You mean build your own out of cabinets, or from scratch?

There are a handful of island articles at the link below that might help.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Island Cabinets

I made mine, but I did it from scratch. I wanted a custom size, 65"X30", and was also building or refacing the rest of the kitchen, so this was just part of that process. The wood is soft maple.

Also, by making it myself, I was able to add some custom touches at no cost, namely the exterior trim work, space for prep sink, and section for the icemaker. Below are some pix of the build and the finished version.

Thanks for the posts and ideas. I was thinking of doing it from cabinets, not so much from scratch - although that looks awesome! I just haven't seen anything that isn't too expensive for ready-made islands. Some look like they have potential but then I realize that the shelves/doors/etc would be closed in against the wall, based on how we have to position it. The website in the link below has a good list of the different components, so I'm going to try and figure out which pieces are options based on the space's measurement. They also sell the matching trim so I could customize it a bit like Vate did. Thanks again for the ideas. Vate, your kitchen is a huge improvement! Looks like the cat approves too.

Here is a link that might be useful: individual cabinet components

Thanks for the kind words. To really get a sense of the change, here is the original island (and kitchen). The island was essentially a 2 foot X 4 foot base cabinet, with the back finished (more or less). The new island has more than 50% more countertop space, plus the prep sink. I'm in the last steps of finishing up.

The cat was instrumental in moving my tools and small parts around the floor, and being perfectly in the way when I came in from the garage carrying something.

So you are looking to build up an island from cabinet components - makes sense. Don't underestimate the work it will take to level them and connect them together, not to mention staining and applying the trim pieces to cover the seams/gaps. If they are of decent quality they should hold a piece of granite, no problem. If you can describe what you mean by "tight space" I might have more ideas.

I came up with our island design. We will be using two 33" wide pots and pan bases in the down the middle, then on each end 12" wide bases placed on an angle. I wanted something that had a little interest.
If you measure out a general idea of what space you have to work with, you might be able to get the person at the cabinet shop help you figure something out.

If you are customizing by adding legs or columns, i found that ordering from a different dealer was waaaay cheaper than ordering from the cabinet company. I ordered from tablelegs.com and was really happy, but there are a few places out there.

Islands are the most expensive cabinet real estate in any kitchen because they have to be finished on all sides. Typical cabinets on a wall run don't have sides and backs in the finished wood species. You have to apply panels to the sides and back, and decide exactly how decorative you want those sides and back to be. You can use beadboard paneling for a simple finish, along with some batten molding and outside corner molding. Or, you can skin the sides and back and have cabinet doors applied for a much more finished look. A lot will depend on how you finish the sides and back as to whether or not you will have an overhang on your countertop for seating. If you're having an overhang, then you need to engineer support for that overhang from corbels through a beefed up cabinet back, all the way down to the floor. Don't forget that you will have to have a way to get electricity to the island and a way to affix it in place. There are a TON of variables that go into creating an attractive and useful kitchen island, and to do it properly, you need somone who knows the cabinet line you are using as well as the space you have to work with. Don't forget that you will need to maintain aisle clearances of at least 39" from cabinet to cabinet. That will give you a code minimum 36" aisle from countertop to countertop.

Doing a multi function island from cabinet pieces is harder in many ways than just creating one from scratch.

Anyone else have some thoughts on this? I would like an island that will seat 3 and will be used for some prep, mostly eating. No stove top and no sink in it, just counter top space to work at and sit at!

I was thinking maybe I will head over to the big box store and see what my options are. Can it be done by putting some base cabs together?