Gourmet dishes or microwave dinners, a spacious island makes mealtime less of a pain. A smart prep station can even stash cookbooks, host cocktail hour and anchor a truly stunning space. Feeling inspired? Discover these kitchen island ideas for a room that’ll make you want to cook.
SEE ALSO: 30 Green Kitchen Wall Ideas We Can’t Get Over
01. Central Sink
02. Tall Table
With cabinet space to spare, a farmhouse kitchen skips the bulky cube in favor of a rustic table. Plus, stools slide easily underneath for a low key breakfast spot.
03. Butcher Block
Elevated with iron legs, a long slab of butcher block can handle prep work and dinner parties. This Brooklyn home‘s showstopper chandelier only adds to the chameleon effect.
04. Cookbook Storage
Keep those carefully-curated recipes close-at-hand, like this family-friendly home. Built-in bookshelves can house quite the collection on the end of an island.
05. Breakfast Table
Not every house has a cozy banquette. Fake an eat-in kitchen by expanding the counter over the edge of a block island.
06. Pop-Out Bar
Cocktail hour can come out of the living room and into the kitchen. This Florida home added a thick wooden slab to accommodate some punchy stools.
07. Upholstered Bench
A plush island-height bench makes Sunday-morning brunch around the kitchen island extra cozy.
08. Linen Cupboard
Free up precious counter space with tailor-made cabinetry. Glass-front doors show off colorful tablecloths and dish towels in a beach house kitchen.
09. White Beadboard
A light-filled space always feels welcoming. In this case, lots of natural light shows off the classic combination of white cabinetry and oak countertops.
10. Horizontal Lines
Or, turn tongue-and-groove paneling on its side to mimic shiplap. It’s a quick upgrade for ready-made cabinets.
11. Monochromatic Palette
White on white — it doesn’t get simpler than than that. Just be sure to pick the perfect shade of ivory, cream or alabaster.
12. Colorful Seating
All-white does look sleek, but a pop of color never hurts. Around this island, a trio of navy stools tie the beachy kitchen in with the rest of this New Jersey home.
13. Distressed Finish
A little wear and tear only adds to the charm when done strategically. Brush on a couple coats of milk paint and sand down the edges for an island with the right rustic look.
14. Storage Baskets
Stash grocery bags, produce or unsightly clutter in a pair of woven hampers on a two-tier table. Out of sight, out of mind.
15. Wooden Base
Two-tone cabinets might be all the rage, but mixed materials also keep things interesting. White countertops on stained cabinetry add to the appeal.
READ MORE: 27 Chic French Country Kitchen Decor Ideas You Need In Your Life
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