I would just install something "useful" in that same spot. Leave it to the next owners to make real changes.

Paint is a good idea.

Adding a small, free-standing bookcase or a small cabinet would also work.

I am loving the idea of installing something on the end of the island. I can do a simple touch up to cover the white. Off to look at options. Suggestions welcome.

They look like natural cherry. I would get a sheet of cherry veneer and just cover it.

You are way overthinking this. Do not paint the island. You purchased this home despite these blemishes and someone else will too.

1. Get a veneer patch tape and cut the smallest possible patch to stick on.

OR

2. Color around the holes with a wood pen.

Fill the holes.

Dab on a color of flat nail polish that will blend.

Take a brown pencil and lightly sketch the wood grain.

Also, use a command strip to hang a towel hook.

Hang a high end looking towel that blends with your current colors.

If you are this thoughtful about the small holes, I presume the rest of your home is in excellent shape and these small patches will truly not matter.

I made small hole repairs to wood and tile in this manner and my home still got four offers and waived inspection.

Get a furniture crayon, and then FORGET everything else.

^^^^ What Jan said. Let the new owners deal with it. No one will say a thing and it will not hurt a sale.

☝️I agree with Jan, sand lightly and use a furniture marker/crayon. The result will not be perfect but it will be better.

The only way to get an invisible repair in that spot is to fill and sand the holes and re-veneer the whole side. If you can hire someone to do that, fine, but doing it yourself if you haven’t worked with wood veneer before is a gamble.

You can call less attention to the side of your island altogether by replacing the outlet and covering it with a matching wood outlet cover. Below is a Leviton outlet in warm caramel, and an unfinished cherry wallplate from Wallplates dot com. They also sell blanks, btw, that might be able to cover some of the mess.

“Leave it to the next owners to make real changes.”

Absolutely. Anyone wanting the house won’t let that interfere.

Select something to go OVER THE DAMAGE. Do not paint. It will look cheap.

A white covered knife rack mounted to the side of the island

A rack for hanging towels and utensils.

A rack to hold spices.

Are we serious?

The "previous owners" damaged the island"

After living with their damage? How long?

Paying the mortgage....taxes etc.....

You are worrying now?

Get a couple furniture crayons please?

Fill the holes carefully. You can use blue tape to protect the undamaged area right up to the holes as you fill them. Bondo or wood putty can be used with a single edge razor blade as a putty knife. Then use a color matching furniture crayon or mix paint to blend in to match the panel. I wouldn't repaint. That current color is very saleable right now.

^^

AMEN!!!! LOL AMEN!!!