Time for some island hopping–right in your kitchen! From curved marble custom kitchen islands to storage-heavy workhorse islands, we’ve gathered some impressive custom kitchen island ideas.
The kitchen island is the social area of the kitchen. It is a popular gathering point especially for breakfast before everyone runs off to their own busy days. It also adds a lot of functionality to a kitchen, providing additional workspace and storage. Considering its central position in the kitchen, it is worth taking time to consider the best design for your kitchen island.
Hopefully by the end of this blog, you’ll have some great ideas to consider. We’ll also give you a primer on some of the practical issues to keep in mind when installing a kitchen island.
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.
CHOCOLATE DELIGHT
Minnesota Cabinets, INC
Nice deep dark chocolate cabinetry make up this island. Those pendant lights are so striking!
CRAFTSMAN
MG Designs Inc.
A wonderful example of a craftsman style custom kitchen island.
TRADITIONALLY INDUSTRIAL
Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects LLP
A mix of both traditional and industrial. Great feature storage and seating!
POOL HOUSE
Siemasko + Verbridge
A custom “kitchen” island is appropriate just about anywhere–like the idea of the wheels and mobility.
WASTE NOT
Sebring Design Build
Don’t forget about all the great features you can add to a custom kitchen island.
WILTSHIRE
Stephen Graver Ltd
Another great rounded bar style island in this Wiltshire, England kitchen.
SMALL & SIMPLE
Interior Intuitions, Inc.
Good choice for this small kitchen. What about those lights!?
DOUBLED UP
Vallone Design
Spectacular double islands–one for working and one for gathering. Beautiful overall space.
AUTUMN GREEN
RGN Construction
Breathtaking view in this traditional kitchen. Autumn green granite was used on both these custom kitchen islands.
WARM WOOD
Bluebell Kitchens
The wood countertop is so rich & warm. Those pendant lights are so pretty!
NAPERVILLE REMODEL
Sebring Design Build
Superb kitchen remodel. Love the pendant lighting above the custom kitchen island!
WHEATON TRADITIONAL
Sebring Design Build
Notice that these Wheaton homeowners chose recessed lighting and no pendants over the island.
SWEDISH SHAKER
Sola Kitchens
This crisp and clean kitchen in the UK features a great custom kitchen island.
SUPER SIMPLE
Mahoney Architects & Interiors
Can’t get any more simple than this. Gives you a little more work space and a little bit of extra storage maybe with the help of some baskets to keep it all neat.
ICE BOX
Joseph Mosey Architecture, Inc.
Great eye-catching metal accents. Nice ice box style to this island.
LIGHT IT UP
Mal Corboy Design
Great lighting! So cool. You have to check this designer out–unique and stunning projects. Things you don’t see every day.
WARM & INVITING
Comito Buildng and Design LLC
All the choices in this space are rich, warm and inviting. Plus two islands!
CLAY PEBBLE
Soleil By Design, LLC
Countertop is Pental Clay Pebble polished quartz in this transitional kitchen.
ANOTHER DIMENSION
Brooks and Falotico Associates, Inc.
The size of this island is incredible. The island cabinetry is cerused ebonized oak.
NEXL LEVEL
Sebring Design Build
Great open concept kitchen. All the varying levels on the island make this a great entertaining space.
HILTON HEAD
William Byrd Homes
Gorgeous kitchen in this water front home in SC. The carrera marble countertop is perfect!
TRADITIONALLY YOURS
Sebring Design Build
A warm space to bake & cook and share with family and friends.
MINNEAPOLIS HISTORIC
w.b. builders
The custom green-gray on the island along with the wood countertop is a great warm complement to the white cabinets in this kitchen.
CUT IT OUT
Arturo Palombo Architecture
Amazing walnut cutting board built into this custom kitchen island.
TAKING SHAPE
Colorado Cabinetry
Love the rounded shape of this island and the seating choice. Must be a great place to gather with family and friends.
MEGA MODERN
Sebring Design Build
Out of this world expansive custom kitchen island in this Oak Brook home.
DOUBLE DUTY
Trend Interior Design
Another pretty kitchen that houses not one, but two wonderful islands.
FLOATING ISLAND
Mal Corboy Design
Beyond unique–genius! This kitchen is even handle less (all cupboards and draws are electric opening).
TEXAS WATERFRONT
Dawn Hearn Interior Design
Rich wood, stone and granite make up this custom kitchen island. Plus those lights are awesome!
LAKE HOUSE
Yvonne McFadden LLC
This reclaimed white oak island is a wonderful choice for this lake house. So fresh! Plus another great light fixture.
DC TRANSITIONAL
Morgan Howarth Photography
The mix of the white cabinetry, gray island and warm and rich wood floors make this such an inviting space.
CHIC COUNTRY
THINK architecture Inc.
Breathtaking double islands. Also look at the great seating–loving the long bench!
AURORA CONTEMPORARY
Sebring Design Build
A great example that illustrates you don’t need a huge space to have a great custom kitchen island and beautiful kitchen!
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.
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The nature inspires island that utilizes a thick slab of a tree is my personal favorite. When we redid our Island I wanted to use wood and well and was vetoed by the misses. Oh well. At least great sites like this can post a variety of options for me to daydream about. Thanks for this comprehensive variety.
This is such a helpful blog. Cleared so many of my problems. You are a lifesaver. Thanks!
I’m planning on remodeling our kitchen for next year, and I’m thinking of having custom kitchen cabinets for that personal style. It’s good that you mentioned how knobs and cabinet pulls can be customized easily to suit our everyday needs. I think I’ll consider working with my contractor to design our kitchen with maximum functionality.
Really your blog is very interesting. You shared valuable information in your post. Thank you for sharing with us.
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I am interested in the “small and mighty” white kitchen island with wood top. Can you please let me know where I can obtained further measurement details as well as to where this island can be purchased.
Hi Priscilla, this island is from Windham Const. Check out their site for more information! 🙂