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20 kitchen island ideas

By Ellie Reeves | 19th August 2024 | 8 min read

A kitchen island isn’t just a practical addition; it’s a key design feature that can transform the look and feel of your kitchen. Choose from sleek marble worktops for a luxurious touch or warm wooden finishes for a classic feel. Whether you want your island to make a bold statement or blend seamlessly with your existing décor, these kitchen island ideas are sure to inspire.

A large kitchen with green cabinetry, wooden worktops, and a split-level kitchen island with two cream dining chairs.A large kitchen with green cabinetry, wooden worktops, and a split-level kitchen island with two cream dining chairs.A large kitchen with green cabinetry, wooden worktops, and a split-level kitchen island with two cream dining chairs.A large kitchen with green cabinetry, wooden worktops, and a split-level kitchen island with two cream dining chairs.

1. Design a two-level prep and dining island

Create a versatile kitchen hub with a two-level island, featuring dedicated spaces for cooking and dining. This split-level design allows you to cook and entertain simultaneously, making your kitchen a lively and interactive space where guests feel included.

A large white kitchen with a large white kitchen island with 4 bar stools.A large white kitchen with a large white kitchen island with 4 bar stools.A large white kitchen with a large white kitchen island with 4 bar stools.A large white kitchen with a large white kitchen island with 4 bar stools.

2. Host in style with a spacious white island

Elevate your kitchen with a large white island that doubles as the ultimate hosting area. Offering generous space for food prep and serving, it also serves as a central gathering spot. The bright, clean surface invites both casual family meals and elegant soirées with friends.

A neutral cream kitchen with marble effect worktops, and a kitchen island with 3 bar stools.A neutral cream kitchen with marble effect worktops, and a kitchen island with 3 bar stools.A neutral cream kitchen with marble effect worktops, and a kitchen island with 3 bar stools.A neutral cream kitchen with marble effect worktops, and a kitchen island with 3 bar stools.

3. Create a serene kitchen with a neutral colour palette

Transform your kitchen into a peaceful retreat with soothing colours. A neutral palette turns your kitchen into a welcoming space for friends and family to gather, share meals, and make memories. We love the calming natural pebble shade of our Ashmead fitted kitchen. Take a look at our kitchen colour ideas for more inspiration on choosing soothing shades for your cooking space.

A large green kitchen with a kitchen island with a built-in bench, with a separate dining table with dining chairs to extra seating.A large green kitchen with a kitchen island with a built-in bench, with a separate dining table with dining chairs to extra seating.A large green kitchen with a kitchen island with a built-in bench, with a separate dining table with dining chairs to extra seating.A large green kitchen with a kitchen island with a built-in bench, with a separate dining table with dining chairs to extra seating.

4. Create a cosy gathering spot with a built-in bench

Maximise your kitchen island’s functionality by adding a built-in bench. It provides extra seating and adds charm to your space. Ideal for big, social families, it creates a cosy spot for everyone to gather without feeling crowded. Add blankets and cushions to give your kitchen a homely vibe that suits any style.

A large kitchen with a black and marble kitchen island with a statement black light fixture above the island.A large kitchen with a black and marble kitchen island with a statement black light fixture above the island.A large kitchen with a black and marble kitchen island with a statement black light fixture above the island.A large kitchen with a black and marble kitchen island with a statement black light fixture above the island.

5. Add flair with bold statement lighting

Elevate your kitchen’s atmosphere with bold lighting above your island. Whether you opt for pendant lights, chandeliers, or modern fixtures, the right lighting can transform your space and add a touch of personality. Check out our kitchen lighting inspiration guide for more bright ideas.

A large cream kitchen with a sleek kitchen island and 2 rattan bar stools.A large cream kitchen with a sleek kitchen island and 2 rattan bar stools.A large cream kitchen with a sleek kitchen island and 2 rattan bar stools.A large cream kitchen with a sleek kitchen island and 2 rattan bar stools.

6. Choose similar shades for a cohesive look

Create a cohesive kitchen by matching your island to your cabinetry. A worktop in a similar shade to your cabinets, like the neutral sandstone in our Stevia kitchen, ensures a smooth blend. Combine it with black fixtures for a stylish contrast that brings a contemporary touch.

