Kitchen Design
Pros’ Favorite Kitchen Island Features
Whether it’s extra-deep drawers or seating on two sides, home professionals share the island features they recommend
“Everyone wants an island in their kitchen — the bigger the better. It is the most requested kitchen must-have we receive,” says Chad Kahle, president of Kitchen Vision of the Carolinas in Denver, North Carolina. And islands are getting bigger than ever, according to the 2026 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. Of the 1,780 homeowners Houzz surveyed about their recent or planned kitchen renovation projects, more than half (52%) were opting for islands longer than 7 feet. That’s up 10 percentage points from 2024.
As kitchen islands increase in size, so do the possibilities for customization. So what should homeowners be including to make the most of this popular kitchen feature? We canvassed kitchen design professionals to find out.
As kitchen islands increase in size, so do the possibilities for customization. So what should homeowners be including to make the most of this popular kitchen feature? We canvassed kitchen design professionals to find out.
You can enhance functionality by designing seating to run along two sides of the island rather than having a traditional straight run across the back, says Denise Hauser, kitchen and bathroom designer and principal at Denise Hauser Design in Oak Park, Illinois. “This arrangement can easily replace a dining or breakfast table, which is something we’re seeing a lot more of these days. A setup like this also feels more intimate [than a single, straight run of seating] and helps foster conversation.
“Another benefit is that it allows you to include storage on the front of the island for items like serving ware, which can ease congestion in the working part of the kitchen when you’re entertaining,” Hauser says.
“Another benefit is that it allows you to include storage on the front of the island for items like serving ware, which can ease congestion in the working part of the kitchen when you’re entertaining,” Hauser says.
2. Deep Drawers
For a kitchen that functions smoothly and keeps everything within easy reach, it’s important to include generous drawers in the island, several of the experts told us.
“Deep drawers allow you to store pots and pans, large bowls and other items in a way that is far more accessible than a wall or base cabinet,” says Arthur Zobel, owner of Zobel & Co. Kitchens in Glens Falls, New York.
Adding drawer dividers, be it in the form of two-tiered cutlery trays, dish separators or customized inserts for bulky items, can further optimize space in deep drawers, says Julie Holzman, principal interior designer at Holzman Interiors in Stamford, Connecticut.
15 Kitchen Storage Ideas From Best of Houzz 2026 Award Winners
For a kitchen that functions smoothly and keeps everything within easy reach, it’s important to include generous drawers in the island, several of the experts told us.
“Deep drawers allow you to store pots and pans, large bowls and other items in a way that is far more accessible than a wall or base cabinet,” says Arthur Zobel, owner of Zobel & Co. Kitchens in Glens Falls, New York.
Adding drawer dividers, be it in the form of two-tiered cutlery trays, dish separators or customized inserts for bulky items, can further optimize space in deep drawers, says Julie Holzman, principal interior designer at Holzman Interiors in Stamford, Connecticut.
15 Kitchen Storage Ideas From Best of Houzz 2026 Award Winners
3. Microwave Drawer
“Nearly all the islands we design feature a microwave drawer,” Zobel says. “In most kitchen designs, getting the microwave off the counter and into the island is a major [spatial] improvement, as it separates if from the traffic of other appliances, like the stove, dishwasher and refrigerator.”
“Nearly all the islands we design feature a microwave drawer,” Zobel says. “In most kitchen designs, getting the microwave off the counter and into the island is a major [spatial] improvement, as it separates if from the traffic of other appliances, like the stove, dishwasher and refrigerator.”
4. Beverage Station
An undercounter beverage center or a two-drawer refrigerator for cold drinks is a boon for homeowners who love to entertain, Holzman says. Position the refrigerator on the outside of the island so guests can help themselves without getting in the way of the chef.
Worry you might not be able to fit one in among the seating and custom storage you’ve specified for your island? You’ll find wine fridges as narrow as 6 inches wide and dual-zone chillers just 15 inches wide that are specially designed for small kitchens.
10 Kitchen Remodeling Trends to Know for 2026
An undercounter beverage center or a two-drawer refrigerator for cold drinks is a boon for homeowners who love to entertain, Holzman says. Position the refrigerator on the outside of the island so guests can help themselves without getting in the way of the chef.
Worry you might not be able to fit one in among the seating and custom storage you’ve specified for your island? You’ll find wine fridges as narrow as 6 inches wide and dual-zone chillers just 15 inches wide that are specially designed for small kitchens.
10 Kitchen Remodeling Trends to Know for 2026
5. Trash and Recycling Station
Streamline your workflow by including a trash and recycling cabinet in the island, says designer Kristina Garcia Stack, owner of Denver Design Group in Littleton, Colorado. “The island is a space where homeowners usually do a lot of prep work. Having trash and recycling nearby makes it easy to clean as they work.”
