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
An island offers many common-sense improvements to a kitchen. Among them are more countertop space, an efficient work triangle, casual seating and additional storage. But there are other not-so-obvious features you can create with an island. Think face-to-face seating, dropped-down tables and raised-up bars. Here, design and remodeling pros share details about those and other great kitchen island features worth considering.
2. Curved Countertop
Designer: Rachel James-Dolan
Builder: Sneller Custom Homes and Remodeling
Location: Montgomery, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “The previous kitchen had some flow and efficiency problems,” says Jenny Sneller, who co-owns Sneller Custom Homes and Remodeling with her husband, Matt. The homeowners and their designer found the construction firm by searching for builders on Houzz.
“Removing all the cabinets and starting fresh gave us the opportunity to make a complete kitchen with more spatial awareness and function,” Sneller says. “Initially the client just wanted to add upper cabinets so there was no gap to the ceiling, but the designer worked with the homeowner and presented ideas and designs to start new. Keeping the sink and appliances in the same locations, reconfiguring and moving the island and finishing out the rest of the space gave the client the solution to their problems.”
Special island feature. Curved countertop design. “The house flow is very linear,” Sneller says. “The kitchen and living room are basically one room, so the curve of the island on one side with the straight sofa back opposite it created a better walking space that didn’t feel like a hallway.”
Other special features. Green cabinets (Rocky River by Sherwin-Williams). Creamy gray island base and vent hood (Perfect Greige at 50% by Sherwin-Williams). White polished 3D backsplash tile. Flower motif tile behind range. Macaubas Fantasy quartzite countertops. Rose gold knobs on the upper cabinets, matte black pulls on the lowers. Matte white appliances.
Designer tip. “Form follows function,” Sneller says. “We started the remodel process by fully understanding how the client and their family used their kitchen. From there, we were able to design the cabinetry and flow to work around their needs. We all love the clean lines of open shelving, but for this family they needed storage and function. When starting with functional design in a kitchen, the colors and feel follow shortly after.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Once the cabinets were demoed and the cabinet installer sketched the new ones on the walls, we quickly noticed how short and narrow the pantry door felt,” Sneller says. “We were fortunate that the framer was able to widen the space for the door, and the vendor was able to get us a new taller and wider door very quickly. It really helped finish out the space and make it feel like a cohesive remodel.”
Tile: Nabi Jewel 3D polished ceramic in natural white (backsplash) and Angela Harris Wilder Protea Leaves Mural, 8 by 8 inches (behind range), Tile Bar; wall paint: Perfect Greige, Sherwin-Williams
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Designer: Rachel James-Dolan
Builder: Sneller Custom Homes and Remodeling
Location: Montgomery, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “The previous kitchen had some flow and efficiency problems,” says Jenny Sneller, who co-owns Sneller Custom Homes and Remodeling with her husband, Matt. The homeowners and their designer found the construction firm by searching for builders on Houzz.
“Removing all the cabinets and starting fresh gave us the opportunity to make a complete kitchen with more spatial awareness and function,” Sneller says. “Initially the client just wanted to add upper cabinets so there was no gap to the ceiling, but the designer worked with the homeowner and presented ideas and designs to start new. Keeping the sink and appliances in the same locations, reconfiguring and moving the island and finishing out the rest of the space gave the client the solution to their problems.”
Special island feature. Curved countertop design. “The house flow is very linear,” Sneller says. “The kitchen and living room are basically one room, so the curve of the island on one side with the straight sofa back opposite it created a better walking space that didn’t feel like a hallway.”
Other special features. Green cabinets (Rocky River by Sherwin-Williams). Creamy gray island base and vent hood (Perfect Greige at 50% by Sherwin-Williams). White polished 3D backsplash tile. Flower motif tile behind range. Macaubas Fantasy quartzite countertops. Rose gold knobs on the upper cabinets, matte black pulls on the lowers. Matte white appliances.
Designer tip. “Form follows function,” Sneller says. “We started the remodel process by fully understanding how the client and their family used their kitchen. From there, we were able to design the cabinetry and flow to work around their needs. We all love the clean lines of open shelving, but for this family they needed storage and function. When starting with functional design in a kitchen, the colors and feel follow shortly after.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Once the cabinets were demoed and the cabinet installer sketched the new ones on the walls, we quickly noticed how short and narrow the pantry door felt,” Sneller says. “We were fortunate that the framer was able to widen the space for the door, and the vendor was able to get us a new taller and wider door very quickly. It really helped finish out the space and make it feel like a cohesive remodel.”
