9 Stylish New Kitchens With Island Features Worth Considering
Designers, including one found on Houzz, share ideas for island storage, seating, artistic flair and other details
Mitchell Parker
January 27, 2023
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis and humor.
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative... More
A kitchen island is a popular feature among homeowners. But choosing which features to include in a kitchen island requires a good amount of consideration. Here, designers offer a few smart ideas, including open and closed storage, a microwave drawer and stylish waterfall countertop ends.
1. Open and Closed Storage
Designer: Swati Sinha of The Proposed Plan
Location: Cupertino, California
Size: 360 square feet (33 square meters); 18 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was a new-construction project, and the homeowners wanted the kitchen to be the heart of their house,” designer Swati Sinha says. “They wanted to use it as a central place where the whole family can sit and enjoy dinner together. The linear kitchen was designed to accommodate enough seating for family meals or chitchat.”
The homeowners found Sinha on Houzz.
Kitchen island idea: closed and open storage. “This was a request by the homeowners, who wanted to use a lot of open space and shelves where they can store cookbooks and other items related to kitchen and dining,” Sinha says.
Other special features. Quartz countertops. Rift-cut oak island and open cabinets. White slab-front perimeter cabinets. “The open cubbies next to the cooktop create visual interest on that wall, while the geometric-patterned backsplash breaks the monotonous look as well as sets the center point in the room,” Sinha says.
Designer tip. “Consider using open shelves and cubbies to break the boxy ‘only cabinets’ look, which also gives the opportunity to add color and textures through displayed objects,” Sinha says.
Find kitchen remodelers near you
Designer: Swati Sinha of The Proposed Plan
Location: Cupertino, California
Size: 360 square feet (33 square meters); 18 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was a new-construction project, and the homeowners wanted the kitchen to be the heart of their house,” designer Swati Sinha says. “They wanted to use it as a central place where the whole family can sit and enjoy dinner together. The linear kitchen was designed to accommodate enough seating for family meals or chitchat.”
The homeowners found Sinha on Houzz.
Kitchen island idea: closed and open storage. “This was a request by the homeowners, who wanted to use a lot of open space and shelves where they can store cookbooks and other items related to kitchen and dining,” Sinha says.
Other special features. Quartz countertops. Rift-cut oak island and open cabinets. White slab-front perimeter cabinets. “The open cubbies next to the cooktop create visual interest on that wall, while the geometric-patterned backsplash breaks the monotonous look as well as sets the center point in the room,” Sinha says.
Designer tip. “Consider using open shelves and cubbies to break the boxy ‘only cabinets’ look, which also gives the opportunity to add color and textures through displayed objects,” Sinha says.
Find kitchen remodelers near you
2. Microwave Drawer
Designer: Madison Bettis of Madison Taylor
Location: Coto de Caza, California
Size: 224 square feet (21 square meters); 14 by 16 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The family of five wanted a nod to the Spanish style of the home but with a fresh California vibe,” designer Madison Bettis says. “The functionality of the former kitchen did not work since everyone in the home is over 6 feet tall. The cabinet height needed to be raised, the standard pendant height needed to be adjusted and the cabinet hardware needed to be sturdy enough.”
Kitchen island idea: microwave drawer. “The idea to place the microwave drawer on the end of the island was about functionality,” Bettis says. “The kitchen is offset, and while the overall size of the kitchen is large, the island is only 8 feet long by 5 feet wide. The family needed as much storage as possible, and the front side of the island was utilized for the sink, dishwasher and trash. They wanted the microwave to be easily accessible for the kids, so the best possible spot without taking up prime cabinetry space was on the side of the island closest to the refrigerator. I was worried it wouldn’t be aesthetically pleasing, but sometimes you have to go with functionality over aesthetic.”
Other special features. “We raised the cabinet height by 2 inches above the standard height,” Bettis says. “We raised the pendants 5 more inches off the counter than the normal 30 to 32 inches. Even the cabinet hardware needed to be larger so it was easier to grab. I used clean whites for the California style and patterned tile in the bar to stay with the original character of the home. We custom-stained the island for a warm contrast to the floor.”
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Designer: Madison Bettis of Madison Taylor
Location: Coto de Caza, California
Size: 224 square feet (21 square meters); 14 by 16 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The family of five wanted a nod to the Spanish style of the home but with a fresh California vibe,” designer Madison Bettis says. “The functionality of the former kitchen did not work since everyone in the home is over 6 feet tall. The cabinet height needed to be raised, the standard pendant height needed to be adjusted and the cabinet hardware needed to be sturdy enough.”