25 Home Design Trends Defining How We’ll Live in 2026
Streamline your workflow by including a trash and recycling cabinet in the island, says designer Kristina Garcia Stack, owner of Denver Design Group in Littleton, Colorado. “The island is a space where homeowners usually do a lot of prep work. Having trash and recycling nearby makes it easy to clean as they work.”
25 Home Design Trends Defining How We’ll Live in 2026
6. Smart Lift
Bulky appliances like mixers and food processors can be cumbersome and awkward to store and access. As a result, homeowners often leave them out on the kitchen counter, which leads to cluttered work surfaces.
Creating dedicated storage space in the island for appliances, with a lift-up mechanism that raises them to counter height, is a solution Zobel regularly recommends. “This interior cabinet feature gets rave reviews from home cooks,” he says. “Appliances like mixers and food processors can be rather heavy, so they are used less frequently and are often stored in inconvenient areas. Having a mixer lifter inside an island cabinet is a game changer, making the appliance easily accessible.
“I make use of the space at the bottom of the cabinet by adding a drawer to house the accessories and blades that come with the appliance,” Zobel says.
Bulky appliances like mixers and food processors can be cumbersome and awkward to store and access. As a result, homeowners often leave them out on the kitchen counter, which leads to cluttered work surfaces.
Creating dedicated storage space in the island for appliances, with a lift-up mechanism that raises them to counter height, is a solution Zobel regularly recommends. “This interior cabinet feature gets rave reviews from home cooks,” he says. “Appliances like mixers and food processors can be rather heavy, so they are used less frequently and are often stored in inconvenient areas. Having a mixer lifter inside an island cabinet is a game changer, making the appliance easily accessible.
“I make use of the space at the bottom of the cabinet by adding a drawer to house the accessories and blades that come with the appliance,” Zobel says.
7. Specialized Storage
Customizing island storage to your specific needs with features like deep pot drawers, specialized spice and appliance drawers and vertical slots for baking sheets and cutting boards can add to the cost of a kitchen. But for homeowners who prioritize efficiency or who have a small kitchen where every inch counts, it can be an investment worth making, Kahle says.
Customizing island storage to your specific needs with features like deep pot drawers, specialized spice and appliance drawers and vertical slots for baking sheets and cutting boards can add to the cost of a kitchen. But for homeowners who prioritize efficiency or who have a small kitchen where every inch counts, it can be an investment worth making, Kahle says.
“Our clients are looking for function and easy access to what they need,” he says. “Efficiency in today’s hectic world is what they are after. We tailor [island] storage to each client’s needs. Do they need bulk storage? Or more dedicated storage for smaller items? Or groupings of materials for more specific cooking tasks? The result is a highly functional island that looks great.”
Kahle uses the Estimates tool on Houzz Pro to quickly generate and share projected costs for features such as custom storage with clients. “We use Houzz Pro software to put our estimates together and send them to our clients,” Kahle says.
David Telem, founder of Dave’s Remodeling in Los Angeles, says: “A large island with concealed storage makes the most of kitchen space, keeping the area clutter-free while providing ample room for cooking and entertaining. Incorporating features such as hidden shelves and discreet storage means the island can serve multiple functions, such as dining area, prep space and storage hub, making it a true heart of the kitchen.”
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
David Telem, founder of Dave’s Remodeling in Los Angeles, says: “A large island with concealed storage makes the most of kitchen space, keeping the area clutter-free while providing ample room for cooking and entertaining. Incorporating features such as hidden shelves and discreet storage means the island can serve multiple functions, such as dining area, prep space and storage hub, making it a true heart of the kitchen.”
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
8. Second Sink
“I always encourage clients to add a second sink to the island so it becomes another prep area,” Velma says. “If the family has two cooks in the house or young kids that like to be involved, this gives everyone more space to spread out comfortably.”
Garcia Stack is also a fan of the two-sink setup. “Having a prep sink [in the island] makes it convenient to wash vegetables and prepare food, or you can fill it with ice to keep drinks cool when you’re entertaining,” she says. “It also creates a second prep space when there’s more than one cook in the kitchen.”
Be aware, however, that adding a second water outlet or a feature such as a built-in microwave (which Velma also rates highly) to the island might not always be straightforward — and can significantly add to the budget. “Plumbing lines need to be run and additional electrical needs to be added,” Velma says. “In spaces like condo buildings, these can be close to impossible.”
