Look to these kitchen island ideas for design inspiration. From small to large we’ve got islands to suit every home
A kitchen island can transform your kitchen space(Image credit: Tom Howley)
When it comes to kitchen island ideas, there's plenty to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an additional dining space, a central cooking zone or simply a cosy coffee spot there’s a kitchen island idea to suit most homes.
But as with all kitchen design the key to success is working out what you want to use your island for. Once you’ve decided that, then it comes down to creating a space that’s not only functional, but looks good too.
The good news is we've got 30 ideas to get your creative juices flowing. So sit back, pour yourself a cuppa and prepare to be inspired.
1. Design an entertaining zone
Cover all dining needs with a U shaped island and central dining space (Image credit: Simon Taylor Furniture)
If you find yourself constantly cooking for the masses, cover all eventualities by building a U-shaped kitchen island idea. Bookend each section with a temperature controlled drinks fridge and add a lengthy dining table, built-in seating and sumptuous dining chairs to the central space in between.
Add some extra bar stools on either side of the islands for unexpected guests or quick and easy mealtimes and you've got an entertainment zone to suit family and friends galore.
2. Mix metals and marble
Combining function with form is the key to a great kitchen island idea (Image credit: Olive & Barr)
Although this beautiful kitchen island idea skilfully matches a smooth marble island surface with elegant gold framed stools, that in turn visually link to the kitchen island lighting, the key to a successful island, is that they "are not just there for visual appeal; they are extremely functional too," says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr.
"From adding extra worktop space to offering additional seating, a multi-functional island has become the must-have feature for one reason; they provide a simple solution to every kitchen’s needs. The trick is to add practicality to your island, whether that’s with in-built storage, a farmhouse sink or even extra cupboard space to house additional appliances, as well as a dedicated preparation area that can also be used for working and entertaining."
3. Banish boring seating
Sumptuous seating can turn your island into a dream diner (Image credit: Sofa.com)
Who says kitchen stools have to be boring? Embrace something a little more glamourous and comfortable and choose unusual designs in soft pink tones for a kitchen island idea that's anything but ordinary.
The only downside may be you can never get your guests to leave. Also don't forget to measure your kitchen island height before ordering any seats or stools to make sure they will fit.
4. Create a home for your recipe books
Finding meal inspiration is easy when cookery books are close by (Image credit: Carpetright)
If you love to experiment with new recipes, add a handy set of bookshelves to your kitchen island design idea. Keeping them off the worktop but within easy access will not only make preparation easier, but will keep the books clean and make meal-planning and entertaining a breeze.
5. Provide a safe haven for your pet
Even sophisticated spaces can cater for a man's best friend (Image credit: Higham Furniture)
If your kitchen is the favoured spot for your pampered pooch, make them a cosy sleeping spot underneath your island. As this glamorous space shows with a dog bed practically hidden out of view to one end, even the most sophisticated kitchen island can become the heart of the home for every family member.
6. Make your island a family workstation
Choose functionality that suits the whole family (Image credit: Neptune)
If you simply need a kitchen island for some extra workspace, use a less rigid design with open sides and incorporate drawers for easy access to utensils and ingredients.
With an open sided design, it's also easy to slot small steps or lower stools underneath, making it perfect for growing families or visiting children who are keen to learn how to cook.
7. Try a baker table instead of an island
A mobile baker or harvest table can be a great solution in smaller spaces (Image credit: Olive & Barr)
"Harvest and bakers tables are a versatile alternative to the traditional kitchen island and can be bespoke made to complement the proportions of your kitchen," says Al.
"Versatile, portable, and free of electricity and plumbing, a freestanding island can be easily positioned around the kitchen to suit the task at hand. By introducing key pieces which are designed especially for your needs, you won’t feel short-changed by the smaller proportions of your kitchen.”
