You are talking about Board and Batten paneling for the face of the island ....correct?? I like this detail below that stops the paneling before it heads around the corner so there is no conflict with the details of the cabinets. Maybe you need to consider this option.

I haven't worked out all your details, but I would treat the column as a wall and not incorporate it into your island details. Here is your island in white to match the cabinets and blue to match the cabinets. Without knowing what selections you are making for furnishings, I don't know which one I'd select.

Lol gotta hug that island!!
Anyways I’d do Beverly’s first rendering. It just looks much airier with the white. Really really pretty

LOL didn’t realize until after I posted that was the only full pic I had. And thanks so much Beverly that looks great! Will def go with one of those options

I’m looking to do the same thing. Are you DIYing it or hiring a contractor? I’ve had a bear of a time finding someone to hire for this sort of thing.

I agree the white looks much better. I get that you like the blue and want it noticeable to the front but honestly the white just suits the house.

Thanks for all the input! I’ve been torn between keeping it white or doing the whole island a lighter blue like this pic (trying to do Spanish/California vibes). But I think the white does look more airy - and I’ll be painting the walls Simply White as well.

I’m thinking about having my bf DIY it. I had a family member do his own with some plywood + trim. But depends how complicated it gets haha.