The kitchen is a multipurpose room that sees a lot of activity. If you’re looking for a way to add functionality and visual appeal, installing a kitchen island is a great option. Whether you’re looking to add a new island or updating an existing one, you’ll want to make sure that your island functions for your lifestyle while keeping design in mind. Don’t miss out on popular kitchen island design ideas and read on to incorporate one or multiple of these design ideas into your kitchen island.
1. Repurposing
If you are looking to add an island to your kitchen, try repurposing an old dresser or table. They can make the space look great, especially for smaller kitchens. They not only add additional counter space, but a dresser with large deep drawers provides extra storage. Old dressers with antique details can also add character to your space. If you’re looking for an eclectic and vintage feel for your kitchen, repurposing an old piece of furniture will do just that.
2. Integrate Appliances and Electricity
Kitchen islands are great for integrating more appliances into your kitchen. Appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves, and bar fridges, which are not always included in the kitchen due to lack of space, can be a great addition. Having the island host these appliances won’t take away any space from your existing cabinets and counters.
Additionally, including electricity within your island with outlets will minimize the amount of workspace used while preparing or cooking meals. Instead of using multiple counter spaces around the kitchen for different appliances, all can be done using the kitchen island, making for an easy clean up.
3. Additional Seating
Adding seats to your kitchen island makes for a great place to hang out and enjoy your meals. The less formal setting makes eating a quick bite, doing homework, or hosting guests comfortable with the option to sit or stand. Many homeowners are hesitant to add seating due to concerns of lack of space, but there are many ways to add seating without taking any space away. Extending your island to make room for seating doesn’t add any depth to it and also adding multiple levels allows you to tuck your chairs away, not taking away from walking space.
4. Pop of Colour
Adding a bold pop of colour to your kitchen island is a great way to make it stand out as well as add some personality to your kitchen. Adding a pop of colour can also help tie in the rest of your home, creating a cohesive flow to the entire space. The best part is it’s easy to change the colour if you decide you don’t like it, or if you want to switch it up over time.
5. Hidden Storage
Kitchens are full of hidden storage potential — even more so with a kitchen island. Having an island can create opportunities for creating hidden storage for garbage disposal, dishwashers, and other bulky appliances. This way you can keep the functionality of your kitchen and even improve upon the flow of it.
Bonus
There is so much design potential within a kitchen island. Aside from the above, the kitchen island is also a great place to incorporate your pets’ dishes to keep them off the ground and semi-discrete. Adding bookshelves to your island with open shelves puts recipes at your fingertips. If your kitchen is smaller, consider an island on wheels as a great way to add additional countertop space and storage that is easy to move out of the way if needed.
Your kitchen island is home to so much hidden design potential. Using these popular design ideas and integrating your own personal style will make your island the hub of your kitchen. Contact a Kitchen Planning and Renovation pro today about getting started on your kitchen island renovation. Simply click on the banner below to get started!
Article Updated June 2022
