55 Great Ideas for Kitchen Islands

Want to save money, while providing a beautiful, yet practical kitchen island? Create more counter space with an upcycled antique desk. Add some wooden planks on top of the stretchers to create even more space with a bottom shelf.

Another great way to grab an affordable kitchen island is to buy a commercial stainless steel worktable. This is a fairly inexpensive option that comes in a variety of sizes maximizing the potential of any sized space. Plus they’re often lightweight enough to move without wheels.

Just because a kitchen island is functional doesn’t mean it can’t be cute. When thinking about which types of countertop to go with don’t overlook small details like trim. Designer Krista Ewart used scalloped shapes on the edge of her island, adding a charming vintage element to the island and matching the ceiling.

Painting one side of your island with chalkboard paint allows for fluid creativity, an inspiring quote one day or just the week’s menu the next.

Another way to customize your island, and make it user friendly for everyone is to add a pull out bottom drawer with custom bowl inserts. This allows for easy feeding of your pets and ensures they won’t get into their food when they aren’t supposed to.

If you don’t have space for a full fledged island use a floating island for a gorgeous look that still adds extra counter space. Use a simple butcher-block ledge to serve as a kitchen island or create an enclosure with a minimalist island design like the one in this picture.

The designers at Unique Space Interiors managed to incorporate an island into a not so spacious kitchen by picking just one use, a gas top burner, which leaves the perimeter counters free. The painted motif adds style to an otherwise simple island.

A smart way to add extra counter space to an island in a kitchen with less room is to add a drop leaf. Pop it up when needed and drop it down when you’re done. The drop leaf can serve as an eating nook or extra prep area that can be stored when not in use.

Add extra versatility to any island by adding wheels. Use it for a variety of purposes by relocating it according to your current needs. Simply move the island wherever you need it and find a permanent spot for it the rest of the time

Turning an island into a peninsula by attaching one side of the island to the wall is a great way to gain space and define the flow of kitchen traffic. Peninsulas will often provide more circulation and even seating space; just add a stool at the end of the counter. Bonus tip: to give the peninsula that island feel attach it to a wall without any cabinets.

For even more functionality don’t forget to include electrical outlets within your island. These outlets can be hidden behind drop-down drawer fronts or even made to pop out of your counter; adding storage for cell phone chargers and other electronics keeping them behind closed doors and off the counters.

Kitchen islands are perfect for all types of extra storage. Add a built in knife block or pull out cupboard specifically to hide your garbage can. A custom drawer insert fitted, as a spice rack is another great way to save space in the kitchen and makes all your spices easy to spot.

Adding column-style corners on your kitchen island can be more than just decorative. Columns combined with recessed panels and push latch technology open to reveal hidden cookbook storage.

Kitchen islands aren’t just great for storage within in the island, but once you install it don’t forget to maximize the space above. Add suspended storage to display a matching pots and pans collection or beautiful stemware. If you’ve decided to install a stovetop with overhead venting then use this space for the range hood.

A horseshoe-shaped island with extra seating and large counter top provides a great view of the prep area, allowing the cook to interact with guests while preparing the meal over at the second island, which houses an oven and large work counter. Both islands play off each other to include practicality, functionality and design.

If your kitchen is small consider a circular or oval shaped island. A round island can do wonders for utilizing small spaces and directing the flow of kitchen traffic. Plus it gives added uniqueness by breaking away from a traditional rectangular island.

Making sure your island fits comfortably within the confines of your kitchen, and has enough clearance on all sides is an essential consideration. Placing your island on a diagonal is a great way to work with your kitchen space while still ensuring the island feels centered and creates equilibrium across the room.

Ditch the dining room table and go with an over sized island instead. With an extra large island, you can add seating on two sides and have enough seating for the whole family. It’s also a great way to create a comfortable atmosphere in an open floor plan.

Making it practical, yet eye catching, is a key component of the kitchen island. So if you’re looking for your kitchen to be the hub of the household, warm and inviting for friends and family, why not take seating to the next level with a built in island sofa.

Entertain guests by turning your kitchen island into a home bar. Transform your island with swivel bar stools, built in wine fridges or wine bottle holders mounted on the side. A built in island bar can be customized for any kitchen and make it a cozier space with room for friends and family to share a bottle of wine.

Another advantage to the breakfast bar concept is that it can be useful to hide kitchen messes. Keep unwanted clutter out of sight by raising up the breakfast bar several inches past the island counter, blocking the view of unsightly dishes in the sink or appliances.

Beth Laughlin of Laughlin Designs has noticed a "huge trend toward secondary cooking stations." Islands are easily converted into these types of work stations by adding an extra sink or stove top. Perfect for a communal setup where guests can partake in the cooking.

Mixing finishes can add texture and style to any kitchen while helping you stay on budget. Love a costly specialty finish? Use it as an accent to capture the feel without breaking the bank. For example, a painted finish on the perimeter and a stained wood on the island sets a traditional tone that still looks stunning.

Kitchen islands can add style to any home. Using a different material or color for the island counters than what you used for the rest of the kitchen is a great way to create contrast. For example, use a black or a dark stained wood for the island while the rest of your regular countertops are white quartz.

Kitchen islands made from logs or natural granite with no touch ups make for unique islands with a raw, organic look. These aren’t just wood boxes in the center of the space but a functional addition that will enhance the overall design.

A kitchen island is a great way to make space for a recycling bin and compost bin. Plus veggies like onions, potatoes, and squash do best when stored in a cool, dry place. Store them in your island using pullout wire baskets underneath standard drawers.

Lighting is important when it comes to food prep but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with functional lighting. Check out this DIY LED kitchen island that offers the added benefit of ambient and cool lighting.

If your house and budget allows it then why not go full-fledged with an island that incorporates art, function and style. Turn your kitchen island into an aquarium. You can even use it as a stocking ground for fresh seafood. (Just don’t forget to hire someone to keep everything happy and well-fed.)