Kitchen island ideas to shake up your space
Innovative kitchen island designs

Mix up materials

Call on concrete

Incorporate architecture

In an open-plan living area, a kitchen island is an ideal way to zone off areas, however, support columns can create obstacles, especially in period homes. Turn a hindrance into a highlight and incorporate it into your scheme for a characterful touch. Here, a coordinating warm wooden breakfast bar complements the support, balancing out the steel-blue cabinetry.
Slim it down

Indulge in iridescence

Feeling bold? Opt for a gold island with iridescent metallic panels – the reflective surface maximises the available light, which is especially important in this dark and dramatic kitchen. Combined with black worktops and stylish pendant lighting, this scheme isn't short of vintage glamour.
Make it minimalist

Dazzle with a DIY design

Crafted by DIY queen Kasie Barton, this quirky upcycled kitchen island has been created from old bricks, wooden crates and surplus tiles. Not only is this charming design a major talking point, but it's also budget-friendly and good for the planet too.
Wow with a wine cellar

Give your kitchen island an alternative purpose by adding a clever wine store under the counter. Set beneath the breakfast bar, it's a great use of space and will add a unique and interesting feature. Built with light oak, these narrow shelves pop against the grey matte surround, while offering plenty of room for bottles.
Get up close and personal

Play with lighting

When it comes to planning your kitchen lighting, allow your island to take centre stage by framing it with statement illumination. Architectural pendant lights are the perfect accompaniment, plus they offer practical task lighting too. Opt for a complementary hue – this eggshell blue lifts the rich dark navy of the cabinetry.
Maintain the magic triangle

Branch out

Curve the way

Add another level

Customise with country charm

Add to the warmth and character of a traditional farmhouse kitchen with a central island to match. Set against a stone-flagged floor, country-style wood panelling will look just the part. Pair with rustic wood stools and choose a durable work surface that will withstand all those warm pots of hearty home cooking.
Accommodate the oven

Experiment with LED lighting

Make your kitchen island the focal point of your scheme with ambient lighting positioned around the base. LED strip lights added to plinths provide an additional layer of gentle lighting that's perfect when you only want a soft atmospheric glow.
Get savvy with storage

Bring in brick

Pair with plush seating

Create a contrast

Give a traditional culinary space a twist by choosing bold two-tone cabinetry. Combine light grey units with a contrasting navy island for an on-trend kitchen scheme. The mix of light and dark paint is bold and dramatic, lifting the neutral scheme into something more daring.
Dare to go dark

Make it moveable

Find a new angle

Downsize your design

Just because you have a small kitchen doesn't mean you have to forgo an island altogether. Opt for a petite unit and avoid a cluttered look with a simple and streamlined scheme. This one has even squeezed in an additional single sink!
Play with pops of colour

Add drama with geometric lines

Make it multipurpose

Featuring flashes of contrasting copper, this sleek and sophisticated kitchen island also serves a multitude of purposes. With its sink, wine fridge and dining area, form and function are beautifully blended.
Allude to luxury

Bridge the gap

Paired with a light wood floor, this graphite gloss island makes a striking contrast in this open-plan kitchen-diner. The thin wooden countertop keeps the room light and airy, as well as providing a clever way to squeeze in an eating space.
Create an illusion

Set a benchmark

Frame the focal point

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 scheme. For the final touch, add task lighting by mounting three pendant shades above the workspace.
Marry wood with monochrome

Combine style and substance

Stretch your preparation space

Grow an indoor garden

Double up on drawers

Is there such a thing as too many drawers? A great solution for your storage needs, this stylish IKEA kitchen features an island that reminds us of an apothecary with its plethora of drawers.
Zone in style

Set out for socialising

Bring in a booth

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