4 Ways to Create Healthy Habits at Home
“I always encourage clients to add a second sink to the island so it becomes another prep area,” Velma says. “If the family has two cooks in the house or young kids that like to be involved, this gives everyone more space to spread out comfortably.”
Garcia Stack is also a fan of the two-sink setup. “Having a prep sink [in the island] makes it convenient to wash vegetables and prepare food, or you can fill it with ice to keep drinks cool when you’re entertaining,” she says. “It also creates a second prep space when there’s more than one cook in the kitchen.”
Be aware, however, that adding a second water outlet or a feature such as a built-in microwave (which Velma also rates highly) to the island might not always be straightforward — and can significantly add to the budget. “Plumbing lines need to be run and additional electrical needs to be added,” Velma says. “In spaces like condo buildings, these can be close to impossible.”
4 Ways to Create Healthy Habits at Home
9. Independent Island Lighting
“A pendant light is one of the jewels of the kitchen — a chance to create a wow factor above the island,” says Lisa Violetto, co-principal and interior designer at design-build firm Lisa Violetto in San Francisco.
For maximum flexibility and visual impact, she typically installs an LED pendant on a separate dimmer switch from the recessed ceiling lights. This allows the homeowner to easily transition from bright, focused lighting for food prep to a softer, moodier vibe for entertaining.
“A pendant light is one of the jewels of the kitchen — a chance to create a wow factor above the island,” says Lisa Violetto, co-principal and interior designer at design-build firm Lisa Violetto in San Francisco.
For maximum flexibility and visual impact, she typically installs an LED pendant on a separate dimmer switch from the recessed ceiling lights. This allows the homeowner to easily transition from bright, focused lighting for food prep to a softer, moodier vibe for entertaining.
10. Contrasting Material
To define the dining portion of a kitchen island and give it “a restaurant dining vibe,” Hauser typically adds a slender section of wood above the stone countertop. This Chicago kitchen, where she applied a fine layer of walnut to the dining section of the porcelain countertop, is a great example.
Hauser uses Houzz Pro Mood Boards to easily convey creative visions like these to clients and streamline the material selection process. “It has helped my process tremendously, allowing my clients to easily visualize the composition,” she says. Pros also can use Houzz Pro software to share photos, files, proposals and more with customers.
Which Pro Should You Hire for Your Project?
To define the dining portion of a kitchen island and give it “a restaurant dining vibe,” Hauser typically adds a slender section of wood above the stone countertop. This Chicago kitchen, where she applied a fine layer of walnut to the dining section of the porcelain countertop, is a great example.
Hauser uses Houzz Pro Mood Boards to easily convey creative visions like these to clients and streamline the material selection process. “It has helped my process tremendously, allowing my clients to easily visualize the composition,” she says. Pros also can use Houzz Pro software to share photos, files, proposals and more with customers.
Which Pro Should You Hire for Your Project?
11. Double Islands
If space allows, opting for two islands instead of one can make a kitchen far more flexible and functional, says Julie Cavanaugh, founder and principal designer at Design Matters, which operates across five studio showrooms in Northern California; Jackson, Wyoming; and Park City, Utah.
“The owner of this large kitchen in Saratoga, California, has a true love of cooking and entertaining,” she says. “Having two islands instead of one large island not only fit the design of the space but allowed the owner to designate one for meal preparation and cleanup and the other for serving and guest seating. As the chef of the house, they can float between the islands and the perimeter with the ease of a kitchen fairy.”
With multiple studios and clients to manage, Cavanaugh relies on Houzz to keep things running smoothly. “We use Houzz for every project, from inception, lead generation and onboarding through to using the Houzz Pro portal to access client accounts and room boards and to manage projects.”
If space allows, opting for two islands instead of one can make a kitchen far more flexible and functional, says Julie Cavanaugh, founder and principal designer at Design Matters, which operates across five studio showrooms in Northern California; Jackson, Wyoming; and Park City, Utah.
“The owner of this large kitchen in Saratoga, California, has a true love of cooking and entertaining,” she says. “Having two islands instead of one large island not only fit the design of the space but allowed the owner to designate one for meal preparation and cleanup and the other for serving and guest seating. As the chef of the house, they can float between the islands and the perimeter with the ease of a kitchen fairy.”
With multiple studios and clients to manage, Cavanaugh relies on Houzz to keep things running smoothly. “We use Houzz for every project, from inception, lead generation and onboarding through to using the Houzz Pro portal to access client accounts and room boards and to manage projects.”
12. Look-at-Me Feature
“Since the island is typically the focal point of the kitchen, it is great to do an unusual detail that sets it apart and gives the island a point of interest and high design,” Hauser says. This could be a bold paint color for the base, a richly veined stone countertop, a curved end or an attractive display area — something that instantly catches the eye, ensuring the island is the undisputed star of the show.
