Kitchen Island Ideas - Top Picks to check before Renovation
If you are debating a kitchen renovation NYC project you must be busy rounding up all the best ideas and inspiration. A kitchen island is certainly a big decision to be made when working on your design. From extra storage, and meal prepping to casual dining, kitchen islands do it all while featuring as an architectural statement piece. The Internet is full of amazing kitchen island ideas that can boost your storage solutions, and add seating and a massive aesthetic touch to the room.
A kitchen island can be made compact to fit the proportions of a smaller room or sized up to fill out a space in a larger kitchen. You can make your island into an attention-grabbing element of your kitchen design by choosing one of many material, color, and shape options. They can represent more than just a storing or decorating element but can also separate the working area from the space where you spend time with family and guests.
Kitchen Island Ideas to Enhance Your Kitchen Space
A kitchen island can be an excellent addition to any kitchen, offering extra storage, workspace, and seating. But it doesn't have to be just a functional element-it can also be a design feature that enhances your kitchen's style and ambiance. An island offers advantages like storage, display options, counter space, and easier meal prep. On the other hand, a disadvantage of kitchen islands is that they can be pricey and add time to your project timeline. Here are some creative kitchen island ideas to inspire you and help you make the most of your kitchen space.
Kitchen Island With Seating
A kitchen island with stools can add a lot of character to a design, as well as multiple functional benefits. When it comes to remodeling a kitchen adding an island is a no-brainer. If you carefully divide the kitchen floor plan you will be able to define your cooking and living areas clearly. If you have a big family and you all love spending time together in the kitchen you should definitely opt for a kitchen island with seating. With a larger island comes more space and options when picking your kitchen countertops. And who doesn’t love that?
Depending on your kitchen island with seating you can accommodate food preparation, extra storage, dishwashing, daily meals, homework, special occasion entertaining even cocktail hour. If you pull up some chairs to an island you will have provided an ideal space for casual hangout and dining. Invite conversations and company to enjoy the cooking action without being in your way. A kitchen island with seating will have a capacity determined by the size of the island itself and other functions it serves as well as its location within the work triangle. Regardless of the layout your kitchen island with stools will elevate the space and add value to your kitchen.
Rolling Kitchen Island
If you desperately need added (and inexpensive) storage space in your kitchen one of the best kitchen island ideas to consider is definitely a portable kitchen island. This is an incredible option since you can stock it with anything from small appliances to spice jars. Rolling kitchen island can come in many dimensions, some are more tall than wide so they are easy to slide into narrow spots and promise not to take up a lot of space. If you are working with a small kitchen area a portable kitchen island is a perfect solution for you!
Rolling kitchen island can come in sleek designs with clean lines and a multitude of practical additions such as hooks and handles for pots, tongs, and other hanging tools and utensils. You can organize them with taller items in the back and smaller ones up front to keep it looking neat and avoid a cluttered appearance. A rolling kitchen island can end up being the smartest choice since you can simply roll equipment from one end of the kitchen to the other.
Small Kitchen Island
A kitchen island has become a must-have, synonymous with the way most people are accustomed to entertaining and gathering nowadays. No two kitchens are built the same, and not all of them will have the square footage to house a large island equipped with tons of counter space, storage solutions, and seating for a large number of people. Luckily, there is a plethora of kitchen island ideas available when it comes to the size and design of your small kitchen island. Small-scale kitchens can still pack a punch design-wise, adding style as well as functionality to modern kitchens.
With some ingenuity, you can build a small kitchen island with all the counter space you will need for food prep and dining. If you are working with a kitchen that is petit in size you need to be careful with a small kitchen island design because it can easily look overcrowded. If you are desperate for more storage space and in need of decluttering a cozy kitchen you should consider adding open shelving. This will allow your kitchen to be more organized, and practical while looking open and airy.
Large Kitchen Island
A large kitchen will demand a large kitchen island to match. After all, a tiny island floating in the center of a huge room can ruin your entire design. Consider carefully how to best size up your kitchen island to suit your needs and complement the aesthetic you are going for. A large kitchen island can determine not only the style of your kitchen but also its layout and ease of movement throughout the space. A big island will be a showstopping statement of your home while adding ample storage space and function.
Opt for a more unusual look and round off the island corners to improve practicality and flow, while softening the look of a bulky and functional island. Added shelving are great kitchen island ideas that can be used to organize cookbooks, spice jars, and even cookware you want to display. If you decide to extend your island over the length of the kitchen you will add a lot of seating space and opportunity for family and guests to participate while staying out of the way. A large kitchen island spanning through most of your kitchen will add a great sense of luxury that no other design could.