8. Create a curvaceous kitchen island diner
Soften the feel with a curved kitchen island diner design (Image credit: Brayer Design)
If you're keen to add seating to your kitchen but can't compromise on worktop space, combine the two together by using clever curves and built in banquette seating. Add a round dining table for a more intimate feel and use the same neutral and wooden tones throughout your design to ensure the kitchen feels like a cohesive space.
9. Make your kitchen island a TV spot
A media wall can provide entertainment while cooking (Image credit: Higham Furniture)
Like to turn on the TV while you cook or grab a quick cup of tea? Building an L- shaped island unit around a wall mounted TV could be the solution. As well as disguising some of the larger kitchen units on the wall behind, you can still incorporate storage into the island for access to essentials.
We love how this clever kitchen island idea has also taken advantage of the space at one end of the island to house a sink - but rather than continuing the exiting island, has added a curved unit in different materials and with an open space beneath to prevent it feeling too over-crowded. It's the perfect punctuation to what we suspect could be a party spot come night-time.
10. Choose freestanding for flexibility
Freestanding kitchen islands can be moved around the room or even to a new home (Image credit: The Cotswold Company)
"The fitted kitchen island has become a key consideration for many when designing a new kitchen," says Lisa Coppin, chief creative officer at The Cotswold Company. "However, more often than not, it can quickly become a design flaw, being too large and cumbersome for the space and restricting flow around a busy room.
"Today, many are investing in freestanding pieces for the kitchen, providing flexibility in design as well as the added benefit of being able to take it with you if you move house."
11. Choose wood for a natural feel
Match your island materials to structural finishes in a farmouse style kitchen (Image credit: Tom Howley)
If your kitchen island is due to take pride of place in your oak framed kitchen with exposed valuted ceiling, position it along the length of the room for maximum visual impact.
And even if you choose a different worktop finish for the island, add a butcher block style table at the end so that the scheme is united both above and below.
12. Choose your surfaces carefully
Make sure you choose the right worktop in a monochrome kitchen island idea (Image credit: Caeserstone)
If monochrome kitchens match your design aesthetic, make sure you choose the right material for your white worktop - a statement which of course applies to all kitchen island ideas.
Choosing a hard-wearing surface such as Caesarstone is key to keeping your worktop shiny white if, like me, you're prone to coffee spillages.
"In comparison to natural stones such as marble, which are highly susceptible to staining and damage, our surfaces require very little maintenance," says Mor Krisher, head of product design at Caesarstone.
"The worktops are non-absorbent, non-porous and extremely easy to clean, making it the ideal choice for high traffic areas in the kitchen.”
13. Small kitchen island idea
Even small kitchen islands can provide a handy preparation area and added storage (Image credit: The Cotswold Company)
Clever thinking and forward planning are the key points when it comes to designing a kitchen island. It means even when space is limited, small kitchens can still enjoy the benefits of the extra functionality an island offers.
With some design know-how and the right approach, small kitchen island ideas means there's generally room to squeeze in a square island to provide vital extra preparation space and a handy storage spot.
14. Curved kitchen island idea
A soft, curved island can help break up the blocky nature of a kitchen (Image credit: Martin Moore)
Choosing a kitchen island with curved cabinets and work surfaces is a brilliant way to ease the flow around your space. Our brains are hardwired to avoid moving near sharp corners, so flowing curves on a kitchen island will ensure your layout is easy to navigate, while maximising the amount of usable surface and storage space.
It's also a good contrast against the naturally liner style of kitchen doors or tiled flooring.
15. Create a split level kitchen island
Adding an extra level to your kitchen island creates the perfect breakfast bar (Image credit: Tom Howley)
Don't be afraid to add different levels to a kitchen island as this will all add extra detail to your kitchen and can help to create a wow-factor focal point. In an open-plan space, a raised breakfast bar can help hide the prep area from view, perfect for keeping dirty dishes out of sight and mind while you enjoy dinner when entertaining.