Tile: Nabi Jewel 3D polished ceramic in natural white (backsplash) and Angela Harris Wilder Protea Leaves Mural, 8 by 8 inches (behind range), Tile Bar; wall paint: Perfect Greige, Sherwin-Williams
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
3. T-Shaped Bar Counter
Designer: Jenny Butler of Shelter Custom-Built Living
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Size: 435 square feet (40 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner requested an open-plan kitchen with high ceilings balancing minimalist and luxury, along with a uniquely shaped island mixing white oak elements with marble,” says designer Jenny Butler, who used Houzz ideabooks to share design ideas with the homeowners. “The homeowner wanted the island to be the focal point but also be used for storage and entertainment, not appliances. To achieve this request, we enlarged the size of the back kitchen, allowing for a second paneled dishwasher, built-in coffee system, microwave, warming drawer and oven.”
Special island feature. T-shaped island design. “The unique T-shaped island was designed to allow family and guests to comfortably eat and socialize face to face,” Butler says. “To achieve this request and maintain a modern feel, we designed the island in white oak veneer. This material allowed us to miter the waterfall bar top leg for support, ensuring the support would not interfere with bar chair placement or legs. The white oak veneer is easy to clean and care for.”
Other special features. Calacatta Apuano honed marble slab backsplash and countertops with waterfall edges. Glossy white island base, range hood, paneled appliances and other details. White oak lower cabinets, interior upper cabinet boxes and flooring. Black accents.
Designer tip. “To achieve a sleek, uniform look in your kitchen, color-match your wall, ceiling and trim paint to match your cabinets,” Butler says. “Minimizing the number of shades creates a clean aesthetic and does not compete with the other materials or textures used in the same area.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When 2D and 3D kitchen layouts did not help our client visualize the T-shape bar layout and flow of traffic in the kitchen, we decided to tape out the entire kitchen layout on the floor to scale for our client to walk through, feel and understand the design cultivated for this area,” Butler says. “Everything stayed as originally planned, and our client could not be happier with her experience and kitchen design.”
Stools: Ansel, Arteriors; island chandelier: Perle 3, Larose Guyon; walls, ceiling and trim paint: Alabaster, Sherwin-Williams
Shop for bar stools and counter stools
Designer: Jenny Butler of Shelter Custom-Built Living
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Size: 435 square feet (40 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner requested an open-plan kitchen with high ceilings balancing minimalist and luxury, along with a uniquely shaped island mixing white oak elements with marble,” says designer Jenny Butler, who used Houzz ideabooks to share design ideas with the homeowners. “The homeowner wanted the island to be the focal point but also be used for storage and entertainment, not appliances. To achieve this request, we enlarged the size of the back kitchen, allowing for a second paneled dishwasher, built-in coffee system, microwave, warming drawer and oven.”
Special island feature. T-shaped island design. “The unique T-shaped island was designed to allow family and guests to comfortably eat and socialize face to face,” Butler says. “To achieve this request and maintain a modern feel, we designed the island in white oak veneer. This material allowed us to miter the waterfall bar top leg for support, ensuring the support would not interfere with bar chair placement or legs. The white oak veneer is easy to clean and care for.”
Other special features. Calacatta Apuano honed marble slab backsplash and countertops with waterfall edges. Glossy white island base, range hood, paneled appliances and other details. White oak lower cabinets, interior upper cabinet boxes and flooring. Black accents.
Designer tip. “To achieve a sleek, uniform look in your kitchen, color-match your wall, ceiling and trim paint to match your cabinets,” Butler says. “Minimizing the number of shades creates a clean aesthetic and does not compete with the other materials or textures used in the same area.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When 2D and 3D kitchen layouts did not help our client visualize the T-shape bar layout and flow of traffic in the kitchen, we decided to tape out the entire kitchen layout on the floor to scale for our client to walk through, feel and understand the design cultivated for this area,” Butler says. “Everything stayed as originally planned, and our client could not be happier with her experience and kitchen design.”
Stools: Ansel, Arteriors; island chandelier: Perle 3, Larose Guyon; walls, ceiling and trim paint: Alabaster, Sherwin-Williams
Shop for bar stools and counter stools
4. Beverage Fridge and Open Storage
Designer: Sierra Fallon of Rumor Designs
Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Size: 374 square feet (35 square feet); 17 by 22 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted to modernize the style of the home, which was incredibly traditional in style and with formal spaces,” designer Sierra Fallon says. “They are a young family, so creating fun yet practical areas to be with family and friends was important in the design. We wanted to open up the layout and create a much larger island in order to provide an informal dining area for their family since the main dining room is in a formal space in a separate room. They wanted to add color to the room to balance the existing flagstone floors and beautiful woodwork.”
