6 Stylish Kitchen Island Ideas for Kitchens Large and Small

1. Mark It With an X

There’s no rule that says an island has to be a rectangular box. Consider adorning your standard kitchen island with a dash of personality.

2. Rethink Your Storage

Kitchen islands might easily lend themselves to a simple cabinet storage solution, but have you thought about drawers? In this kitchen, a trio of drawers faces the dining area making buffet-style serving or grab-and-go entertaining a breeze.

3. Add a Storage Rack

Take a cue from farmhouse-favorite plate racks and install cross beams to the end of your island to corral mugs, spices, and other go-to kitchen needs like textile designer Heather Taylor did here in her California cabin. This is a great fix for a kitchen with little to no pantry space.

4. Find a Weathered Table with Storage

A weathered console table with shelves below makes a great open-concept kitchen island in this Texas Hill Country farmhouse. In a white kitchen, choose blonde-hued woods for a light touch of texture.

5. Keep It Simple with Wood

In a kitchen full of wood tones, lean into the mood! Try to match wood types and stain colors throughout the space for a more streamlined look, but also feel free to mix-and-match to add a collected-over-time flair.

6. Add a Drainboard

If you’re going for a marble or stone-topped island, think outside the box when if comes to your final design. A plain island countertop is perfectly useful, but why not take a note from this kitchen island, designed by Alexis Garrett, and have them cut drain lines in it!