Kitchen island idea: microwave drawer. “The idea to place the microwave drawer on the end of the island was about functionality,” Bettis says. “The kitchen is offset, and while the overall size of the kitchen is large, the island is only 8 feet long by 5 feet wide. The family needed as much storage as possible, and the front side of the island was utilized for the sink, dishwasher and trash. They wanted the microwave to be easily accessible for the kids, so the best possible spot without taking up prime cabinetry space was on the side of the island closest to the refrigerator. I was worried it wouldn’t be aesthetically pleasing, but sometimes you have to go with functionality over aesthetic.”
Other special features. “We raised the cabinet height by 2 inches above the standard height,” Bettis says. “We raised the pendants 5 more inches off the counter than the normal 30 to 32 inches. Even the cabinet hardware needed to be larger so it was easier to grab. I used clean whites for the California style and patterned tile in the bar to stay with the original character of the home. We custom-stained the island for a warm contrast to the floor.”
Shop for bar and counter stools
3. Waterfall Countertop Edges
Designer: Kimberly Scanlon and Julie Tuerk of Vela
Location: Eagan, Minnesota
Size: 185 square feet (17 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The space was not only outdated but was functioning in an extremely poor fashion for the retired owners,” designer Julie Tuerk says. “Our client had dreamt of her ideal kitchen for some time and was keen to dial in every detail. Her love language is food — made from scratch, up to your elbows, large-scale meals for family and friends. She wanted a beautiful residential kitchen to function like a commercial setup. We workshopped how she envisioned using the space, how she would move between appliances, which drawers she would access in what sequence and what were the current pain points we needed to avoid.”
Tuerk used Houzz Pro software for proposals and invoicing.
Kitchen island idea: waterfall countertop edges. “A large island in this new, open layout allowed us the opportunity to create multiple workstations, ample storage space and kitchen seating,” Tuerk says. “The stunning quartzite and waterfall edge turn a utilitarian island into a design showstopper. The palette for the kitchen was pulled from the naturally occurring colors in the Midnight Fusion slabs. The client wanted a soothing atmosphere, and this particular quartzite pattern provided the perfect foundation.”
Other special features. “Maximizing every inch of storage space was imperative,” Tuerk says. “Each existing kitchen item was inventoried, measured — even basic utensils — and assigned a home in the new layout. Totally worth the upfront effort.
“Performance of the cabinetry material was also analyzed, knowing that a lighter tone was wanted to create a calming and serene environment, and it would need to hold up against intense cooking activity. An extra layer of sealer was added to the rift-cut white oak cabinetry to protect the finish from oils, acids and pigments.”
Designer tip. “Dekton Nilium was chosen for the perimeter countertops, including a full backsplash behind the cooktop that was mirrored on the adjacent perimeter backsplash, allowing for additional protection and visual continuity,” Tuerk says. “Function is always the No. 1 priority, but aesthetics run a very close second. When you can achieve both with a unique approach, go for it.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Quartzite is a high-performance material, but its weakness lies in its fissures,” Tuerk says. “Every place where there is a color change is an opportunity for weakness. We unfortunately learned, at a late stage of the project, that the particular Midnight Fusion slabs selected for this project were naturally at a high risk for breakage during fabrication. The client loved it, we loved it, we had designed around it, a reselect would have been heartbreaking. In the end the risk was taken, the news of a successful fabrication eliciting cheers all around.”
Pendant lights: Quinton in black, Tech Lighting; wall and ceiling paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore
35 Home Design Trends on the Rise in 2023
Designer: Kimberly Scanlon and Julie Tuerk of Vela
Location: Eagan, Minnesota
Size: 185 square feet (17 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The space was not only outdated but was functioning in an extremely poor fashion for the retired owners,” designer Julie Tuerk says. “Our client had dreamt of her ideal kitchen for some time and was keen to dial in every detail. Her love language is food — made from scratch, up to your elbows, large-scale meals for family and friends. She wanted a beautiful residential kitchen to function like a commercial setup. We workshopped how she envisioned using the space, how she would move between appliances, which drawers she would access in what sequence and what were the current pain points we needed to avoid.”
Tuerk used Houzz Pro software for proposals and invoicing.