Special island features. Beverage fridge and open storage. “The homeowner wanted to include an open area to showcase her cookbooks, and since we didn’t have room for a full-depth cabinet in this space, it created a perfect opportunity to incorporate that detail. Adjacent to the end of the island is an informal living room, so it made sense to have an undercabinet fridge there for easy access. Setting those two elements together added to the more casual, informal, family-friendly vibe of this space and gives an opportunity to break up the cabinetry with a pop of color.”
Other special features. Green perimeter cabinets (Rosemary by Sherwin-Williams). White ceramic tile backsplash. Quartz countertops (Alpine Mist by Caesarstone.) Large-scale limestone flooring. Wire-brushed white oak island base with black glazing. “A glazed wood door would generally fit well in a traditional-style kitchen, but we applied it onto a slab-face door style, which created a more contemporary look while paying homage to the traditional elements of the home,” Fallon says. “The texture of the wood adds a whole other beautiful detail and depth to the cabinets.”
Designer tip. “When starting a remodel, it’s important to take into account the house itself and the style of the original home,” Fallon says. “Even with all of the furniture removed from this house, the actual bones of the house are very formal, so it would not have worked to put a super modern kitchen into it. The colors, organic themes and door style of the kitchen were intentional in tying back to the home itself while also creating a unique space specific to this client.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The countertops are a quartz product in a honed finish, and during the install there were some complications,” Fallon says. “Honed finishes can be tricky, especially on a man-made product since it shows oils and stains a lot more than a polished finish. On this project, the fabricator had to use two slabs to cover the island since it is so large, and the seam between the two slabs became very obvious when they first installed it. Not only that, but the adhesive they used ended up getting spread around the seam. This would have disappeared on a polished countertop, but the honed countertop showed everything on these slabs and it looked awful. The fabricator had to replace the slabs twice before getting a clean seam.”
Island lights: Eldridge in Old Bronze, Hudson Valley Lighting
The 10 Most Popular Kitchens So Far in 2023
Designer: Sierra Fallon of Rumor Designs
Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Size: 374 square feet (35 square feet); 17 by 22 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted to modernize the style of the home, which was incredibly traditional in style and with formal spaces,” designer Sierra Fallon says. “They are a young family, so creating fun yet practical areas to be with family and friends was important in the design. We wanted to open up the layout and create a much larger island in order to provide an informal dining area for their family since the main dining room is in a formal space in a separate room. They wanted to add color to the room to balance the existing flagstone floors and beautiful woodwork.”
Special island features. Beverage fridge and open storage. “The homeowner wanted to include an open area to showcase her cookbooks, and since we didn’t have room for a full-depth cabinet in this space, it created a perfect opportunity to incorporate that detail. Adjacent to the end of the island is an informal living room, so it made sense to have an undercabinet fridge there for easy access. Setting those two elements together added to the more casual, informal, family-friendly vibe of this space and gives an opportunity to break up the cabinetry with a pop of color.”
Other special features. Green perimeter cabinets (Rosemary by Sherwin-Williams). White ceramic tile backsplash. Quartz countertops (Alpine Mist by Caesarstone.) Large-scale limestone flooring. Wire-brushed white oak island base with black glazing. “A glazed wood door would generally fit well in a traditional-style kitchen, but we applied it onto a slab-face door style, which created a more contemporary look while paying homage to the traditional elements of the home,” Fallon says. “The texture of the wood adds a whole other beautiful detail and depth to the cabinets.”
Designer tip. “When starting a remodel, it’s important to take into account the house itself and the style of the original home,” Fallon says. “Even with all of the furniture removed from this house, the actual bones of the house are very formal, so it would not have worked to put a super modern kitchen into it. The colors, organic themes and door style of the kitchen were intentional in tying back to the home itself while also creating a unique space specific to this client.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The countertops are a quartz product in a honed finish, and during the install there were some complications,” Fallon says. “Honed finishes can be tricky, especially on a man-made product since it shows oils and stains a lot more than a polished finish. On this project, the fabricator had to use two slabs to cover the island since it is so large, and the seam between the two slabs became very obvious when they first installed it. Not only that, but the adhesive they used ended up getting spread around the seam. This would have disappeared on a polished countertop, but the honed countertop showed everything on these slabs and it looked awful. The fabricator had to replace the slabs twice before getting a clean seam.”
