Kitchen island ideas – modern solutions for all kitchen

The kitchen island is the solution predominantly used in large and airy interiors. However, this does not mean that having a small kitchen, we cannot integrate an island into it. All you need is a bit of imagination and skillful arrangement of furniture. A functional and at the same time unique in terms of aesthetics, a kitchen island can be a great advantage of a kitchen. In addition to its decorative function, it improves work ergonomics and provides more space for storing food products, kitchen utensils, and dishes. It can serve as a tabletop for preparing meals or act as a dining area. Would you like to know kitchen island ideas? Yes? Let’s check then!

In case you plan to renovate your kitchen, kitchen remodel ideas may be useful.

A wide range of styles and sizes of kitchen islands are available on the market – from rustic wood to modern stainless steel, covered with a top made of rich and sleek wood, steel, granite, and of course marble.

The most common types of kitchen islands include:

Freestanding kitchen island

A free-standing island is most often located on the border of the kitchen and dining room or kitchen and living room, zoning the work area from the others. On the top of such an island there may be a sink, stove, and in turn, in the lower part, a dishwasher, washing machine, or storage cabinets.

Kitchen islands being an integral part of the kitchen furniture.

These are islands connected by a worktop with cabinets, also called peninsulas. On the peninsula, you can also put a hob, sink, dishwasher, or washing machine. Peninsulas are a great solution if you have a small kitchen.

The space under the peninsula and the island can be developed in various ways. It may be used for storage – cabinets or shelves. A kitchen island with shelves forming a mini-bookcase is not reserved only for modern arrangements. It will also be perfect for classic kitchens based on decorative frame fronts. As for the cabinets under the island, they can be kept in the same style as the other kitchen cabinets design, or they can be distinguished by a contrasting colour.

Let us now examine in more detail the kitchen island ideas.

Kitchen island ideas – Split level kitchen island

The split level kitchen island is an island that has a lower and a higher area. The lower level serves as a work surface for preparing the meals. In turn, the higher one has a function of a table where you can eat meals. It is a smart solution because as a result of designating two spaces, the island is not so huge.

Kitchen island ideas – Kitchen island with sink

If you are a person who wants to separate the sink from the cooking area and stove this solution will surely appeal to you. Depending on how much space you can allocate to the kitchen island, it may feature a basin or dual basin sink, additional countertop space, and bar area at the same time. For example, a black island with a wooden countertop, where an elegant sink is placed on one side and contrasting white chairs on the other.

Kitchen island ideas – Kitchen island with a hob.

In the kitchen island worktop there may be a hob and right above it, a decorative and very efficient cooker hood hanging from the ceiling or sliding out of the island’s top. If there is no space for a large worktop, provide space for storing hot pots on both sides of the heating plate. You will find many kitchen island ideas with the hob because it is a useful and practical solution. If you have more space, you can also place a sink next to the hob.

Kitchen island with eating area

The kitchen island with an eating area allows you to eat meals directly at the place where they are prepared – it is both convenient and time-saving. It will take up less space than a traditional table. The island will also gain a more varied look, and we will have an additional worktop. You can select contrasting and comfortable stool bars for such a solution.

Kitchen with an island opens to the living room

A kitchen with an island opens to the living room gives the impression of spaciousness. Besides, it integrates not only household members, but also visiting friends. Nobody likes cooking while looking at the wall and with their back to the guests, so the island in the kitchen has become a popular, practical, and fashionable solution. Now you can talk to guests while preparing a delicious dinner or do it together. Remember that the style of the island should refer to the furniture around it. When arranging the kitchen with the living room, check out interior design living room ideas. The disadvantage of an island opening to the living room is the problem of odors spreading throughout the house.

Island with open shelves

With open shelves, the kitchen island looks light and original. They also provide the possibility to display decorative utility items, such as e.g., bowls, or plates. With such a practical decoration, this kind of kitchen island is perfect for modern, minimalist kitchens, adding coziness and introducing a homely, friendly atmosphere.

Small kitchen with an island

Although you may find many kitchen island ideas for large spaces, it is not possible in a small one. A small kitchen with an island requires certain rules: the best model in its case is a rectangular and openwork worktop, which also serves as a working space. A small kitchen should be bright since light shades of colours optically enlarge small interiors.

What interior styles does the island in the kitchen match?

Due to the variety of kitchen island ideas, it fits literally all styles. In classic styles, the one with a traditional look will work – with spacious cabinets with milled fronts and stylized handles. In modern arrangements, you can contrast it with the colour of the furniture against the wall.

Classic kitchen with island

For example, decorated in white, with traditional furniture, a marble top, and a wooden floor, it is both sleek and very cozy. An additional piece of furniture in the form of an island extends the work surface. A large, comfortable countertop makes the preparation of meals more comfortable, and the cabinets and drawers placed within the island are an additional place for storing food products and kitchen accessories.

Kitchen with an island – in an industrial style

Even in a kitchen decorated in an industrial style, the island can look impressive. The massive, simple piece of furniture has been painted black, and the light wooden countertop contrasts perfectly with each other. The island has a sink and an induction hob, over which a steel hood with a rectangular shape is placed. The black island is not only located in the center of the room but also stands out in terms of colour against the background of neutral wall surfaces and a raw concrete ceiling.

Kitchen with an island – in the Scandinavian style

In a Scandinavian-style apartment where simplicity and functionality are the most important, the island is the perfect complement. A Scandinavian-style kitchen does not have to be large and spacious, but it has to be bright, expressive, and clean. Its main ornament is white, and the detail that warms it – wood.

Kitchen with an island – retro style

Contrary to appearances, even in kitchens inspired by the past, designers introduce original kitchen islands. For example, long, extending almost the entire length of the room, on one side built up with cabinets, with a built-in sink, it is a workplace in the kitchen. On the other, with the extension of the stone countertop, it replaces the table, at which the household members can eat a meal or drink a coffee while sitting on high chairs.

Kitchen island in a rustic style

For example, a kitchen that combines black brick on the walls and a dark wooden worktop is somewhat raw in its appearance. The kitchen fronts are decorated with stylish handles, coloured in two matching shades of wood. The interior is made of glass and illuminated display cabinets with rustic metal frames and a practical kitchen island.

These are just a few suggestions on how to arrange a kitchen with an island. You will find a lot of inspiration, and you will create a stuttered kitchen depending on your preferences.

The article inspired you to make other changes and you may be interested in interior design ideas for bedroom.