A modern white gloss kitchen island with a black trolley.A modern white gloss kitchen island with a black trolley.A modern white gloss kitchen island with a black trolley.A modern white gloss kitchen island with a black trolley.

7. Use a kitchen trolley for additional storage

Solve storage woes with a small kitchen trolley at the end of your island. It adds both style and function, keeping essentials like herbs and utensils within easy reach. It could even double up as as a drinks cart when you're entertaining guests!

An all-black wooden kitchen island with a black sink and matching black tap.An all-black wooden kitchen island with a black sink and matching black tap.An all-black wooden kitchen island with a black sink and matching black tap.An all-black wooden kitchen island with a black sink and matching black tap.

8. Make a dramatic statement with a bold black island

Turn heads with a bold black kitchen island, complemented by matching cabinetry, worktops, and accessories. This striking choice seamlessly integrates into modern, industrial spaces, making a strong visual impact. The sleek all-black design is perfect for those who love a touch of drama.

A large marble kitchen island in a pink and green kitchen with white flooring.A large marble kitchen island in a pink and green kitchen with white flooring.A large marble kitchen island in a pink and green kitchen with white flooring.A large marble kitchen island in a pink and green kitchen with white flooring.

9. Get the luxe look with a marble kitchen island

Elevate your kitchen with the timeless luxury of a marble island. Its natural veining and glossy finish create a showstopping centrepiece. Pair white marble with deep-coloured cabinetry, like our dark green Artemisia kitchen, to achieve a sophisticated contrast that draws everyone’s attention.

A large kitchen with a white kitchen island with a tiled base on one side.A large kitchen with a white kitchen island with a tiled base on one side.A large kitchen with a white kitchen island with a tiled base on one side.A large kitchen with a white kitchen island with a tiled base on one side.

10. Tile your island base for added elegance

Add a touch of luxury to your kitchen by tiling the base of your island. Whether you opt for classic subway tiles, sleek mosaics, or bold patterns, tiling instantly elevates the look. It adds texture and interest, giving your kitchen a refined, personalised feel with a cool bistro or cocktail bar vibe.

A kitchen with dark blue walls, white cabinets and white worktops, with a large white breakfast bar with 3 bar stools.A kitchen with dark blue walls, white cabinets and white worktops, with a large white breakfast bar with 3 bar stools.A kitchen with dark blue walls, white cabinets and white worktops, with a large white breakfast bar with 3 bar stools.A kitchen with dark blue walls, white cabinets and white worktops, with a large white breakfast bar with 3 bar stools.

11. Pair a white island with a deep blue statement wall

For a bold look, contrast a white island with a dark blue statement wall. The clean lines of the white island draw the eye, while the deep blue adds depth and intimacy. This confident combination creates a contemporary yet cosy kitchen.

A red kitchen with an island, light wooden worktops and wooden flooring.A red kitchen with an island, light wooden worktops and wooden flooring.A red kitchen with an island, light wooden worktops and wooden flooring.A red kitchen with an island, light wooden worktops and wooden flooring.

12. Pair red cabinetry with light wood worktops

Add warmth to your kitchen with red cabinets and light wood worktops. This vibrant combo balances boldness with calm, creating the perfect spot for everything from morning coffee chats to late-night conversations, turning your kitchen into a space filled with personality and charm.

A kitchen with black walls, a black tiled splashback and dark green cabinets and a breakfast bar with 3 black bar stools.A kitchen with black walls, a black tiled splashback and dark green cabinets and a breakfast bar with 3 black bar stools.A kitchen with black walls, a black tiled splashback and dark green cabinets and a breakfast bar with 3 black bar stools.A kitchen with black walls, a black tiled splashback and dark green cabinets and a breakfast bar with 3 black bar stools.

13. Make a statement with dark green and black

Create an elegant kitchen with a dark green island and black cabinetry. This sophisticated colour scheme adds depth and a touch of luxury to your space, setting a stylish backdrop for modern lighting and accessories, perfect for both dining and entertaining.