Island lights: Eldridge in Old Bronze, Hudson Valley Lighting
The 10 Most Popular Kitchens So Far in 2023
5. Small but Mighty
Designer: Jessica Nelson Design
Location: Seattle
Size: 140 square feet (13 square meters); 10 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. “They have a beautiful view of Mount Rainier out the sink windows, and their kitchen was closed off and completely segmented from the rest of the house,” designer Jessica Nelson says. “We opened up a wall and expanded their kitchen to make it so much more functional. Our clients have a fun style, and they wanted something both classic and bold, so we had lots of fun with a moody backsplash and hood.”
Special island features. A compact island offers seating for two, storage on two sides and plenty of style with a soapstone countertop and black base. “We wanted to include an island to help create a focal point in the room,” Nelson says. “Also, they have an amazing view out the windows above the sink, so we wanted to create a great spot to sit and take in the view.”
Other special features. Dark green backsplash tile. White Shaker-style inset cabinets (White Dove by Benjamin Moore). Brass accents.
Designer: Jessica Nelson Design
Location: Seattle
Size: 140 square feet (13 square meters); 10 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. “They have a beautiful view of Mount Rainier out the sink windows, and their kitchen was closed off and completely segmented from the rest of the house,” designer Jessica Nelson says. “We opened up a wall and expanded their kitchen to make it so much more functional. Our clients have a fun style, and they wanted something both classic and bold, so we had lots of fun with a moody backsplash and hood.”
Special island features. A compact island offers seating for two, storage on two sides and plenty of style with a soapstone countertop and black base. “We wanted to include an island to help create a focal point in the room,” Nelson says. “Also, they have an amazing view out the windows above the sink, so we wanted to create a great spot to sit and take in the view.”
Other special features. Dark green backsplash tile. White Shaker-style inset cabinets (White Dove by Benjamin Moore). Brass accents.
6. Furniture-Style Storage
Designer: Kristyn Harvey Interiors
Location: Solana Beach, California
Size: 286 square feet (27 square meters); 13 by 22 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners envisioned a bright and open kitchen that did not obstruct their backyard views,” designer Kristyn Harvey says. “They are big cooks and have two young children, so they wanted a kitchen that functions as a family gathering place.”
Special island feature. Furniture-style storage unit. “The mom wanted to be able to cook while also helping the kids with their homework, so the island was designed with a furniture piece on the end that also functions as a homework station with charging cables for the kids’ future laptops and drawers for school supplies.
“One drawer is a catchall for miscellaneous items that the kids bring home, like little drawings or goodie bags. The second drawer is for homework supplies, such as pencils and crayons, etc. The upper open shelf is for the kids’ backpacks, lunch bags and water bottles so their mom can easily pack their lunches in the morning. The lower open shelf has rattan open-weave baskets for storing dried goods like onions, potatoes and garlic.”
“Tip: Use a white pillowcase inside the open-weave rattan basket to place dried goods. This protects them from being exposed to light so they don’t start sprouting and allows enough ventilation so they don’t rot. This gives you the woven basket look without sacrificing functionality.”
Other special features. Plain sawn white oak island base. Porcelain slab countertops. Stacked-pattern backsplash tile in varying shades of white (Cloe by Bedrosians Tile and Stone). White cabinets (White Dove by Benjamin Moore).
Designer tip. “Forgo upper cabinets and go for more windows or open shelving in its place to open up the room and add more light,” Harvey says. “And use drawers for everything. This allows you to be able to visualize everything in the drawer, instead of digging into the back of a cabinet.”
Designer: Kristyn Harvey Interiors
Location: Solana Beach, California
Size: 286 square feet (27 square meters); 13 by 22 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners envisioned a bright and open kitchen that did not obstruct their backyard views,” designer Kristyn Harvey says. “They are big cooks and have two young children, so they wanted a kitchen that functions as a family gathering place.”
Special island feature. Furniture-style storage unit. “The mom wanted to be able to cook while also helping the kids with their homework, so the island was designed with a furniture piece on the end that also functions as a homework station with charging cables for the kids’ future laptops and drawers for school supplies.
