There are endless ideas for designing this modern kitchen necessity.
Whether youre wondering aboutwaterfall-edge countertopsor sourcing a vintage kitchen island, get inspired by our collection of island designs.
Add interest and texture withbeadboard panels, and consider how the stools factor into the overall scene.
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This kitchens acrylic stools add a modern touch and take up little visual space.
Increase Kitchen Seating
Buff Strickland
Adding a tabletopis an excellent kitchen island idea for adding seating.
Counter seating is the central location for eating and snacks.
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Putting a sink in an island like this might make the most sense for your home.
Double Up on Kitchen Island Ideas
Jay Wilde
Double islands can give you dual functionality.
Knowing this will help you determine the largest size island you could fit in your kitchen.
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Provide Plenty of Island Storage
Brie Williams
Thisunique island prioritizes storageover a seating area with beaded drawers.
you’re able to adjust the drawer style and hardware to suit different aesthetics.
This island shows that it’s possible for you to also add cabinets on the back of your island.
Credit:Julie Soefer
This makes the storage on both sides less deep, making the objects inside easier to reach.
Use barstools for seating thats easily moved out of the way when storage needs to be accessed.
The bar side of the island is used for storing hanging items.
Credit:Jay Wilde
If needed, the bar pulls on the cabinets can be used to hang extra dish towels.
Try a Waterfall Edge Countertop
Waterfall edge countertops are stunning.
However, this look requires more stone andinstallation labor, so be prepared for a higher cost.
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These gorgeous pieces are made to prep food right on the surface.
Theyre heavy and can be expensive, although you could usually find less costly options on local online marketplaces.
Butcher block is easy to care for, toowipe it down with soapy water after using and let dry.
Credit:Brie Williams
Treat with mineral oil every couple of months.
Look for something thats counter-height or close to it.
If you oughta make your table taller, add a layer of butcher block or stone to the worktop.
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When not used for prep or dining, decorate with seasonal items like dried branches or fresh-picked vegetables.
The scalloped detailing on this piece instantly adds historic personality to this contemporary space.
This island was designed with two functionsan eating table on one end and prep and storage on the other.
Credit:Anthony Masterson
To achieve atraditional casuallook, be sure your island is built on legs rather than extending to the floor.
you’re able to purchase similar tables new and distress them for a vintage vibe.
Just be sure any finishes you use are sealed for food safety.
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This kitchen islands look fits well with the wood backsplash that doubles as a shelf and theopen shelvingabove.
An antique stool completes the picture.
The paneling on the walls continues the wood theme, enhancing the cottage look of this cozy space.
Credit:Jay Wilde
Choose complementary colors if you want your island (or cabinets) to pop.
Its distressed panels add character and brighten the wood structure, echoing the pendants overhead.
So, how do you make a built-in island look right in a traditional kitchen?
Credit:Jay Wilde
Try adding details like the corbels and framing used here for a more old-world look.
Notice how the stools enhance the style with a natural wood base and plush, almost glam white seats.
Thewhite-painted plankson the islands edge are an unexpected detail that takes the island from great to fabulous.
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This will help you figure out the size of island your kitchen can accommodate.
The extended table portion feels airy and allows more storage under the island.
Load Up On Materials
Jared Kuzia
This kitchen is a master class incolor palette design.
Credit:Brie Williams
It has many materials, but theyre all white, black, natural wood, or brass.
The islands cube-like construction and minimal countertop overhang also add to the updated vibe.
You could do something similar with a butcher-block top employed as a built-in cutting board.
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A dark wood worktop is cost-effective and echoes the warm brown in the stools and shelving.
Depending on your style, you might paint your island or add beadboard or natural wood to this area.
This island featuresstunning ceramic tile for a pop of colorthats not too overwhelming.
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At the same time, wire-backed chrome barstools have distinctly contemporary lines.
Asimple kitchen islandlike this one is also cost-efficient.
A foolproof combination is butcher block in one area and stone in the other.
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Here, the hefty wood counter on the island is stained darker to contrast the delicate marble counters.
The microwave, often considered an eyesore, is another common appliance to tuck into a kitchen island.
Placing the microwave low on the island makes it easy for kids to zap their favorite snacks.
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Enlarge the Islands Profile
Going big with your islandmakes sense if you have a large kitchen.
This island has a full-size sink, seating area, and tons of prep space.
The black-painted base features a foot rail for comfort.
Credit:Kritsada Panichgul
This island doesnt have seating but includes essentials like a sink, prep space, and storage.
Theres plenty of room to walk around this petite spot, so it doesnt inhibit traffic.
Deep drawers hold pots and pans or small appliances, keeping countertops uncluttered.
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Stools upholstered in blue ticking subtly enhance the beachy feeling.
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.
Credit:Annie Schlechter
Butcher block is an affordable material that can last decades.
The tables wood surface links it to the wood-paneled walls, while the black legs reflect the range hood.
Bonus: Unlike a typical island, it offers face-to-face seating.
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It adds some separation between the kitchen and the room beyond and hides visual clutter in the space below.
If you go this route, purchasebar-height stoolsrather than counter-height stools.
Theres a counter-height section for food prep and sink access and a lower table-height section with seating.
Credit:Ann VanderWiel Wilde
This multi-use kitchen island idea adds a lot of function to an already spacious and well-functioning space.
Waterfall-edge counters look great in modern kitchens like this one.
The cube shape coordinates with other geometric furnishings, like this mid-century kitchensglobe lightsand vertical grid tile layout.
Credit:Nathan Schroder
Even the barstools incorporate a woven pattern to add texture.
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.
Credit:Nathan Schroder
Such alterations canmake vintage pieces more functionalfor modern use.
The waterfall style edge comes together at a perfect 90 degrees for a clean look.
The quartz material that was used is free of any speckles, veining, or other decorative pattern.
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