A black kitchen island with a built-in bench with an integrated shelf, adding extra storage space.A black kitchen island with a built-in bench with an integrated shelf, adding extra storage space.A black kitchen island with a built-in bench with an integrated shelf, adding extra storage space.A black kitchen island with a built-in bench with an integrated shelf, adding extra storage space.

14. Maximise style and function with built-in storage and seating

For a kitchen island that perfectly balances style and practicality, consider incorporating built-in storage and seating. This design not only provides a place for family and friends to sit and chat, but also offers clever storage solutions to help you stay organised.

A large white and blue kitchen with a multi-level island with white dining chairs, bar stools and a high chair.A large white and blue kitchen with a multi-level island with white dining chairs, bar stools and a high chair.A large white and blue kitchen with a multi-level island with white dining chairs, bar stools and a high chair.A large white and blue kitchen with a multi-level island with white dining chairs, bar stools and a high chair.

15. Create a dining area for the whole family

Transform your kitchen island into a family-friendly dining area. A spacious island with comfortable seating helps to make meal times interactive and social. It’s perfect for casual breakfasts, quick lunches, and relaxed dinners, bringing everyone together.

A blue and white shaker kitchen with a large island and wooden worktops.A blue and white shaker kitchen with a large island and wooden worktops.A blue and white shaker kitchen with a large island and wooden worktops.A blue and white shaker kitchen with a large island and wooden worktops.

16. Balance blue and light wood for a warm kitchen

Create a welcoming kitchen with the classic combination of blue cabinetry and a light wood worktop. The natural wood tones bring warmth and texture, perfectly complementing the cool, calming blue. This pairing strikes a wonderful balance between traditional and modern.

A large kitchen with black cabinetry and a large wooden island with white worktops.A large kitchen with black cabinetry and a large wooden island with white worktops.A large kitchen with black cabinetry and a large wooden island with white worktops.A large kitchen with black cabinetry and a large wooden island with white worktops.

17. Cook and socialise seamlessly with an island hob

Maximise your cooking space by installing a hob on your kitchen island. This setup allows you to face your guests while you cook, making it perfect for socialising. The island becomes the centre of culinary activity, and with the right extraction fan, it’s a practical and stylish addition to any modern kitchen.

A small kitchen with white cabinets, a yellow feature wall, and a small kitchen island with a black worktop.A small kitchen with white cabinets, a yellow feature wall, and a small kitchen island with a black worktop.A small kitchen with white cabinets, a yellow feature wall, and a small kitchen island with a black worktop.A small kitchen with white cabinets, a yellow feature wall, and a small kitchen island with a black worktop.

18. Create a makeshift home office

Turn your kitchen island into a creative workspace with a home office setup. Enjoy the fresh environment and delicious aromas while you work. Paint a sunny yellow feature wall to bring warmth and energy to your kitchen. This vibrant colour not only brightens the room but also creates an inviting space where you’ll love spending time, whether working or cooking.

A rustic cream kitchen with dark wood worktops and a kitchen island.A rustic cream kitchen with dark wood worktops and a kitchen island.A rustic cream kitchen with dark wood worktops and a kitchen island.A rustic cream kitchen with dark wood worktops and a kitchen island.

19. Combine earthy tones for an organic feel

Bring nature indoors with a wooden island worktop set against sand-coloured cabinets and dark grey walls. Earthy tones, complemented by houseplants and stylish crockery, create a warm, eclectic kitchen. This large wooden island is the perfect spot for food prep, dining, and socialising.

A large modern kitchen with black cabinetry, white worktops and a large island with 2 black bar stools.A large modern kitchen with black cabinetry, white worktops and a large island with 2 black bar stools.A large modern kitchen with black cabinetry, white worktops and a large island with 2 black bar stools.A large modern kitchen with black cabinetry, white worktops and a large island with 2 black bar stools.

20. Stand out with a black and white kitchen island

Embrace the timeless elegance of a black and white kitchen island. The white stone-effect worktop offers a light, inviting workspace that contrasts beautifully with the dark cabinetry.

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Digital Content Writer Ellie Reeves

Ellie Reeves

Digital Content Writer

Ellie is a content writer with over six years of experience in home décor and DIY. She’s on a mission to help people create a home they love. Big on dopamine décor and colourful accessories, she’s all about adding personality to every space...Read more