“One drawer is a catchall for miscellaneous items that the kids bring home, like little drawings or goodie bags. The second drawer is for homework supplies, such as pencils and crayons, etc. The upper open shelf is for the kids’ backpacks, lunch bags and water bottles so their mom can easily pack their lunches in the morning. The lower open shelf has rattan open-weave baskets for storing dried goods like onions, potatoes and garlic.”
“Tip: Use a white pillowcase inside the open-weave rattan basket to place dried goods. This protects them from being exposed to light so they don’t start sprouting and allows enough ventilation so they don’t rot. This gives you the woven basket look without sacrificing functionality.”
Other special features. Plain sawn white oak island base. Porcelain slab countertops. Stacked-pattern backsplash tile in varying shades of white (Cloe by Bedrosians Tile and Stone). White cabinets (White Dove by Benjamin Moore).
Designer tip. “Forgo upper cabinets and go for more windows or open shelving in its place to open up the room and add more light,” Harvey says. “And use drawers for everything. This allows you to be able to visualize everything in the drawer, instead of digging into the back of a cabinet.”
7. Usable Butcher Block Top
Architect: Stacy Eisenmann of Eisenmann Architecture
Location: Albany, California
Size: 146 square feet (14 square meters); 11½ by 12¾ feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted a kitchen island, and the original kitchen footprint was too small, so we moderately enlarged it by creating a bay window niche to accommodate the sink cabinets,” architect Stacy Eisenmann says. “Also, the client’s favorite color is periwinkle, and that became an important element in the finish design.”
Special island feature. Maple butcher block top. “The island butcher block was constructed with the ability to chop on, providing a more integrated workstation that can be accessed from all sides of the kitchen,” Eisenmann says. “The island has storage to meet homeowner-specific needs — drawers on one side, microwave on the other side and open bookshelves for their cookbook library. The open shelving also connects visually with the upper-cabinet open shelves that flank the cooktop.”
Other special features. Gray-blue upper cabinets and storage wall cabinets (Harlequin Blue by Benjamin Moore). Blue-purple lower cabinets (Stratford Blue by Benjamin Moore). Calacatta Caldia marble perimeter countertops. Stacked matte white backsplash tile. Maple veneer island base and open shelves.
Designer tip. “We love the proportion of the 2-by-9-inch tile in a kitchen backsplash,” Eisenmann. “Also, the periwinkle color needed something to contrast with it, and in this case the maple upper cabinets were essential to help elevate the cabinet color.”
Before and After: 4 White Kitchens With Contrasting Islands
Architect: Stacy Eisenmann of Eisenmann Architecture
Location: Albany, California
Size: 146 square feet (14 square meters); 11½ by 12¾ feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted a kitchen island, and the original kitchen footprint was too small, so we moderately enlarged it by creating a bay window niche to accommodate the sink cabinets,” architect Stacy Eisenmann says. “Also, the client’s favorite color is periwinkle, and that became an important element in the finish design.”
Special island feature. Maple butcher block top. “The island butcher block was constructed with the ability to chop on, providing a more integrated workstation that can be accessed from all sides of the kitchen,” Eisenmann says. “The island has storage to meet homeowner-specific needs — drawers on one side, microwave on the other side and open bookshelves for their cookbook library. The open shelving also connects visually with the upper-cabinet open shelves that flank the cooktop.”
Other special features. Gray-blue upper cabinets and storage wall cabinets (Harlequin Blue by Benjamin Moore). Blue-purple lower cabinets (Stratford Blue by Benjamin Moore). Calacatta Caldia marble perimeter countertops. Stacked matte white backsplash tile. Maple veneer island base and open shelves.
Designer tip. “We love the proportion of the 2-by-9-inch tile in a kitchen backsplash,” Eisenmann. “Also, the periwinkle color needed something to contrast with it, and in this case the maple upper cabinets were essential to help elevate the cabinet color.”
Before and After: 4 White Kitchens With Contrasting Islands
8. Movable Bar-Height Workstation
Designer: Amy Miller Weinstein of AMW Design Studio
Location: Birmingham, Michigan
Homeowners’ request. “The old kitchen lacked counter space and storage for larger equipment,” designer Amy Miller Weinstein says. “There was a very large walk-in closet that backed up to the original kitchen, so I presented the idea of using that space to be a prep kitchen. We placed the ovens and refrigerator in that space, as well as their large coffee maker, Cuisinart, Vitamix and microwave. This additional space solved their problems and keeps all the unsightly necessities of an active kitchen out of sight.”