Kitchen island idea: waterfall countertop edges. “A large island in this new, open layout allowed us the opportunity to create multiple workstations, ample storage space and kitchen seating,” Tuerk says. “The stunning quartzite and waterfall edge turn a utilitarian island into a design showstopper. The palette for the kitchen was pulled from the naturally occurring colors in the Midnight Fusion slabs. The client wanted a soothing atmosphere, and this particular quartzite pattern provided the perfect foundation.”
Other special features. “Maximizing every inch of storage space was imperative,” Tuerk says. “Each existing kitchen item was inventoried, measured — even basic utensils — and assigned a home in the new layout. Totally worth the upfront effort.
“Performance of the cabinetry material was also analyzed, knowing that a lighter tone was wanted to create a calming and serene environment, and it would need to hold up against intense cooking activity. An extra layer of sealer was added to the rift-cut white oak cabinetry to protect the finish from oils, acids and pigments.”
Designer tip. “Dekton Nilium was chosen for the perimeter countertops, including a full backsplash behind the cooktop that was mirrored on the adjacent perimeter backsplash, allowing for additional protection and visual continuity,” Tuerk says. “Function is always the No. 1 priority, but aesthetics run a very close second. When you can achieve both with a unique approach, go for it.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Quartzite is a high-performance material, but its weakness lies in its fissures,” Tuerk says. “Every place where there is a color change is an opportunity for weakness. We unfortunately learned, at a late stage of the project, that the particular Midnight Fusion slabs selected for this project were naturally at a high risk for breakage during fabrication. The client loved it, we loved it, we had designed around it, a reselect would have been heartbreaking. In the end the risk was taken, the news of a successful fabrication eliciting cheers all around.”
Pendant lights: Quinton in black, Tech Lighting; wall and ceiling paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore
35 Home Design Trends on the Rise in 2023
4. Open Seating Area
Designer: Christina Kolb of Kowalske Kitchen & Bath
Location: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Size: 340 square feet (32 square meters); 17 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “A couple nearing retirement contacted us to refresh their lake house to better entertain family and friends,” designer Christina Kolb says. “The top priority was remodeling the kitchen and creating a great room where they could cook, eat and relax with guests. Since this is a lake home, they wanted to use shades of blue in the design and take advantage of the gorgeous lake view and the sunsets wherever possible.”
Kitchen island idea: open seating area. “The kitchen was opened and enhanced with a large navy island,” Kolb says. “The new island, featuring Cambria quartz countertops, has seating for six and plenty of gathering space around it. With the new layout, guests sitting at the island can have a better view of the lake.”
Other special features. Butcher block prep station on the opposite island end. Oversize range hood. Subway tile backsplash with dark grout and with a herringbone pattern accent area over the range. The island also features a prep sink and a “sandwich fridge” that stores frequently used sandwich items like meats, cheeses, pickles and condiments.
Designer: Christina Kolb of Kowalske Kitchen & Bath
Location: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Size: 340 square feet (32 square meters); 17 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “A couple nearing retirement contacted us to refresh their lake house to better entertain family and friends,” designer Christina Kolb says. “The top priority was remodeling the kitchen and creating a great room where they could cook, eat and relax with guests. Since this is a lake home, they wanted to use shades of blue in the design and take advantage of the gorgeous lake view and the sunsets wherever possible.”
Kitchen island idea: open seating area. “The kitchen was opened and enhanced with a large navy island,” Kolb says. “The new island, featuring Cambria quartz countertops, has seating for six and plenty of gathering space around it. With the new layout, guests sitting at the island can have a better view of the lake.”
Other special features. Butcher block prep station on the opposite island end. Oversize range hood. Subway tile backsplash with dark grout and with a herringbone pattern accent area over the range. The island also features a prep sink and a “sandwich fridge” that stores frequently used sandwich items like meats, cheeses, pickles and condiments.
5. Contrasting Countertop Colors
Designer: Patrice Rios of Troo Designs
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 370 square feet (34 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients wanted a casual yet refined Santa Barbara, California, feel,” designer Patrice Rios says. “Polished concrete floors with a warm tone was most important — easy to keep clean but still with an earthy essence. The couple have three kids and a dog and they’re always in the kitchen together.”
Kitchen island idea: contrasting countertop colors. “The client loves the color green and loves her indoor plants, so we wanted to make sure we captured the outdoors we see in the huge kitchen window,” Rios says. “But we didn’t want just green cabinets everywhere, so I brought in the quartersawn oak for balance, which calls for the same concept on the countertops. We balanced the green perimeter cabinets with the brighter MSI Calacatta Arno quartz and made the showstopping MSI Soapstone Metropolis Concrete finish on the large island.”
