We’ve been completely hooked on reruns of Fixer Upper (Season 2 is so close guys!!), and the biggest transformation for these old homes is knocking down walls to create an open floor plan and giving the kitchen a big, inviting island.
The holidays will be here sooner than we think, but it’s not too late to add an island to make your kitchen the season’s perfect gathering place. Here are a few island styles that have us itching to invite over everyone we know.
Traditional Kitchen Islands
Traditional kitchen islands are typically stationary with a wood base and stone top. Decorative accents like turned posts and elegant corbels make them a beautiful focal point for the kitchen.
1. We love the subtle color contrast with a navy island and white cabinets. The woven wood shades and fabric valance add the texture and pattern this space needs.
2. A black and white palette makes the details in this classic kitchen stand out. Bold hardware and lots of storage make this island functional and beautiful.
3. The paneled insets on this island stand out in a deep teal. However, for us the wrought iron corbels really make the look.
4. You can’t go wrong with a classic white kitchen and carrera marble. We love the stately detailing on these posts.
Rustic / Industrial Kitchen Islands
Rough hewn wood and industrial antiques make these kitchens feel casual and nostalgic. These rustic islands feel like they’re straight out of a 100 year old kitchen.
5. Old meets new in this clean-lined island fronted with salvaged wood. Concrete counters finish off the perfecly-imperfect look.
6. We’re drooling over this table’s amazing patina. This workhorse of an island offers lots of extra counter space and useful storage underneath.
7. Talk about patina! This wonderfully rusty island adds some charm to this stark white kitchen.
8. We’re not quite sure if this antique barrel with a marble top is technically an island, but it was too interesting not to include. This is the perfect surface to lay out appetizers or drinks in a small kitchen and still give guests plenty of room to walk around.
9. This generous island mixes clean butcher block counters with a rustic wood base for a lovely contrast.
10. A waterfall countertop made of speckled concrete and rustic wood base adds character to this minimalist space.
11. It’s the little things that make a space unique. The zig zag pattern of the reclaimed wood island is the perfect echo of the herringbone backsplash.
12. Think outside of the box when adding an island to your space. This funky carved cabinet brings so much personality.
Modern
A big, sharp eded island is a must have for contemporary kitchens.
13.Waterfall countertops, where the stone flows over the side of the island, are a big trend in modern kitchens. This look allows you to show off the lovely graining of your stone from many angles, not just from above.
14. This clean island offers a wide open work space and effortlessly connects the kitchen and living room.
15. A rolling island with chunky wheels and a stainless top gives this space versatility and modern flair.
16. How incredible is the variegated wood on this island? Squared off marble countertops are the perfect topper.
17. With pops of orange and a subtle mod sloping shape, this island is a dream.
Tables as Islands
Who says an Island has to be built it? Tables can be just as functional and can save you money and space.
18. This wrought iron butcher block table makes this kitchen feel open, and leaves space for hanging pots and pans underneath.
19. This island is kitchen table and work space in one. Keep family breakfasts close to the fridge rather than tucked away in a corner.
20. This rustic table is the perfect backdrop for gorgeous party spreads and an intimate dinner date. The storage space underneath is an added bonus.
21. This family gave their small living space much needed versatility with a table/island on wheels. Keep it in place for small gatherings and roll it out when you need more seating.
Butcher Block Kitchen Islands
Mix textures and define workspaces with 2 different countertop materials.
22. This classic butcher block island is the perfect counterpoint to crisp carrera countertops.
23. This dreamy end grain style butcher block fits perfectly with the country style of this kitchen.
24. With a vegetable sink and the butcher block functioning as a built in cutting board, this island is the perfect prep space.
Live Edge Wood Islands
Really make an impact in your kitchen with a live edge wood counter that’s an organic work of art.
25. How gorgeous is this rustic wood counter?
26. For just a hint of imperfection, use a live edge counter on your island bar top.
27. Get a maximum impact look with an uneven wood counter that overlaps with stone counters. This is also a great way to differentiate eating and food prep areas on one island.
28. A rustic counter fits perfectly in this vintage inspired Seattle kitchen.
29. Rustic and modern collide in this crisp island with a live edge counter flowing over the side.
Storage Kitchen Islands
Sure, counter space is great, but extra hidden-away storage is what makes islands infinitely valuable.
30. This charming island is outfitted with lots of drawers for silverware and utensils while larger appliances or even dry goods can be stashed in bins underneath.
31. This gorgeous island has shallow drawers that allow you to keep all your utensils off the counter and at your fingertips. The low shelf makes this island perfect for pulling up stools and gives you plenty of room for storing bulk supplies.
32. This island’s built in shelf puts pretty cookbooks on display, but safely shielded from grease and food splatters.
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