16. Kitchen islands with built in appliances
Use your island to house bulky kitchen appliances (Image credit: Mereway Kitchens)
You can add all sorts of important appliances to your kitchen island which will not only free up work surfaces along your kitchen walls but will also make for a great entertaining space.
Being able to rinse, chop and cook facing outwards towards your room means you can talk and entertain family and friends at the same time.
The main thing to remember here is your circulation space and how the flow of the kitchen and your appliances work together.
Always make sure that your appliances are easy to access and within good reach of each other. Think about the way oven doors open, drawers pull out and where you need to be able walk past.
17. Use a contrast colour on a kitchen island
Opt for brighter hues, such as this vibrant orange design to make the island a bold focal point of your space (Image credit: Martin Moore)
Choose your colour scheme carefully. While neutral shades are always popular for kitchens, and can work in all styles of home from modern to traditional, brighter hues focused on the island can add a great pop of colour, drawing the eye to the island and making it the centrepiece of the design.
18. Create a statement kitchen island
This bold kitchen island makes a sweeping statement in an otherwise minimalist kitchen (Image credit: Denis Dalmasso for Hegenbart and HI-MACS®)
Creating a bespoke kitchen with the services of a specialist designer opens up the opportunity for a unique kitchen island design to to take centre stage. This stunning centrepiece island adds a sculptural element to an otherwise minimally designed space.
19. Stone surfaces make for a dramatic kitchen island idea
A kitchen island made from stone can command the space (Image credit: Harvey Jones)
For a clean, sleek kitchen island option, why not consider creating a seamless island made from your choice of stone surface. While this may reduce your ability to include storage, for those with kitchens large enough, it can make for a monolithic statement in your kitchen design.
To keep your kitchen island costs down, you could consider a stone cladding alternative to a whole seamless block.
20. Switch materials to zone your island
Using a different material helps zone your island's functions (Image credit: Brayer Design)
A breakfast bar is often a must for most kitchen islands, and there are various ideas to incorporate them into your design. You can simply design an overhang of your kitchen worktop material to create room for stool seating, or use a contrasting material, either flush, raised or lowered from the work surface to create a more distinct separation between the prep and social areas.
21. Double up your kitchen islands
Maximise on storage, seating and preparation space with a double kitchen island idea (Image credit: WoodworksBrighton)
Another idea that’s perfect for a large kitchen is a double island. Not only will this help to fill the space, making a big room feel more cosy and intimate, but it provides plenty of work surface space for food prep and socialising.
With a double island, you may also be able to forego wall units allowing for more an open feel to the overall design.
22. Use reclaimed materials for a characterful island
Using reclaimed timber can add a more vintage kitchen island aesthetic (Image credit: Main Company)
We love the idea of using reclaimed materials for a kitchen island. Not only is this an impactful way to introduce a unique material as the centrepiece of your kitchen, but it will also up your home’s eco-credentials.
Alternatively, consider sourcing your kitchen from a certified second-hand kitchen retailer such as Re-home.
23. Shine a light on your kitchen island
Shine a light on your kitchen island with pendant lighting (Image credit: Original BTC)
When creating a kitchen layout with an island, it's important to consider what your needs are when it comes to lighting a kitchen island. It's likely you'll need to consider practical needs as well as ensuring it looks just right.
Dropped pendant lighting over an island is the perfect way to anchor it as the centre of the scheme, but also don't forget to consider wall lighting for both decorative and practical purposes.
24. Create a floating kitchen island
A floating kitchen island makes an island less imposing (Image credit: Darren Chung)
By setting the floor plinth back on a kitchen island, you can create the effect of it appearing to float. It will help the room to look larger and stop the island feeling as if it is imposing on the floorspace.
For an extra design feature, consider using mirrored plinths, or one that closely matches your flooring to further exaggerate the effect.
25. Add open storage for easy access
Add open storage for items you are comfortable to have on display (Image credit: Howdens)
A kitchen island is an ideal spot to include open storage - although be careful to display items that look more like a collection, than simply creating storage where everything gets dumped.