Modern Kitchen Island
Make your modern kitchen island a work of art by choosing elegant material, size, and shape. If you want to create a magnificent statement piece of modern design every little detail can help you pull off this look. Put a statement light above your island to make it a spotlight of the space and add both form and function to the space. Opting for bold materials like veined marble, a unique slab of granite or quartz or fluted panels will provide amazing results. These kitchen island ideas will add a lot of warmth, texture, and contrast to your modern kitchen island.
Try mixing materials like timber, concrete, or tiles for added character. Consider making a floating island extension. This can add counter space to work on while keeping the feel of the open and airy kitchen. Incorporate show-stopping elements and hardware to emphasize the beauty of your design. Carefully consider kitchen cabinet hardware ideas that can further elevate the look of your modern kitchen island. Beautiful handles, a faucet with a shower, and a granite sink can all work to elevate your design further. When in doubt add unusual shapes to the space, anything from a curved bar to arched walls will add tons of interest to the design.
Waterfall Kitchen Island
A very popular design that can improve any kitchen design is a waterfall kitchen island. Waterfall edge entails that the countertop seamlessly spreads from side to side. If you find a material you have absolutely fallen in love with why not use it to the maximum? Create a wraparound look by bringing the material down the sides of your island. Leave the front side of your waterfall kitchen island open so you can pull up some bar stools for added seating space. This can provide extra functionality to your island. A waterfall design is a timeless and elegant look that never goes out of style.
Veined marble slabs look extraordinary when used with this technique especially if the space allows you to use a slab large enough to let the veins flow all the way around. When creating a waterfall kitchen island make sure to consider your flooring choice so you don't overcrowd the design. If you are worried about overwhelming the space, try incorporating some backsplash ideas for white cabinets as a way of adding neutral colors. The best way to incorporate this island into the design is to make sure you complement your worktop and cabinets, a contrast usually works best.
Kitchen Island With Sink
Putting a sink on the island can add value to the kitchen functionality as well as the kitchen layout. This will be a great help if you are working with limited space or tend to entertain a lot of guests or prefer to spend time in the kitchen with kids and family. Adding a kitchen island with sink will allow two people to work at the same time, preparing and washing vegetables and cooking. It’s easy to imagine why a kitchen island with a sink is an extremely popular kitchen island design, providing both function and form.
Carefully consider the placement of the sink itself, since centering it on the island can provide you with space to work on either side of it. A kitchen island with sink is a great option to add focus and functionality to your space. Unlike a stove, it won't add a lot of extra steps like adding a hood that could prolong your project and impede the view in the kitchen as well. A kitchen island with sink adds a focal point and practicality to your day-to-day routine.
FAQ About Kitchen Islands
There is a certain amount of prep that should go into picking the correct choice in a sea of kitchen island ideas. Each kitchen will be different but you want to make sure it doesn’t seem like an afterthought. No matter your budget, storage needs, or taste there are ways to find the ideal kitchen island for your needs and aesthetics. We answer all the frequent questions we usually get from clients, read on to find out the answers to them before you commit to a kitchen island design.
How to build a kitchen island?
If you choose a ready-to-assemble kitchen island don’t be intimidated by installation. With the proper tools and know-how, you can finish putting them together easily. Firstly, make sure to minimize the risk of injury and use protective gear as necessary. Clear out the space where you will be working and plan out how to position your island. Layout the components and start assembling. Don’t forget the connectors and brackets in case any parts need added stabilization or support.
How to decorate a kitchen island
There are many kitchen island ideas that can aid you in creating a beautiful island. A kitchen island often becomes a home theater of cooking, putting the chef center stage. With all eyes on this crucial part of the space every part of it matters-from seating to smaller details like decorations you choose to adorn it with. You should be careful not to overcrowd the space with things that have no obvious use and would just be in the way. Invest in a gorgeous pendant light, luxury salt, and pepper mills, or a pitcher that will look beautiful even when not in use. An eye-catching fruit bowl doesn’t sound luxurious but will style your island effortlessly keeping vibrant produce such as melons, artichokes, and exotic fruit.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a kitchen island?
