credit: Edmund Barr
A distressed finish gives the island old-fashioned flair.
The dark countertop material ties in the rest of thehouse’s wood floor.
Kitchen Island Details
The island often serves as the center of attention in a kitchen.
Credit: Edmund Barr
Distinguish the unit even further with a contrasting paint color and ornate details.
A dark mahogany finish, for example, will stand in sharp relief against white cabinets.
Tie the room together byoutfitting the range hoodin the same wood.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Paneled Kitchen Island
Whitewashed boards on the back of this island give the kitchen a cottage look.
The white island offers a clean and subtle departure from wood cabinets and paneled walls.
The same paneling on the walls behind open shelves ties it all together.
Credit: Jean Allsopp
Glossy Red Island
Dark, clean-lined kitchen cabinets create a sleek, contemporary look.
Take your island up a notch by adding a glossy red finish to the paint.
The unexpected color adds a retro-modern pop to the space.
Credit: John Bessler
The high-contrast color scheme is mellowed by warm wood floors.
Slabs of marble on the exterior cabinets and the island create a cohesive look.
Plus, the color compliments the classic wooden cabinetry.
Credit: James R. Salomon
A neutral wood floor and subway tile backsplash create a visual interest without being overwhelming.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Credit: Werner Straube
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Credit: Beth Singer
Credit: David A. Land
Credit: Michael Garland
Credit: Werner Straube
Credit: Susan Gilmore