Other special features. Quartersawn white oak thin-Shaker cabinets. White zellige-style backsplash tile. White and brass pendant lights.
Designer: Patrice Rios of Troo Designs
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 370 square feet (34 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients wanted a casual yet refined Santa Barbara, California, feel,” designer Patrice Rios says. “Polished concrete floors with a warm tone was most important — easy to keep clean but still with an earthy essence. The couple have three kids and a dog and they’re always in the kitchen together.”
Kitchen island idea: contrasting countertop colors. “The client loves the color green and loves her indoor plants, so we wanted to make sure we captured the outdoors we see in the huge kitchen window,” Rios says. “But we didn’t want just green cabinets everywhere, so I brought in the quartersawn oak for balance, which calls for the same concept on the countertops. We balanced the green perimeter cabinets with the brighter MSI Calacatta Arno quartz and made the showstopping MSI Soapstone Metropolis Concrete finish on the large island.”
Other special features. Quartersawn white oak thin-Shaker cabinets. White zellige-style backsplash tile. White and brass pendant lights.
6. Artistic Flair
Designer: Bynn Esmond Designs
Location: Los Gatos, California
Size: 300 square feet (28 square meters); 15 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners purchased their forever home and, instead of moving in right away, decided to remodel,” designer Bynn Esmond says. “They liked the location of the home but not the style. The home was outdated. They embarked on the remodel knowing they wanted their home to support their day-to-day lifestyle and functional needs, have an open concept and be light, bright and airy. When we started the project, the homeowners’ vision was for a modern minimalist home without the use of colors, patterns or textures. They wanted to use materials that were durable and low-maintenance.”
Kitchen island idea: artistic wood countertop. “The homeowners wanted an eating area on the island but didn’t want a typical island look,” Esmond says. “They loved waterfall counters, so making the wood island countertop with waterfall sides was the natural direction.
“However, because they wanted to limit the use of wood and didn’t like the patterns and grains of wood, we had to select an exotic, dense wood that would not have heavy graining patterns. Wenge is a hard wood with tight, minimal vertical grains. The natural color of wenge is dark red-brown, like an espresso color. Using stain on wenge would only accentuate the movement of the grains.
“And because wood is live and bloats with water contact, to protect the wood and keep it low-maintenance we opted to first tone down the color of the wood to prevent the appearance of the grains, then applied an epoxy coating on the wood to protect it from damage before buffing out the shine and applying the finish coat. This makes the wood countertop nearly bulletproof for an area that would have to handle an everyday beating.”
Other special features. Neolith porcelain slab countertops and full-height wall cladding. “We used full slabs of porcelain from one end of the wall to another so that it doubles as a full-height backsplash but also continues as wall treatment,” Esmond says. “It may look like a white wall, but the satin feel of the slab makes the wall feature that much more unique.”
Cabinets: Leicht Haus; wall and ceiling paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Designer: Bynn Esmond Designs
Location: Los Gatos, California
Size: 300 square feet (28 square meters); 15 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners purchased their forever home and, instead of moving in right away, decided to remodel,” designer Bynn Esmond says. “They liked the location of the home but not the style. The home was outdated. They embarked on the remodel knowing they wanted their home to support their day-to-day lifestyle and functional needs, have an open concept and be light, bright and airy. When we started the project, the homeowners’ vision was for a modern minimalist home without the use of colors, patterns or textures. They wanted to use materials that were durable and low-maintenance.”
Kitchen island idea: artistic wood countertop. “The homeowners wanted an eating area on the island but didn’t want a typical island look,” Esmond says. “They loved waterfall counters, so making the wood island countertop with waterfall sides was the natural direction.
“However, because they wanted to limit the use of wood and didn’t like the patterns and grains of wood, we had to select an exotic, dense wood that would not have heavy graining patterns. Wenge is a hard wood with tight, minimal vertical grains. The natural color of wenge is dark red-brown, like an espresso color. Using stain on wenge would only accentuate the movement of the grains.
“And because wood is live and bloats with water contact, to protect the wood and keep it low-maintenance we opted to first tone down the color of the wood to prevent the appearance of the grains, then applied an epoxy coating on the wood to protect it from damage before buffing out the shine and applying the finish coat. This makes the wood countertop nearly bulletproof for an area that would have to handle an everyday beating.”
