New This Week: 4 Storage Ideas for the End of Your Kitchen Island
See the ways to design drawers, shelves, racks and more for this island area
Mitchell Parker
August 18, 2017
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 lot of attention goes into selecting the right storage for an island’s main base cabinetry. But don’t forget about the ends of the island. Depending on which way your island faces and how much space you’ve got in relation to the drawers and cabinets you select, you’ve got plenty of options for display and storage. Here are four ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
1. Drawer Display
Designers: Bob Shelton (architect) and Danielle Zimmermann (interior designer), both of Shelton Design/Build
Location: Pittsburgh
Size: 230 square feet (21.3 square meters)
Homeowners’ request: A 16-by-16-foot addition with a new kitchen and mudroom.
Island storage: Cabinets painted coastal blue with a marble-looking quartz countertop. Four glass-front drawers on end with glass cup pulls. The drawers have a false back with storage behind so the homeowners can display colorful fruit, candy, pasta, cookbooks and more.
Other special features: Twelve-foot vaulted ceiling. Stainless steel apron-front sink. Dark stained bamboo wood floor. Custom pine shelves flanking the range hood, which help establish a clear end point for the backsplash tile.
“Uh-oh” moment: During construction, the clients were concerned that the windows were too small and too few. But once the light gray paint was on the walls and the white cabinets were installed, the space felt like it had ample natural light. Pendants with 8-foot-long cords help keep the light unobstructed.
Paint by Sherwin-Williams: March Wind (walls) and Pure White (trim); pendants: Elementary Schoolhouse cord-hung light, Barn Light Electric; flooring: Portfolio in Paris Black, Teragren; countertop: Cambria in Brittannica; cabinets by Medallion Cabinetry: Maple Islander with Coastal finish (base cabinets) and Maple Cottage in white finish (upper cabinets); appliances: Jenn-Air; backsplash tile: South Beach subway in Linto, 3 by 6 inches, Ken Mason Tile; faucet: Beckon single-handle electronic pull-down sprayer in polished nickel, Kohler; range hood: Euro in stainless steel, Cavaliere; island hardware: round glass cup pulls, Restoration Hardware; contractor: Shelton Building Associates; photographer: Laura Petrilla of MissLPhotography
Designers: Bob Shelton (architect) and Danielle Zimmermann (interior designer), both of Shelton Design/Build
Location: Pittsburgh
Size: 230 square feet (21.3 square meters)
Homeowners’ request: A 16-by-16-foot addition with a new kitchen and mudroom.
Island storage: Cabinets painted coastal blue with a marble-looking quartz countertop. Four glass-front drawers on end with glass cup pulls. The drawers have a false back with storage behind so the homeowners can display colorful fruit, candy, pasta, cookbooks and more.
Other special features: Twelve-foot vaulted ceiling. Stainless steel apron-front sink. Dark stained bamboo wood floor. Custom pine shelves flanking the range hood, which help establish a clear end point for the backsplash tile.
“Uh-oh” moment: During construction, the clients were concerned that the windows were too small and too few. But once the light gray paint was on the walls and the white cabinets were installed, the space felt like it had ample natural light. Pendants with 8-foot-long cords help keep the light unobstructed.
Paint by Sherwin-Williams: March Wind (walls) and Pure White (trim); pendants: Elementary Schoolhouse cord-hung light, Barn Light Electric; flooring: Portfolio in Paris Black, Teragren; countertop: Cambria in Brittannica; cabinets by Medallion Cabinetry: Maple Islander with Coastal finish (base cabinets) and Maple Cottage in white finish (upper cabinets); appliances: Jenn-Air; backsplash tile: South Beach subway in Linto, 3 by 6 inches, Ken Mason Tile; faucet: Beckon single-handle electronic pull-down sprayer in polished nickel, Kohler; range hood: Euro in stainless steel, Cavaliere; island hardware: round glass cup pulls, Restoration Hardware; contractor: Shelton Building Associates; photographer: Laura Petrilla of MissLPhotography
2. Party Fridge
Designer: Erin Jones of Erin Interiors
Location: Brooklin, Ontario, Canada
Size: 200 square feet (18.5 square meters)
Homeowners’ request: A fresh look with more functional space and a layout that would work for a busy household.
Island storage: A transitional-style island features a bar fridge that perfectly fits the available end space.
Other special features: Shaker-style white cabinetry with an accent of charcoal gray (Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal). Large-format porcelain floor tile. Glass tile backsplash.
Floor tile: Duomo in cream, Midgley West; backsplash: Cristallo glass subway tile in Dove Gray, Olympia Tile; countertop: quartz; pendant lights: Union Lighting; bar fridge: Vinopazzo, AG International
See more of this home
Designer: Erin Jones of Erin Interiors
Location: Brooklin, Ontario, Canada
Size: 200 square feet (18.5 square meters)
Homeowners’ request: A fresh look with more functional space and a layout that would work for a busy household.
Island storage: A transitional-style island features a bar fridge that perfectly fits the available end space.
Other special features: Shaker-style white cabinetry with an accent of charcoal gray (Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal). Large-format porcelain floor tile. Glass tile backsplash.
Floor tile: Duomo in cream, Midgley West; backsplash: Cristallo glass subway tile in Dove Gray, Olympia Tile; countertop: quartz; pendant lights: Union Lighting; bar fridge: Vinopazzo, AG International
See more of this home
3. Cookbook Call-Out
Designers: Hayer Builders Group and Kleen Design
Location: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Size: 144 square feet (13.3 square meters); 16 by 9 feet (4.8 by 2.7 feet)
Island storage: A quartz-topped island features a slim built-in cookbook holder that puts front covers on display. There’s also a wine fridge on the other end of the island.
