Keep your island functional and stylish with these ideas for countertop decor.
Kitchen islands are the heart of the contemporary home.
Have Fun with Fruit
A fruit bowl is a kitchen island staple, but why not try something unexpected?
Credit: Jeff Herr
Less is more, so keep decorative objects to a minimum to avoid an overcluttered worktop.
That way your innovative fruit display doesn’t compete for attention (or counter space).
Add a Fresh Seasonal Color
Embrace the gift of nature to brighten up your kitchen.
Credit: Laura Moss
The neutral white vessels take a back seat as the orange hues pop against a complementary blue backdrop.
Keep fruit and flowers seasonal for your kitchen island display.
Make them as decorative as they are functional by displaying your prettiest dinnerware.
Credit: Laura Moss
Here, a cake stand gathers a trio of plants in a rustic, organic display.
Trays also make surfaces look tidier and serve as a landing spot for most-used items.
The display maintains the same neutral tones and organic textures to match its serene backdrop.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Opt for an Anything-Goes Bowl
A dough bowl offers a versatile way to style your kitchen island.
For winter, think pinecones, chestnuts, baubles, or holly branches.
Fresh blooms or seasonal fruit brings a summery feel, while coastal residents might prefer pebbles and seashells.
Credit: Laurey Glenn
A dough bowl’s long, simple form makes it a perfect piece of large kitchen island decor.
Be Resourceful
A little creativity can go a long way, as seen in thisretro kitchen.
Repurposing objects is a savvy, low-cost way to add character and interest to your kitchen.
Create a Balanced Centerpiece
Experiment with shapes, textures, and heights for the perfect kitchen island centerpiece.
Apply the rule of three to create further visual appeal and anchor the focal point.
Objects look best grouped in odd numbers at varying heights.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Too many objects on a kitchen island can look cluttered or render the countertop unusable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily.
Your kitchen island is a great place to addcolor and contrast.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Use an accent color on the cabinets that complements the cabinets in the rest of the kitchen.
However, if you prefer all the cabinets to match, that works, too.
Keep the decor simple and moveable on a kitchen island with a sink.
You may need more room for dirty dishes when entertaining a large crowd.
Choose one statement piece to keep the island simple for cleaning and prep.
A decorative ceramic figurine or aflower arrangementare good choices.