Other special features. Neolith porcelain slab countertops and full-height wall cladding. “We used full slabs of porcelain from one end of the wall to another so that it doubles as a full-height backsplash but also continues as wall treatment,” Esmond says. “It may look like a white wall, but the satin feel of the slab makes the wall feature that much more unique.”
Cabinets: Leicht Haus; wall and ceiling paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
7. Drawer Storage
Designer: Alison Green, formerly of Jackson Design & Remodeling
Location: San Diego
Size: 325 square feet (30 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The existing house was much too small for their plans to start a family and welcome out-of-town visitors,” designer Alison Green says. “The clients desired a brighter kitchen with a more modern appeal. The new kitchen design is in the same area of the home as before, with doors and windows in the same place, but the footprint was expanded into the original kitchen nook area to maximize the space.”
Kitchen island idea: drawer storage. “Having plenty of storage was important to the clients, so they designed the island to accommodate extra storage along the front and on the ends,” Green says. “It was also to designate a drop zone area. There’s a drawer with a charging station, space for mail, paperwork and little stuff that tends to gather on kitchen islands.”
Other special features. Custom walnut island with a quartz countertop. Hand-scraped European oak flooring. Large Sub-Zero wine fridge. Glass-front cabinets with interior lighting to display pottery, cookbooks and serving platters. Custom hood with panels and molding details that complement surrounding cabinetry. “The cabinetry with molding details is balanced with the texture and patterns in the backsplash to create a more California coastal feel,” Green says.
Designer tip. “Decorative corner details around an island and near the range help give a more elevated look than just squared-off corners,” Green says. “Also, if you have tall ceilings like this one — 10 feet tall — try to stack cabinetry at the top where clients can display their favorite dishes or art or decor items to help provide negative space and not have tall closed cabinets that might feel more heavy in the room.”
Island pendant lights: Segreto, Currey & Co.
Designer: Alison Green, formerly of Jackson Design & Remodeling
Location: San Diego
Size: 325 square feet (30 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The existing house was much too small for their plans to start a family and welcome out-of-town visitors,” designer Alison Green says. “The clients desired a brighter kitchen with a more modern appeal. The new kitchen design is in the same area of the home as before, with doors and windows in the same place, but the footprint was expanded into the original kitchen nook area to maximize the space.”
Kitchen island idea: drawer storage. “Having plenty of storage was important to the clients, so they designed the island to accommodate extra storage along the front and on the ends,” Green says. “It was also to designate a drop zone area. There’s a drawer with a charging station, space for mail, paperwork and little stuff that tends to gather on kitchen islands.”
Other special features. Custom walnut island with a quartz countertop. Hand-scraped European oak flooring. Large Sub-Zero wine fridge. Glass-front cabinets with interior lighting to display pottery, cookbooks and serving platters. Custom hood with panels and molding details that complement surrounding cabinetry. “The cabinetry with molding details is balanced with the texture and patterns in the backsplash to create a more California coastal feel,” Green says.
Designer tip. “Decorative corner details around an island and near the range help give a more elevated look than just squared-off corners,” Green says. “Also, if you have tall ceilings like this one — 10 feet tall — try to stack cabinetry at the top where clients can display their favorite dishes or art or decor items to help provide negative space and not have tall closed cabinets that might feel more heavy in the room.”
Island pendant lights: Segreto, Currey & Co.
8. Butcher Block-Topped Cabinets
Designer: Joseph Ward of Homewardesign
General contractor: Matthew Harper of Harper & Co.
Location: Mapleton, Utah
Size: 550 square feet (51 square meters); 22 by 25 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a classic look that was both classy and casual,” designer Joseph Ward says. “They wanted lots of storage and two butcher block cabinets on the end of the island. The kitchen has a lot of clever storage throughout, including a nice-sized pantry behind a hidden door.”
Kitchen island idea: Butcher block-topped cabinets. “They were a request from the client and it helps break up an otherwise very long island,” Ward says. “Quartz countertop materials only come in 10-foot lengths, so by breaking up the overall length of the island with the butcher block ends we were able to avoid a seam in the quartz countertop. Also, the butcher block ends and black bases (Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams) add needed warmth to an otherwise white kitchen (Pure White by Sherwin-Williams).”
Other special features. Custom-fabricated solid brass hardware-supported glass shelves flanking the range and solid brass pot rack. Reclaimed barn wood accent wall. Custom turned island support posts. Book-matched full-height quartz backsplash behind range. Custom milled solid white oak flooring in a herringbone pattern.