Other special features: Four-by-12-inch Carrara marble tile backsplash. Laminate flooring that looks like wood. Cutout over the sink that overlooks a downstairs living room.
Perimeter cabinets: Concrete Groovz, Woodgrain TFL collection, Prism; island cabinets: flakeboard flat-panel in Diva, TFL collection, Prism; cabinet hardware: Richelieu; faucet: Moen; flooring: Esperanza II collection in Denia, Beaulieu; pendant lights: C53701MB in matte black, Capitol Lighting Gallery
See more of this home
Designers: Hayer Builders Group and Kleen Design
Location: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Size: 144 square feet (13.3 square meters); 16 by 9 feet (4.8 by 2.7 feet)
Island storage: A quartz-topped island features a slim built-in cookbook holder that puts front covers on display. There’s also a wine fridge on the other end of the island.
Other special features: Four-by-12-inch Carrara marble tile backsplash. Laminate flooring that looks like wood. Cutout over the sink that overlooks a downstairs living room.
Perimeter cabinets: Concrete Groovz, Woodgrain TFL collection, Prism; island cabinets: flakeboard flat-panel in Diva, TFL collection, Prism; cabinet hardware: Richelieu; faucet: Moen; flooring: Esperanza II collection in Denia, Beaulieu; pendant lights: C53701MB in matte black, Capitol Lighting Gallery
See more of this home
4. Deep Display
Designer: Leo Chester of Kerr Construction
Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Homeowners’ request: A spacious renovated kitchen that would focus on surrounding mountain views.
Island storage: A 4-by-10-foot rift-cut white oak island is topped with a Caesarstone counter (with pop-up electrical outlets) and bookended by two deep display shelves.
Other special features: Blond wood cabinets. Porcelain tile backsplash.
Designer secret: “With the decision to use glulam beams, we were able to hold the structural loads as well as create a more open space,” designer Leo Chester says.
Bar stools: Scan Design; cabinetry and millwork: HF Custom Cabinets; backsplash tile: Ames Tile & Stone; fridge: Sub-Zero; range: Wolf; hood: Thermador; pendant lights: Norburn Lighting & Bath Centre
See more of this home
More
How Much Room Do You Need for a Kitchen Island?
The 15 Most Popular Kitchen Storage Ideas on Houzz
More Resources on Houzz
Search for kitchen products
Find a pro near you
Designer: Leo Chester of Kerr Construction
Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Homeowners’ request: A spacious renovated kitchen that would focus on surrounding mountain views.
Island storage: A 4-by-10-foot rift-cut white oak island is topped with a Caesarstone counter (with pop-up electrical outlets) and bookended by two deep display shelves.
Other special features: Blond wood cabinets. Porcelain tile backsplash.
Designer secret: “With the decision to use glulam beams, we were able to hold the structural loads as well as create a more open space,” designer Leo Chester says.
Bar stools: Scan Design; cabinetry and millwork: HF Custom Cabinets; backsplash tile: Ames Tile & Stone; fridge: Sub-Zero; range: Wolf; hood: Thermador; pendant lights: Norburn Lighting & Bath Centre
See more of this home
More
How Much Room Do You Need for a Kitchen Island?
The 15 Most Popular Kitchen Storage Ideas on Houzz
More Resources on Houzz
Search for kitchen products
Find a pro near you
With over 50 years of experience, we take pride in what we do, and we work hard to meet each client's... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
Landscape Management Group was founded in 2011 by owner Mike Farrell. Our team is committed to excellence in... Read More
Related Stories
Kitchen Design
25 Kitchen Islands That Think Outside the Box
For these asymmetrical, rounded, split-level, wedge-like and otherwise unconventional islands, it’s hip not to be cuboid
Full Story
Pendant Lighting
Choose the Right Pendant Lights for Your Kitchen Island
By tidgboutique
Get your island lighting scheme on track with tips on function, style, height and more
Full Story
Kitchen Makeovers
Before and After: 5 Kitchens With Contrasting Wood Islands
Pros, including one found on Houzz, pair wood-finished islands with painted cabinets for a pleasing look
Full Story
New This Week
5 New Kitchens With Clever Island Designs
Consider these unusual shapes, functional features and stylish looks from photos recently uploaded by pros on Houzz
Full Story
Kitchen Design
15 Ways to Kick Your Kitchen Island Up a Notch
Make your kitchen island work harder — and smarter — with these fun and functional features
Full Story
Kitchen Design
10 Kitchen Island Features Pros Always Recommend
Design and remodeling professionals say these are the elements every homeowner should consider when planning an island
Full Story
Houzz TV
5 Kitchen Island Features Worth Considering
In this video and article, get details on clever island designs that add seating, style, countertop surface and more
Full Story
New This Week
9 New Kitchen Island Designs
Get the lowdown on down-low dining spots, raised-up workstations and other island features shared by pros on Houzz
Full Story
Before and Afters
Before and After: 4 White Kitchens With Contrasting Islands
See how a splash of gray, blue or green makes a kitchen island stand out in a sea of white cabinets
Full Story
Most Popular
How Much Room Do You Need for a Kitchen Island?
By lwkkitchens
Installing an island can enhance your kitchen in many ways, and with good planning, even smaller kitchens can benefit
Full Story
I like the idea of shelves on the ends for cookbooks but, I'd need a wall for mine.
my husband built a peninsula at our old house, and I asked for a platter sized plate rack on my uppers( which were open on both sides, and the lower had a book case, in which the bottom shelf had clearance for the cat's dishes.
I have this for cookbooks. Of course I also have a shelf in my pantry too. Too many cookbooks but I do use them.