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Remodeling Design Dilemma Kitchens

Is having a contrasting island color a fad? or Timeless design?

6 years ago

I want to have a big pop of color in my new kitchen, but can't commit to doing colored cabinets. I want to love the islands that are a different color than the cabinets, but I just don't. Do you think having a different color island is a fad or has that been done forever?

Featured Answer

lisa_a

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

If you don't love different colored islands, don't put one in your kitchen. Doesn't matter whether it's fad, trend or not.

As auntthelma posted, there are plenty of ways to add color and personality to your kitchen without committing to colored cabinets.

counter stools and stoneware:

Amis Kitchen · More Info

artwork:

My Houzz: Eye Candy Colors Fill an 1800s New Orleans Victorian · More Info

walls and backsplash tile (as well as stools and stoneware):

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Colorful glassware and dishware on open shelving:

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Colorful backsplash and items on open shelves or in glass fronted cabinets:

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Colorful pendants:

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Wall color, backsplash tile and window shades:

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area rug:

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rug, wall color, counter, backsplash tile, artwork:

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Comments (18)

andria564
6 years ago
I am no help. Part of me says it's a fad, part of me says not. A different colored island reminds me of mix matching bedroom furniture. Remember there was a time when it was common for people to buy an entire suite of matching furniture, now pretty much anything goes and designers infrequently have everything match, unless requested.
andria564
6 years ago
You also may want to put this in the kitchen forum.
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PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
6 years ago
I happen to love contrasting islands. Good news: you don't have to make both the perimeter cabinets and the island paint grade. Plenty of folks do paint grade on the perimeter and stain grade on the island. I think it makes for a beautiful contrast and keeps a large kitchen from becoming too "one note". See examples, below:

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Andrea W
6 years ago
Another vote for contrasting.
auntthelma
6 years ago
I looked for pictures of a red kitchen sink and couldn't find any. Doesn't mean they don't exist.

Consider how to add color such as painting the walls, fun backspashes and kitchen art and towels.

We painted the walls green around our very neutral maple cabinets and copper and charcoal granite.
Judy Mishkin
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
you can always paint the island to match the perimeters down the road if you tire of it.

i have a quarter sawn oak island and creamy white perimeter cabinets, so obviously i'm biased towards a mis match.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
IMO a pop of color can come from many sources and IMO without seeing your kitchen I would have no idea of the answerand you have already stated you don’t like the idea so why are you trying to like it . Just because someone says so. I happen to like simple finishes in kitchens that allow me to change my “pops “ of color whenever I want to and IMO a simple white kitchen with a counter with not too much movement and a simple backsplash will always be timeless.
2ManyDiversions
6 years ago
No, it's not a fad when you realize many islands in very, very old kitchens (both grand and simple) were solely butcher block work-spaces - though some had gas cook-tops integrated or just beside them. That's contrast. Islands of a differing color are something of a derivative of this, as well as tables that are another wood or wood stain/color or material (islands are often used for seating).

Are Islands a fad? Yes and no, see above. Does every kitchen need an island? No.

If you don't want 'colored' cabinets or a contrasting island, don't do it. Do what you love. As mentioned by other posters, you can add color in many other areas.

Not that it matters (and it shouldn't to you as you have stated it's not to your taste), we will have painted cabinets with a stained island - I don't consider the island we intend to be our 'pop of color' but rather a style element I like. Our pops of color will be from other sources.
Cyndy thanked 2ManyDiversions
lisa_a
6 years ago
Posting more because I'm having fun finding them. =)
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Hit the photo posting limit again.
Cyndy thanked lisa_a
threelittlelights13ny7a
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Love a contrasting island!! But there are also many great kitchens that have matching islands, so it really depends on what you like! Don’t force yourself to like something!!

Personally, I love a contrasting island and not all color is a “pop”. My blue green island adds visual interest, but I treat it as neutral. Pops of color come from decor like plants and throw pillows that are easily changed throughout the year and bring the outside season into the home.
Cyndy
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you guys! I am definitely reading all of this and appreciate the time you are taking to answer. We are building based off of these plans (had an architect make some modifications.) Because of the kitchen/dining/living being one room, they will share a single type of floor, likely LVP. There will also likely be a single paint color throughout most of it. I am likely doing white shaker cabinets and a grey stone countertop. I will be getting some color into this design somehow!!

https://www.houseplans.com/plan/2134-square-feet-3-bedroom-2-5-bathroom-0-garage-country-farmhouse-38336
Jmc101
6 years ago
It’s a fad
skmom
6 years ago
I think one of the reasons a different colored island works so well in many beautiful kitchens is because the countertop material is different than what is on the perimeter counters. (I think that's what makes many of us who prefer calm spaces without too many jolts of pattern and too many colors start second guessing ourselves... when we see those kitchens...) Then, imo, it starts looking more like it is a separate piece of furniture that just coordinates with the rest of the kitchen. That is what I ultimately decided when we remodeled our own kitchen and I went back and forth on a different colored island or not. (Saw examples I loved, and also examples that were just a bit too busy for what I wanted) I also decided to match the island paint color as closely as I could to the range we had purchased that ended up being a color other than SS. We knew our island counter was going to be very different, that made it feel safer and less trendy to us to choose a different paint color from the perimeter cabinets.
skmom
6 years ago
Wanted to add... at certain times of day, the island color doesn't look like a close match to the range and hood... like when that photo was taken. Every other time of day it looks like a dead ringer. Go figure!
lisa_a
6 years ago
skmom, gorgeous kitchen!

We also coordinated our island and hutch color with our hood. Our walls and backsplash are lighter shades. (hutch is out of view in this photo.)

From farther back.

You're welcome, dovechaser! Best of luck with your build!
Boxerpal
6 years ago
Your plans look lovely. I say don't do the island in a different color. You won't be happy. However, I do think an island with color is not a fad but a timeless look that is beautiful.
threelittlelights13ny7a
6 years ago
I have a contrasting island, but here’s how I add color to my white on white perimeter. You have a lot of options when you get around to decorating. Don’t force yourself to like something.

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