I think the top is too warm a wood for the gray flooring. I love a rustic/vintage touch in a modern kitchen. Maybe a stone topped vintage table?

I like it!

The wood on your island is the only thing that is throwing me. As teamaltese said the color is kind of jarring in comparison to your gray wood flooring. I like the base of the island as it relates in color to our black oven. If you can find a way to tone the wood down then I think it would fit in better. Good luck!

For me… that small narrow island would just get in the way.

I would add a very flat area rug to add interest

I can see how a rug would help but we really need the counter space that an island provides. is there a rug color or style that you think could help tie things together?

I would not call that kitchen modern and that island is just all wrong .I think it is just going to be in the way . I hate rugs in kitchens and who designed a kitchen with no counter space .I need to see the whole space please .

Thanks Patricia. I'm not sure what style of kitchen this would be called? Here are some more photos for context, including one without the island. We found that when cooking, there is very little counter space on either side of the stove, and quite a long distance between the counter on the other side of the room for prepping. Thanks for your advice.

With rug option

No rug
Looks like you need this island for hot pots. If thats true need other than butcher
block . stainless steel top might look good and provide contrast with the existing counter

For me that reads as a sofa table or entry table. I would get a portable island that could be moved around, as the island as a whole seems slightly off to me.

I had to look twice because at first I thought you were mocking it up with a workbench. I would also go with a white portable island with a more traditional design.

^ Agree I think a kitchen island on wheels would look better - a stainless top gives you lots of flexibility with temperature and I think would mesh with your floor better

then you could wheel it over to the bare wall by the oven when not needed to keep the focal point of the oven.

RL- I think you meant to say keep the focal point of the arch?

Probably not in your current agenda. I'd take the entire run down and rebuild with a 30" induction range and all wide drawer lowers. No wall ovens. And there would be lots of counter space. No island.

@tracefloyd that is where the oven is ? not sure what your getting at?

The rug is too small (you need a runner or a larger size rug altogether)

This size rug would work. this white island w/marble top would also work.

But that current island choice is all wrong. (wrong size, wrong color)

I think a marble bistro table would fit in much better

(I'll post a few mock ups of the whole space so you get an idea)

shown w/a better looking/sized rug, and the Beramot light fixture. (I have this one. it puts out some great light)

or something like these (with a longer runner)

I'd also accent this one wall w/some wood cutting boards. it will lend some warmth to the all the gray. (try painting the wall BM Wrought Iron)

and this rug from ruggable.

I'd also place one or two of these boards behind your stove top.

I'd prob bring in a better light to accent that table too

RL never mind. I thought it was a typo when you wrote ...keep the focal point of the oven.

@Beth H. : I like those lights but that will be bad lighting for a kitchen, especially with Edison style bulbs. Just a thought.

RL, they aren't edison. I have the LED bulbs in my hallway. you could land a helicopter w/the light it puts out!

it's much better lighting than the light she currently has. her's has a diffuser screen on it.

she could also do a pendant w/LED 75W bulbs. lots of light

I like this color wood island w/the marble top and the pendant over it ( as opposed to the flush mount there currently)

these are all examples of lighting w/small moveable islands.

or she could do a larger pendant w/100W led bulb

regardless of lighting, that island choice she picked is just wrong.

I like the french style since it works w/the arch and the brick in the kithen.

wayfair has this one

even a white one w/a gray top would be better.

@Home Interiors with Ease, the width is just 90 inches, which is another challenge. To allow 3 feet on either side, that leaves islands that are 18 inches in depth, which has further limited our options. This is another one we have considered that is the right depth and might fit better style wise. But would I have the same problem with the warmth of the brown wood against the gray floor? I do like the french style. Just challenging to find ones narrow enough for the space.

Agree that pendant lighting would help! Thanks.

Hillary-to answer your original question, no don't paint the island. It looks fine and is practical. I like it. Get some kitchen accessories in the same wood around the space to complement it- a canister with wood utensils, a wood bowl with some lemons. The wall to the right of the oven is a good space for a wood kitchen wall clock and the stool. Hang a mini cutting board next to the fridge.

Or we just aim for basic and functional in the right colors.

Hillary, I posted a bunch of options further up. i have two commnts. check out the first to see if you like the french one

Beth’s last post is my favorite of all the ideas. LOVE it!

Yes, Beth always nails this kind of stuff. I would still love if it had wheels.

I think having wheels on the island will allow you to move it as needed. I do love the marble and black metal option that @Beth H posted. It works with the colors in your kitchen.

I see your dilemma with space..any added counter is good...18" is max...are you wanting a more casual wood element in the kitchen? Your kitchen I would call traditional for sure but by adding some rustic wood you could go more transitional  or modern farmhouse..wheels are a great addition

Your ceiling situation is strange..will you by  removing that cove..or are you on a tight budget and have to work with it as is?

We are on a budget and will have to work with it. As it is off center it is a challenge.

Can the island go under the area with the cove ceiling?

I would avoid a rug under the island..it is just to tight of an area and you will be tripping on the edge..

Hi Hillary, even though your island is pretty, it looks like it was forced to be in there. By the look in your photos, you have white and gray dominating the kitchen. The island seems lonely. I know you want something in your kitchen. You can try quartz or marble. It may be more expensive, but I feel it will be a better fit, and convert your current island to a console table, perhaps.

Thanks to those who contributed great advice on my kitchen island dilemma. I have ended up really happy with the way it turned out. I added wood elements around the kitchen and a marble white cutting board to the top of the island. We added a solatube in the kitchen and that was the best investment! I get so many compliments.