Kitchens can be traditional or modern, big or small—they’re all special in their own way. But if your kitchen lacks an island, it may feel more cramped than welcoming.
Fortunately, adding an island can open up space for cooking and socializing while also giving you more work surfaces for preparing meals.
Modern kitchens usually incorporate islands with enough seating for four to six people as well as appliances like a stovetop and dishwasher so you have everything at arm’s reach when cooking a meal from start to finish.
Best Modern Kitchen With Island Ideas
Center island designs for kitchens may be the perfect way to introduce you to a lot more cabinet space and even by adding a side table to your new island-style kitchen design.
We brought you the best kitchen layouts with an island to help you quit that same old boring-grandma-cabinets feeling and dive into a world of creativity with several kitchen island shapes and sizes.
Benefits of having an island in the kitchen
There are many advantages to upgrading your home with an island for your kitchen.
Kitchen islands are one of the best ways to generate more counter space. This is especially valuable in households where people like to cook or bake.
Having an island makes it easier to accommodate everyone, providing them with a great place with seating for group meals.
Kitchen islands with seating are excellent to enjoy breakfast or coffee at, but can likewise be used as an informal dining space if the family members want to eat their meals in the kitchen instead of in the dining room.
A kitchen island can provide you with more storage space. You can fit cabinets and drawers underneath the island, to store your dishes, pots, and pans close by.
It’s a great way to add a small bar or wet bar into the kitchen, particularly if you need extra counter space for serving drinks or entertaining guests.
You can do a lot more with a kitchen island but it all depends on your space and budget.
How to design your own kitchen island?
Designing your own kitchen island isn’t difficult, but you need to consider some things first.
The main goal of the island is to maximize your space and give you more room to work with.
The right shape
Start by picking an island shape. Rectangular islands are the most common option, but square islands can be used as well. Sometimes round or hexagonal islands are used for a more unique shape.
Depending on your kitchen size and how much space you have, you should pick the right size. The best way to measure is by using a measuring tape or a yardstick.
Add additional features
After picking out the perfect shape, add in extra features to make it stand out from any other island in your kitchen.
You can add a butcher-block top or a granite top to keep it strong and sturdy. Adding in extra seating is another way to use up all that empty space underneath the island.
You may also want to add in some storage space for your dishes, cookbooks, or even a microwave if you don’t have room in your cupboards.
Installing a sink with a dishwasher on the island is another great way to make it more useful.
Where should the kitchen island be?
You can place your new island anywhere that you want. However, there are certain spots where an island will work best for your kitchen layout.
One of the most common places to put an island is in the middle or against a side wall. This will allow you to use it as a food preparation station and seating area for meals.
Another option is to place your kitchen island by a window, which will give it plenty of natural light and provide views out into your garden.
As long as you have room, you can place the island anywhere in your kitchen.
Kitchen Island materials
There are a lot of materials you can use for designing your kitchen island, but the most common options are stone, wood, and metal.
Stone is one of the priciest materials but has many advantages. Granite and marble will give your island a look of luxury and prestige while keeping it easy to clean and maintain.
Wood comes in several different varieties, with butcher block and live-edge wood being two of the most popular choices. It’s also one of the more affordable materials and has a warm look that is perfect for a family kitchen.
Metal comes in many forms, from aluminum to stainless steel. It’s also easy to clean and won’t warp over time.
Kitchen island storage
Storing cookware, utensils, and other items on your island helps save room in your regular kitchen cabinets. If you’re having trouble keeping everything organized, look for under-cabinet baskets that will contain the clutter while keeping it hidden from sight.
You can also use wall storage to display dishes and other decors, which is a great way to add color and style to your kitchen island. Add in hooks or towel racks to help with your kitchen organization.
For extra legroom, look for island designs that allow you to store things underneath the surface area. This is also great if you want an added storage space without taking up all the countertop room around it.
How to choose the right size for your kitchen island
Kitchen islands come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to pick the right one for your kitchen.
An island is most effective when it fills a need in your kitchen layout. If you have a small kitchen with little countertop area, choose an island that won’t take up too much room and will still give you some extra workspace.
If you have a large island with lots of extra space, look for an island that isn’t too wide. Otherwise, it may feel unbalanced and crowded when you use it to prepare food.
If you have the option, try out different sizes in your kitchen to see what works best for your needs.
What kind of countertop material is best for a kitchen island?
Every kitchen island will have a type of countertop. This is the area where you’ll do your food preparation, so it’s important to choose one that is durable and easy to clean.
Stone is always an expensive choice but offers many benefits depending on the material you use. Granite, quartz, marble, soapstone or stainless steel are all good options to consider.
Many people choose wood because it looks warm and has a natural feel, but you need to make sure it is sealed properly. It’s also one of the more expensive surfaces, so take that into consideration before choosing this type for your island.
If you have an open concept kitchen with lots of space, go with a metal countertop. Aluminum, stainless steel, and copper are all good choices that won’t break the bank.
How much does a kitchen island cost?
The cost of a kitchen island will depend on many factors. Some of the cheapest options are used islands, which you can find online or in a classified ad. If you have a lot of storage or countertop space to work with but need extra seating, this is a convenient option because it won’t cost much to have an island custom-built.
If you want something that’s built to your specifications, you can expect to pay around $2,000 for an average-sized island. If cost is a major concern for you, it might be worth buying a cheaper model and then adding some of the features you want over time.
Conclusion
Revamp the old kitchen concept you have in your head and open your options to a new model notion. You can invest in available options here.
For those with a little less space, see if you can work it out with a modern small kitchen design: a stainless steel kitchen island on wheels or even a simple wheeled kitchen cart may be the answer for mobility and yet functionality.
There’s also the possibility of measuring if a smaller kitchen island could replace that tablespace.
Feel free to inhale some inspiration through our fantastic ideas of modern kitchen with island ideas.
