Kitchen islands are the ultimate multi-functional addition to any kitchen. They provide extra counter space for prep work, dining, or entertaining while also allowing for built-in storage and appliances. With innovative designs and high-quality materials, today’s kitchen islands make a stylish statement as well. Here are eight cool and creative kitchen island ideas to inspire your next remodel or new construction project.
Unique Materials and Finishes
Kitchen islands don’t have to be made of typical materials like granite, marble, or wood. Get creative with your island’s design by using unique finishes and accents:
Concrete Islands
Concrete is durable, heat-resistant, and can be stained, polished, or textured for different looks. Concrete islands are ideal for industrial, modern, or rustic kitchen styles. The material is imprinted while wet for realistic wood, stone, or other appearances.
Metallic Islands
Add a touch of glamour with a satin brass, antique copper, or stainless steel island. Metallic islands have an elegant, light-reflecting sheen. The right metal can warm up a cool-toned kitchen or accent a color scheme.
Tile or Stone Islands
Use natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, or glass tiles as an island covering to integrate it with other kitchen finishes. Match or complement backsplashes and countertops. Mosaic tiles or patterns create visual interest.
Innovative Shapes and Sizes
Rather than just a basic rectangular island, get creative with unique island shapes and proportions.
Curved and Contoured
Islands with soft lines help kitchens feel more fluid and relaxed. A rounded island promotes movement and interaction. Try a oval, kidney bean, or freeform shape.
Angled and Asymmetrical
For modern or contemporary kitchens, an island with asymmetric angles adds striking visual tension. Different angles can delineate work zones.
Extra Long Islands
An extended island provides ample seating, storage, and surface area. Extra length allows multiple sinks, cooking zones, or appliances.
Special Features and Functions
Kitchen islands can do much more than provide counter space. Look for specialized features like these:
Built-In Appliances
Cooktops, sinks, refrigeration drawers, and wine fridges can all be built into an island for a seamless look. This keeps appliances accessible but concealed.
Innovative Storage Solutions
Maximize every inch with pull-out shelves, spice drawers, hideaway garbage/recycling bins, and other clever storage. Butcher block fronts double as cutting boards.
Overhang or Bar Seating
An island with barstool seating creates an eat-in dining space. Add overhangs for seating on all sides or just leave one side open.
Smart Technology
Integrate outlets, charging stations, lighting controls, or speakers right into the island design. Some companies even offer high-tech islands with heating elements, lift mechanisms, and more.
Stylish Leg Designs
An island’s legs or base make a design statement. Use substantial legs to create visual impact.
Bold, Thick Legs
Chunky brackets or legs in materials like wood, metal, or stone lend sturdy support. Thick legs make islands feel more like furniture.
Sleek Metal Legs
Thin circular or square stainless steel legs have minimal visual weight, creating the illusion of a floating island. Go super modern with an X-shaped metal base.
Two-Tone Legs
Choose one finish for the base cabinet and a different finish for the legs for added contrast. Mixing wood legs with a painted base is a popular combination.
Creative Color Schemes
While many kitchen islands match cabinet colors, using an accent island hue adds personality.
Vibrant Painted Islands
Liven up a neutral kitchen with a glossy red, deep blue, lime green or other bold island color. Even pastels pop against dark cabinetry.
Natural Wood Islands
In painted kitchens, a wood island provides warmth. Oak, walnut, cherry and maple have beautiful grain patterns. Stain can provide various wood tones.
Mix and Match Materials
Combine painted bases with natural butcher block tops or vice versa. Use complementing solid surfaces like quartz and concrete. Mix metal legs with wood cabinets.
Multi-Level Island Designs
Islands don’t have to sit at counter height. Try more than one level for expanded functionality.
Stepped Islands
Position one part of the island at bar height and another at counter height for casual dining and prep space. Built-in steps save space.
Angled Islands
One side of the island can angle down towards comfy lounge seating. This creates a relaxed space for morning coffee.
Peninsula Islands
A lower peninsula section great for kids’ seating can attach to a standard height island. Open shelving adds handy display space.
Unique Lighting Ideas
From chandeliers to LED strips, lighting enhances kitchen islands in creative ways.
Pendant Lights Over Islands
Hanging pendant lights over an island provide both illumination and style. Opt for airy globes, modern rods, or futuristic sculptures.
Undercabinet Lighting
LED lighting mounted to the island’s bottom provides a streamlined look and useful task lighting. For a warm glow, install strips inside shelving.
Chandeliers and Sconces
Make a dramatic style statement by suspending a glamorous chandelier or hanging sconces with crystals, faux candles, or fabric shades.
FAQs About Cool Kitchen Island Ideas
What are the most popular styles for kitchen islands today?
Farmhouse, industrial, and modern kitchen island styles are very on-trend right now. Mixing materials like wood and metal is also popular. Unique shapes like curved islands are of interest to many homeowners.
How much seating room should kitchen islands allow?
As a general rule, allow 24-28 inches per stool when planning kitchen island seating. Islands with overhangs on two sides can accommodate even more barstools or chairs.
What are some good ways to integrate appliances into an island?
Cooktops, prep sinks, wine fridges, and pull-out trash bins are commonly built into kitchen islands. Dishwashers and refrigerators can also be integrated for a streamlined appearance.
Should kitchen islands match the cabinets?
Islands don’t necessarily have to match. Using a contrasting finish, material, or color for the island can make it a focal point. However, matching provides a cohesive look.
How can lighting enhance my kitchen island design?
Pendant lights are a popular way to illuminate kitchen islands. Undercabinet lighting provides handy task lighting. For drama, install a sparkling chandelier or crystal sconces.
What are recommended heights for kitchen islands?
Standard kitchen counter height is 36 inches. For dining/seating, a bar height island should be 40-42 inches high. Peninsula heights often range from 28-34 inches.
With limitless options for materials, colors, shapes, features, and finishing touches like lighting, the sky’s the limit for kitchen island designs. Be adventurous and choose an island that reflects your personal style. Any of these cool ideas can transform your kitchen into a highly functional and inviting space for cooking, conversing, dining and relaxing with family and friends.
