Kitchen islands create additional seating, extra-work space and innovative storage solutions; it's no wonder the central stand-alone unit has become a 'must-have' part of most modern designs. Whether it's to zone an open-plan layout or anchor a classic scheme, check out these clever kitchen island ideas to transform your space.

Give traditional kitchen a twist by choosing two-tone cabinetry. Combine pale grey units with a contrasting and fashionable navy kitchen island for an up-to-date bright look. The mix of light and dark paint is bold and dramatic, lifting a fairly neutral scheme into something more daring. 

The real Shaker Kitchen, price upon request, DeVoL.

A useful kitchen island needn't be static. A table or butcher's block also works wonders and can be a brilliant budget solution. Here, simplicity is key as cool grey units and a single open shelf hasn't upstaged the stylish yet modest prep table. It can also be repositioned for a change when desired. 

The real Shaker Kitchen, price upon request, DeVoL.

Who says kitchen islands have to be a standard rectangular shape? Jazz up a minimalist style with a funky and practical right angled design. The main unit houses the sink and the lower section with contrasting worktop is used for open storage and extra work surface. 

SW3 project, bespoke, Hub Kitchens

Obviously smaller kitchens benefit from islands greatly as surface space is at a premium. Avoid a cluttered look with a simple and streamlined scheme. Choose a petite island that fits perfectly turned to the side. This one has even got an additional single sink for hand and food rinsing.

RINGHULT doors, £37, Ikea

An ultra-modern kitchen with uninterrupted lines is certainly a statement maker but a geometric island is a show stopper. Taking the form of an icey glacier and highlighted by multiple hanging pendants there is nothing understated about this super chic contemporary kitchen. 

Milano Contour kitchen, from £2500 (island is extra), Wren Kitchens

Why not have fun with colour to brighten up a white space? A refreshing lemon curd-coloured island can be highlighted by happy floor tiles in sweet macaroon shades for an uplifting yet welcoming vibe. 

Contour Ermine Lemon Curd Matt, from £2,500 (island extra) Wren Kitchens

Set with flashes of gleaming contrast colour, this sleek and sophisticated kitchen island also serves a multitude of purposes. With its sink, wine-cooler and dining area, form and function are blending beautifully. 

Milano Contour Castle Rock Matt, from £2,500 (island extra), Wren Kitchens.

Want to give your kitchen a luxury look without breaking the bank? On closer inspection, this sleek looking marble island is in fact a laminate replica but looks just as chic as the real thing. It turns a standard kitchen into contemporary galley style with something a little special. 

Options laminate in Turin Marble Utlramatt £59 per linear metre, Bushboard

A graphite gloss island makes a striking contrast in an open-plan kitchen diner when teamed with a light wood floor. Quirky extras like the teal painted feature wall and green bar stools are fun, even more so is the wooden breakfast bar that creates a clever bridge effect.

The Metz Graphite kitchen, from around £8,200, Caple.

Soft edges make a nice change and create a harmonious flow. A curved finish is welcoming, homely and gives tradition a charming twist. Plus there are less sharp corners to be careful around if you have a family. 

Woburn made-to-order kitchen, from around £12,100, Caple.

If you've got the space and budget then work it to the max. The split detail of this top-of-the-range kitchen has been utilised to create a far-reaching island that seemingly floats above the highly polished floor. Under lighting enhances the illusion and adds a designer flourish.  

Bespoke cantilever kitchen island, price upon request, MetalFX for Harford Manor

An island and bench combine to make a practical and attractive seating area. It's a useful solution to small kitchens, especially if there is storage beneath the cushions. Tongue-and-groove panelling and soft blue cushions give the kitchen a relaxed coastal feel. Love this splashback? See more of our best kitchen wall tile ideas.

Painted shaker kitchen, price upon request, John Lewis of Hungerford.

A kitchen island will take centre stage when accentuated by statement lighting. Pendant lights are the perfect accompaniment as the drop height is stylish and practical for tasks. Add interest with a bright colour, like this sunshine yellow that counters the grey, or shiny materials and finish the look matching bar stools.

Grained Collection, from £5,000 Loch Anna Kitchens.

A kitchen can never have enough workspace! We like the relaxed look and practical benefits of extending a traditional kitchen island with a freestanding butcher's block in a complementary colour and finish. A butcher's block is long-lasting and will take a pretty good hammering before you need to replace it, and it can be moved and reused elsewhere if needed.

Opaco Collection, from £5,000, Loch Anna Kitchens.

Turn your kitchen island into the focal point of a large kitchen by painting it a vibrant shade and framing it with feature floor tiles to complement your colour choice. You'll be instantly drawn to the social central space every time you enter the room. 

Opaco Collection, from £5,000, Loch Anna Kitchens.

Concrete worktops have been making an impact in kitchens for a while now. The next stage is a whole concrete installation using technology that is lighter than normal concrete. Combined with warm wood this angled bar-style bespoke island blurs the boundaries between barista and open-plan living. 

Bespoke kitchen and adjoining bar design, from £30,000, Holloways of Ludlow 

Breath life into a classic oak kitchen with monochrome details. A sturdy chalk white island will unite combination units with weighted black granite work-tops. Additional black bar stools and industrial-style pendant lights embraces the simple yet smart styling on this monochrome scheme.

Henley Kitchen, doors start from £450, Neptune. 

Go for gold with iridescent metallic panels; the reflective surface increases light and maximises space while bringing this most on-trend of elements into your kitchen. Combined with a marble waterfall effect worktop, this scheme gleams with vintage glamour. 

Wilsonart Zenith Revolution ultra-thin solid core laminate from £150 per 3-metre length, www.wilsonart.co.uk.

A smart kitchen island with an integrated pop-up downdraft cooker hood is the perfect mix of sultry good looks and fabulous function. The black and walnut finishes make a confident design statement for a contemporary urban home.  

Design Project range kitchen, from £7301, John Lewis

Give a traditional shaker kitchen a modern update with a pretty pink painted island. Open storage within the units add visual style and is in keeping with a scullery theme. An oiled wooden worktop is practical and warm when teamed with oak flooring and the 21st-century cashmere colour is calm and ripe for Instagramming your culinary creations.

Carradale kitchen, from 6348, John Lewis.

Take inspiration from the past with a kitchen island full of draws inspired by map chests and apothecary cabinets. Not only do the many draws add interest to your scheme but you'll keep things tidy and have a place for everything. Glass panelled cupboards echo the style and complement the timeless look. See more design twists on an IKEA kitchen in our gallery.

Black stained LERHYTTAN doors,  £26 each, IKEA.

Designers are always looking for ways to inject innovation into new kitchens. How about a designated herb box on in your contemporary island? Built to encourage garden-to-plate cooking this small yet significant detail adds colour and life to your kitchen and recipes with fresh herbs and foliage. 

Titanium Kitchen, from £15,000, Rotpunkt.

Kitchen islands make the most of open-plan living by zoning the kitchen area from the rest of the room. The simple design uses four large drawers within a glossy unit with a breakfast bar and seating under the extended work surface. We particularly love the contrasting black wall cupboards, which define the space and mixes up the look.

Finsbury Steel and Mayfair Kitchen with adjoining under-stair storage from £10,000, Daval.

As the heart of the home, a modern kitchen is a social space as much as a practical room for preparing food. This long island offers a big work surface, clever storage space and a neat breakfast bar and has positioned the sink facing into the centre of the room, which is great for interacting with people while you're washing up. 

SW2 project, price upon request, Hubb Kitchens.

Looking to expand your space and create the kitchen of your dreams? Be inspired with our pick of the best kitchen extension ideas.