Whether that’s a wine rack, shelves for treasured kitchen crockery or baskets for fresh fruit and vegetables, it can be an effective way to add character to your kitchen.
26. Extend your worktop into a dining table
Wrapping the island in timber and extending it into a dining table adds a sense of seamless design (Image credit: Harvey Jones)
Another alternative for including table space with your kitchen island is to create an integrated table that extends from the end of your island. This is great for spaces that might not comfortably fit an island and table side by side.
In creating a height difference between the table and island, you can also zone the two areas, so they each have a clear function at a glance.
27. Use a custom finish
Choose unusual materials for a striking kitchen island idea (Image credit: Ledbury Studio)
The world is your oyster when it comes to materials for a kitchen island, and just because you can’t find an example from a kitchen maker that captures the essence of what you’re looking for, doesn’t mean you can’t commission something bespoke.
Metal wraps are popular options for modern kitchen designs, creating a bold, metallic feature of the kitchen island. Other, unusual options include stone veneer and terrazzo.
28. Add a stylish extractor fan
Choose an extractor fan with a dual purpose identity (Image credit: AirUno)
While cooker hoods are traditionally used over a hob, when you’ve got a kitchen island, they can be awkward and interrupt your sight lines when using the kitchen.
There are a few design options to overcome this issue when you have a hob placed on an island such as a downdraft extractor built into the worksurface, a flush ceiling extractor or a decorative hood extractor that makes it a feature, not just a functional item.
29. Create a cooling trough
Create the ideal drinks cooling spot for summer parties (Image credit: Tom Howley)
If you’re known to host a party or two, this kitchen island idea is perfect for you. This sunken trough has a stainless steel bottom and can be filled with ice, ready to pop champagne on chill. It’s a real conversation starter too — a truly perfect choice for a party kitchen.
30. Pop in some plug sockets
Hiding away plug sockets makes your island practical and purposeful (Image credit: Sensio)
Never underestimate the importance of electrical points. Talk to your kitchen designer about plug points on your island for appliances like blenders, mixers plus laptops and phone chargers.
While electrical points can be built into the side of a kitchen island, consider the visual impact they’ll have. Paintable sockets are available to help them blend in, or ask your kitchen designer about recessed electrical outlets which can rise from the worktop as and when you need them.
If all these stunning kitchen island designs have seen you immersed in a kitchen island fantasy, make sure you read our handy guide to kitchen island sizes to help you decide just how much space you need to make your dream come true.
Al Bruce
Founder Al Bruce began his illustrious career 25 years ago studying to be a cabinet maker at college. From humble beginnings, his natural skill in the craft of cabinetry and keen business acumen saw him quickly rise up through the ranks of the handmade kitchen industry, gaining invaluable experience and a wealth of knowledge along the way.
Lisa Coppin
Lisa is chief creative officer at The Cotswold Company and has over 30 years in UK retail specialising in homeware and furniture.
Mor Krisher
Caesarstone’s in-house design team is headed up by Mor Krisher, who has conceived many of the brand’s award-winning surfaces ranging from nature-inspired, marbled whites to hushed, tactile greys that look and feel like concrete. Delivering timeless beauty with functional resilience, his designs provide surface solutions for a vast range of indoor and outdoor applications, including kitchen worktops and bathroom vanities.
Get the Homebuilding & Renovating Newsletter
Bring your dream home to life with expert advice, how to guides and design inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter and get two free tickets to a Homebuilding & Renovating Show near you.
Sarah is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Assistant Editor and joined the team in 2024. An established homes and interiors writer, Sarah has renovated and extended a number of properties, including a listing building and renovation project that featured on Grand Designs. Although she said she would never buy a listed property again, she has recently purchased a Grade II listed apartment. As it had already been professionally renovated, she has instead set her sights on tackling some changes to improve the building’s energy efficiency, as well as adding some personal touches to the interior.