Designer: Joseph Ward of Homewardesign
General contractor: Matthew Harper of Harper & Co.
Location: Mapleton, Utah
Size: 550 square feet (51 square meters); 22 by 25 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a classic look that was both classy and casual,” designer Joseph Ward says. “They wanted lots of storage and two butcher block cabinets on the end of the island. The kitchen has a lot of clever storage throughout, including a nice-sized pantry behind a hidden door.”
Kitchen island idea: Butcher block-topped cabinets. “They were a request from the client and it helps break up an otherwise very long island,” Ward says. “Quartz countertop materials only come in 10-foot lengths, so by breaking up the overall length of the island with the butcher block ends we were able to avoid a seam in the quartz countertop. Also, the butcher block ends and black bases (Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams) add needed warmth to an otherwise white kitchen (Pure White by Sherwin-Williams).”
Other special features. Custom-fabricated solid brass hardware-supported glass shelves flanking the range and solid brass pot rack. Reclaimed barn wood accent wall. Custom turned island support posts. Book-matched full-height quartz backsplash behind range. Custom milled solid white oak flooring in a herringbone pattern.
9. Fun Tile
Designer: Beth Haley Design
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Size: 247 square feet (23 square meters); 13½ by 18⅓ feet
Homeowners’ request. “This home was built in 1957 and needed a major facelift,” designer Beth Haley says. “Our clients requested an increased footprint and an open layout to connect the living room and dining room to the kitchen. Additionally, the client wanted to incorporate her favorite color, pink, and loads of feminine curves into the space to create a unique, playful and energetic space. We took their fondness for midcentury modern design and the Palm Springs aesthetic and got to work, keeping some of the original architectural features of the home while reimagining the rest. The result is a space that exudes playful sophistication with tons of fun and an unexpected color.”
Kitchen island idea: tile. “The tile on the island provides color and graphic pattern in our client’s signature color, pink,” Haley says. “Placing the tile on the island is a cost-effective way to add style and interest without adding visual clutter to the space.”
Other special features. White quartz countertops, white flat-panel cabinets and white GE Cafe Series appliances. Natural wood shelves and window frames. Brass details, including half-circle brushed brass bin pulls.
Designer tip. “We love a long island,” Haley says. “It defines the kitchen without walls and feels expansive. Pro tip: When adding a cooktop to the island, consider an induction cooktop. They are low-profile and don’t break up your sightline as you view the kitchen.”
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen stories
Browse kitchen photos
Hire a kitchen remodeler
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Designer: Beth Haley Design
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Size: 247 square feet (23 square meters); 13½ by 18⅓ feet
Homeowners’ request. “This home was built in 1957 and needed a major facelift,” designer Beth Haley says. “Our clients requested an increased footprint and an open layout to connect the living room and dining room to the kitchen. Additionally, the client wanted to incorporate her favorite color, pink, and loads of feminine curves into the space to create a unique, playful and energetic space. We took their fondness for midcentury modern design and the Palm Springs aesthetic and got to work, keeping some of the original architectural features of the home while reimagining the rest. The result is a space that exudes playful sophistication with tons of fun and an unexpected color.”
Kitchen island idea: tile. “The tile on the island provides color and graphic pattern in our client’s signature color, pink,” Haley says. “Placing the tile on the island is a cost-effective way to add style and interest without adding visual clutter to the space.”
Other special features. White quartz countertops, white flat-panel cabinets and white GE Cafe Series appliances. Natural wood shelves and window frames. Brass details, including half-circle brushed brass bin pulls.
Designer tip. “We love a long island,” Haley says. “It defines the kitchen without walls and feels expansive. Pro tip: When adding a cooktop to the island, consider an induction cooktop. They are low-profile and don’t break up your sightline as you view the kitchen.”
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen stories
Browse kitchen photos
Hire a kitchen remodeler
Shop for kitchen products
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Thank you Caroline!
I agree that kitchen islands, whenever possible, offer more than just cabinetry. Because they become the center piece of the space, they should incorporate function and design. In one of our projects, the island was done in navy blue to add some pop, and features like a space for cool books, an under counter beverage refrigerator, a farmhouse sink, and an X panel where brought together.
Sinks in islands look great.. but without a backsplash water tends to go to the back of the faucet’s counter top. If it’s not facing a windows.. what is your view while doing dishes.