Special island feature. Movable bar-height working countertop. “Because she has chronic back issues, the homeowner prefers working on her laptop at a 42-inch-height counter,” Weinstein says. “We added the furniture piece at the end of the island to accommodate her request. It can be moved and tucked away if they are entertaining, but for the everyday look, it’s harmonious with the overall design.”
Other special features. Custom mahogany cabinets. Honed quartzite countertops. Mosaic backsplash tile.
Designer tip. “The prep kitchen is the best new-old trick in kitchen design,” Weinstein says. “With open kitchens becoming the norm, people need a spot where all the functional activities happen. I recommend carving out a prep area to anyone planning a new kitchen space.”
Custom cabinets: Perspectives Cabinetry; stools: Le Spighe, Poltrona Frau
Designer: Amy Miller Weinstein of AMW Design Studio
Location: Birmingham, Michigan
Homeowners’ request. “The old kitchen lacked counter space and storage for larger equipment,” designer Amy Miller Weinstein says. “There was a very large walk-in closet that backed up to the original kitchen, so I presented the idea of using that space to be a prep kitchen. We placed the ovens and refrigerator in that space, as well as their large coffee maker, Cuisinart, Vitamix and microwave. This additional space solved their problems and keeps all the unsightly necessities of an active kitchen out of sight.”
Special island feature. Movable bar-height working countertop. “Because she has chronic back issues, the homeowner prefers working on her laptop at a 42-inch-height counter,” Weinstein says. “We added the furniture piece at the end of the island to accommodate her request. It can be moved and tucked away if they are entertaining, but for the everyday look, it’s harmonious with the overall design.”
Other special features. Custom mahogany cabinets. Honed quartzite countertops. Mosaic backsplash tile.
Designer tip. “The prep kitchen is the best new-old trick in kitchen design,” Weinstein says. “With open kitchens becoming the norm, people need a spot where all the functional activities happen. I recommend carving out a prep area to anyone planning a new kitchen space.”
Custom cabinets: Perspectives Cabinetry; stools: Le Spighe, Poltrona Frau
9. Two-Sided Seating
Designer: TriVistaUSA Design + Build
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Size: 198 square feet (18 square meters)
Special island feature. Two-sided seating that allows the option for face-to-face conversation.
Other special features. Light gray upper cabinets (Evening Shadow by Sherwin-Williams). Blue-gray lower cabinets (Steely Gray by Sherwin-Williams). Bianco Dolomiti honed marble backsplash tile. Marble-look quartz countertops. Polished nickel pendant lights (Fletcher from Hinkley). Widespread bridge faucet.
Designer tip. Using a lighter cabinet color for upper cabinets can help add visual height to a room.
More on Houzz
See more kitchen island stories
Browse kitchen photos
Hire a kitchen remodeler
Shop for kitchen products
Designer: TriVistaUSA Design + Build
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Size: 198 square feet (18 square meters)
Special island feature. Two-sided seating that allows the option for face-to-face conversation.
Other special features. Light gray upper cabinets (Evening Shadow by Sherwin-Williams). Blue-gray lower cabinets (Steely Gray by Sherwin-Williams). Bianco Dolomiti honed marble backsplash tile. Marble-look quartz countertops. Polished nickel pendant lights (Fletcher from Hinkley). Widespread bridge faucet.
Designer tip. Using a lighter cabinet color for upper cabinets can help add visual height to a room.
More on Houzz
See more kitchen island stories
Browse kitchen photos
Hire a kitchen remodeler
Shop for kitchen products
Designer: Heather Markwood of Living Chic
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Size: 650 square feet (60 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners love to entertain, but their previous kitchen was small with a nonfunctional island,” says designer Heather Markwood, who used Houzz Pro Mood Boards to showcase material selections to the homeowners. “They craved space and a huge island to entertain guests.”
Special island feature. Lowered dining table extension. “The additional lower table offers flexibility to use for additional seating or a serving board for food when they are hosting a large gathering,” Markwood says.
Other special features. Marble-look quartz countertops and range backsplash (London Grey by Caesarstone). Marble tile in a herringbone pattern on the sink wall. The island is a soft blue-gray (Blue Lace by Benjamin Moore). The perimeter cabinets are white (Snowbound by Sherwin Williams).
Designer tip. “The key to the selection process is to put all the materials together to ensure all the tones and elements work together,” Markwood says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “We found out that the overhang on the island with the span was unstable,” Markwood says. “The homeowner wanted knee space, so we came up with a design solution for corbels to add the extra support needed.”
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