70 Spectacular Custom Kitchen Island Ideas

COVERING THE BASICS:

Size

Before going any further, how big do you want your kitchen island to be and can you fit it in your kitchen?

Size will depend on several factors with the most important being your kitchen’s real estate. If you have a large kitchen you have the freedom to play around with a wide variety of sizes and designs. For smaller kitchens, the island will have to be compact.  When deciding how big (or small) the kitchen island is going to be, consider how it will affect kitchen functionality. Will people still be able to walk around the space without having to walk sideways? Will it block access to the fridge, pantry or door?

The recommended clearance space around the island is around 3 feet. This is especially important for safety. Make sure you can open cabinet doors without blocking the way or hitting someone. You should also check that the stove is far enough.  But don’t let this discourage you if you have a small kitchen. There are many custom kitchen island ideas that can work great in a small kitchen without compromising safety or freedom. You can have an island as small as 40 by 40 inches while still maintaining practicality.

The secret to getting the size right is a lot of planning. Sit down with your contractor and crunch the numbers until you find a perfectly sized design.

Countertops

Another big decision is the type and style of kitchen island countertop. Your choice will depend on several factors including the size of the kitchen island, what you will use it for, your overall kitchen style and your budget.  Most homeowners automatically assume that the kitchen island countertop has to match the main kitchen countertop. While you certainly can match them, it is also an opportunity to create a contrast from the main kitchen décor. For instance, if you have quartz or stainless steel countertops,  butcher block on the custom kitchen island can introduce some warmth.  Vice versa,  a warm-colored kitchen countertop can be balanced by a cooler neutral-colored kitchen island.

But make sure there is a flow between the island countertop and the rest of the space’s décor. Try to find a style that complements the wall cabinets, flooring and main countertop.

Other than décor and aesthetics, also take into account practical matters of durability, hygiene and maintenance.

• Stainless steel is highly durable and easy to maintain though it scratches easily and could dent over time.
• Granite is great but it needs to be resealed regularly to keep it non-porous. It is also vulnerable to chipping.
• Quartz is long lasting and is naturally non-porous, making it one of the most hygienic options.
• Other countertop ideas include: brass, acrylic-sealed wood, marble, zinc and glass.

Storage

A kitchen island is a great way to add more storage to your kitchen. There are many ways you can incorporate storage into your new kitchen island from traditional cabinets and drawers to creative open shelving where you can store books.

When it comes to kitchen island storage, think multifunctional. Try to have two or three different storage components to fully maximize the island. You can have a couple of cabinets, drawers along the top, storage for the trash bin and open shelves on the side or at the back of the island. The open shelves are especially handy for storing utensils, linens and small appliances.

Seating

If you want your kitchen island to double as a gathering space, you need to think about seating.  Here, factors like: comfort, style, layout and space are important. First of all, make sure the seats are comfortable. This will make the space more inviting. Chairs with a comfortable backing will make people stick around longer. If the kitchen island is used frequently for dining, consider using padded seats.

Bar stools are the common choice for kitchen islands, but not the only seating you should consider. For instance, a padded bench provides a unique look and can be especially great with kids. Just make sure it is high enough to reach the countertop. For compact islands, stools are a better option since they save more space.

The layout is also very important. Are you going to place the seating along one side, along the sided only or on three sides? This will depend on the size of your kitchen island and how often your family gathers there and how many people will be seated.

Remember to include the seating area when planning the clearance space. Even with the seats present, you still need to maintain a clearance of at least 3 feet all around the island. Consider designing the kitchen island so the stools can slide under the countertop when not in use.

You will definitely want to take a moment to check out this blog: Easy Steps for Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island

Lighting

Getting the lighting right is important both for functionality and aesthetics.  An obvious way to brighten up the kitchen island is to add overhead lighting. Make sure the lights hang low enough to provide enough illumination. This is especially important if the kitchen island is going to be a working and dining area.

Find uniquely designed fixtures that differentiate the island from the rest of the room. Bronze, gold or wrought iron light fixtures can provide a nice unique look that makes the kitchen island feel special. As for the light itself, LED is best.

As with the countertop, make sure the kitchen island lighting blends well with the rest of the kitchen lighting.

Kitchen Island Bar

A kitchen island bar provides a cozy space to dine without hogging the countertop space. It is especially handy for laidback meals such as breakfasts and brunches.

There are several ways you can add a kitchen island bar. A popular design is to place it higher than the countertop. This makes it easy for whoever is on the other side of the island to conveniently place plates of food on the bar. You can also have the bar lower than the countertop or at the same level.   Make sure that the bar height and seating correspond. Additionally, check that there is still adequate clearance space around the kitchen island.

Bonus tip: If you are going to be throwing back a few drinks at the bar, consider integrating wine storage with the kitchen island. It can be anything from a small built-in freezer to specialized shelves for your collection of wine bottles.

Kitchen Island Ideas For Small Kitchens

Here are a few final tips on how you can still enjoy the benefits of a kitchen island even with a tiny kitchen.

• Small and compact kitchen islands are the way to go. Though it will have limited storage and countertop space, at least it will properly fit in the space.
• If your kitchen is long but narrow, go for an island with similar dimensions. A long narrow island can work surprisingly well and even add a unique look to your kitchen.
• If you add seating, make sure it slides under the counter to save space.
• Maximize on storage. Deep drawers, side shelves and tall cabinets will help you make full use of the limited space.

See? Whatever size your kitchen is, a custom kitchen island is a definite possibility. If you saw something you loved in our round-up, talk it over with your contractor and make it a reality. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to us.

This is an image roundup post, curated to showcase and promote other reputable contracting companies’ and their amazing work.  To have any of the images removed, please reach out to us and we would be happy to do so.

Other Great Articles to Read:

• 10 Transitional Kitchen Elements for Those Seeking a Different Style
• The Best Tips for Surviving Your Kitchen Construction
• 71 Exciting Kitchen Backsplash Trends to Inspire You