I haven't decided what to do with my kitchen island yet...but someone suggested pressed tin to me (Like the kind they used on ceilings). Apparently this now comes in tiles and sheets, and in a variety of colors. I saw some of these tiles at Home Depot and I was surprised that there were traditional and more 'modern' looking patterns available. I'm not sure how it would work out in practice, but I would imagine that it would be easier to clean and maintain and wallpaper, while still giving you an interesting texture to feel :)

Since you said, "...other than beadboard" does that mean you don't wallpaper that looks like beadboard? I've seen that used on the center panels of cabinet doors. You could use anaglypta, with 1/4" thick trim pieces, then paint it all the same color.

Lincrusta will hold up better than anaglypta. It's more durable and it too has some more contemporary patterns.

I used to use stationary panels that match the cabinet doors on my islands.

I have used the textured beadboard wallpaper and really like it for its realistic look. I have wood beadboard in the laundry across the hall from the wallpaper one, and have been impressed that the wallpaper does not look phony to me. However, the wallpaper is easily marred. I repair it the same way I do a wall - spackle and paint, but I would not use any textured wallpaper in a place possibly subject to wear and tear. For example, if the back of the island also has seating and could be hit by swinging feet.