It’s usually less costly to build your own kitchen island than to buy one and have it installed professionally. This is especially true if you have some basic DIY experience building furniture or doing home improvement projects. Nevertheless, if you are planning on installing a sink, dishwasher, or other appliances on the island you are better off hiring some help. You don’t want to risk anything not being up to code. If building it on your own you can find many free DIY plans for kitchen islands and inspiration on how to incorporate different elements. Plans often include lists of needed materials and step-by-step instructions so the process is simplified.
Where to buy kitchen islands?
Some good options for buying a kitchen island include home furnishing retailers, big box stores, custom furniture makers, and online marketplaces. When it comes to choosing the right kitchen island for you and your family, there are many different factors to consider. Besides the size of the island, the materials it can be made out of, and its shape you should think about things like functionality, storage solutions, and your aesthetic. Don’t forget to set and follow a budget to make sure you can finish your project and choose something in the right range.
How much does a kitchen island cost?
The price at which you can get an island will depend on multiple factors. If you are trying to refurbish an island on a budget you could do it for as little as $350 with a second-hand butcher’s block or an Ikea table top. A semi-custom kitchen island will cost you between $3,000 and $10,000 depending on your specification and the features you wish to install. A completely customized kitchen island can get pricey, and end up costing you anywhere from $6,000 to $17,000 or more depending on the size. This price can drive up to $30,000 if you want something truly big and luxurious.
Is a kitchen island a good idea?
The advantages of a kitchen island are many: from added counter space, storage, displaying appliances and cookbooks, and a built-in stove or sink. Make sure you have space for one and ensure it's sized just right so it complements the size and aesthetic of your room. Choose the perfect kitchen island for your family and home, be it a portable cart or an island with seating so that you can keep kids close by yet out of the way. It’s also a great solution to a lack of storage and can help you easily organize and keep neat.
What is a good size kitchen island?
In order to pick the ideal size kitchen island for your space you need to consider the minimum and maximum recommendations from a professional. Ensure you have enough clear space around the island to get around easily and not disrupt workflow. Extra seating is always plus and don’t neglect to make accommodations for your cooking requirements. The minimum recommended size is usually 2 by 4 feet or 10% of the kitchen area. If the island is too big it will impede your movements around the room, compromising both style and utility.
How do I make my kitchen island look expensive?
Keeping a cohesive design throughout the entire kitchen space is crucial for a successful remodel. There are plenty of tricks you can utilize to make your kitchen appear luxurious, elegant, and expensive. Colors such as beige, cream, white, and black look extravagant and lavish. White kitchens with black hardware are a timeless choice that can make your kitchen island look more expensive. White reflects a lot of light and makes a space look larger, so make sure you have amazing lighting. Beautiful decor pieces like flower arrangements, wall art, or luxe rugs can elevate your look to a new level.
Should kitchen island have a sink or stove?
There are loads of different things to consider when debating if you should get a sink or a hob installed on your kitchen island. The decision will largely come down to personal preference. A hob will make the cooking process more sociable while opting for a sink will make the meal prep much easier. You need to consider where your gas and plumbing are for practical reasons. Lastly, consider the flow of your kitchen and how installing them will affect your day-to-day routine. If you are having trouble visualizing these options in your kitchen browse our kitchen portfolio for some inspiration and ideas.
What are the disadvantages of island kitchen?
Some of the biggest disadvantages of a kitchen island are related to budget and disruption of your kitchen renovation. Not paying attention to the size of an island can be expensive and make for a tight kitchen. Disruption in your cooking flow can ruin your work triangle and make things difficult. Pay attention to the appliance placement. Moving pipes or electrical will certainly add to the cost as well as your headache. Some kitchens are simply too small for a kitchen island or adding one turns out to be more hassle than it's worth.
Design And Build Your Perfect Kitchen Island With Atmosphere Kitchen & Bath!
Whether you own a large or petit kitchen, possibilities are limited only by your imagination. From building a huge kitchen island to utilizing a cart as one, there’s no question a kitchen island of some sort is a great idea for any home. From a functional point of view, it will add extra seating, storage, display options, and workspace and no doubt add value to your home in case you decide to sell it. The installation of an island itself can add cost and time to your remodeling project but it's sure to pay off in the long run.
The best thing you can do to avoid mistakes that will cost you later is to consult a professional designer about your kitchen island ideas. Atmosphere Kitchen & Bath has a long-standing reputation for building and designing kitchen islands that are both beautiful and functional. We have experience in guiding our clients toward the kitchen island of their dreams and then bringing it to life! If you need help with your design ideas or have fully formed them and are now ready to execute them, contact us today to start working on your project!