10 Kitchen Projects That Deliver Big Results
“Since the island is typically the focal point of the kitchen, it is great to do an unusual detail that sets it apart and gives the island a point of interest and high design,” Hauser says. This could be a bold paint color for the base, a richly veined stone countertop, a curved end or an attractive display area — something that instantly catches the eye, ensuring the island is the undisputed star of the show.
10 Kitchen Projects That Deliver Big Results
13. Wheels for Tight Spaces
If you have your heart set on a kitchen island but you simply don’t have the room, opt for a space-savvy design on wheels, Velma suggests. “We get a lot of requests for kitchen islands, even in tight spaces, which we always try to accommodate,” she says. “If the space allows for a narrow island, I suggest a movable design on casters that can be rolled out of the way when not in use. This way, there’s flexibility in the kitchen and countertop-prep space when needed.”
If you have your heart set on a kitchen island but you simply don’t have the room, opt for a space-savvy design on wheels, Velma suggests. “We get a lot of requests for kitchen islands, even in tight spaces, which we always try to accommodate,” she says. “If the space allows for a narrow island, I suggest a movable design on casters that can be rolled out of the way when not in use. This way, there’s flexibility in the kitchen and countertop-prep space when needed.”
14. Countertop Area Tailored to Needs
Several of the kitchen pros we spoke with weighed in on the age-old island debate: Keep it just a countertop, add an integrated sink or cooktop, or include both features?
“This is truly a client decision and depends on how they cook,” Zobel says. “We always present the pros and cons of adding a sink or cooktop. The good reasons are: Perhaps they like to be facing their seated guests while they cook or clean up, or maybe they want to maximize the workspaces on the perimeter of the kitchen, so the island needs to take on one of those features.
“We discuss that a sink or cooktop does add more opportunity for clutter and mess and requires more cleaning. Cooktops also require ventilation, either with a hood over the island or a downdraft vent, which adds complexity [to the design],” Zobel says.
Know the 3 Zones of Kitchen Storage
Several of the kitchen pros we spoke with weighed in on the age-old island debate: Keep it just a countertop, add an integrated sink or cooktop, or include both features?
“This is truly a client decision and depends on how they cook,” Zobel says. “We always present the pros and cons of adding a sink or cooktop. The good reasons are: Perhaps they like to be facing their seated guests while they cook or clean up, or maybe they want to maximize the workspaces on the perimeter of the kitchen, so the island needs to take on one of those features.
“We discuss that a sink or cooktop does add more opportunity for clutter and mess and requires more cleaning. Cooktops also require ventilation, either with a hood over the island or a downdraft vent, which adds complexity [to the design],” Zobel says.
Know the 3 Zones of Kitchen Storage
“The space we are working in dictates how the island surface ends up,” Kahle says. “I prefer to have one large surface if possible — it keeps the island clean and looking more substantial.
“My least favorite option is to have a cooking surface on the island,” he says. “The oil and food splatter is harder to contain and it’s more difficult to keep your gathering space clean.”
Check out our guide to get started on your home project
“My least favorite option is to have a cooking surface on the island,” he says. “The oil and food splatter is harder to contain and it’s more difficult to keep your gathering space clean.”
Check out our guide to get started on your home project
“I prefer to add a sink where space and logistics allow,” Velma says. “I believe it adds a further purpose to the island. If the island is all countertop, it naturally becomes a drop-off zone. When there’s a sink or cooktop, we subconsciously treat it as a prep area and the ‘stuff’ gets put elsewhere.
“Having a cooktop in the island can create a comfortable workflow, but it is sometimes impossible to do due to venting,” Velma says.
“It depends on what the kitchen needs,” Cavanaugh says. “While an uninterrupted countertop gives you large areas for service and seating, sometimes the size and scale of a kitchen require the water source or cooking element to be on the island. In either case, a great design can afford the homeowner optimized use and beautiful design opportunities.”
Tell us: What do you consider the must-have features for a kitchen island? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen design stories
Browse kitchen photos
Find a kitchen remodeler
“Having a cooktop in the island can create a comfortable workflow, but it is sometimes impossible to do due to venting,” Velma says.
“It depends on what the kitchen needs,” Cavanaugh says. “While an uninterrupted countertop gives you large areas for service and seating, sometimes the size and scale of a kitchen require the water source or cooking element to be on the island. In either case, a great design can afford the homeowner optimized use and beautiful design opportunities.”
Tell us: What do you consider the must-have features for a kitchen island? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen design stories
Browse kitchen photos
Find a kitchen remodeler
Sponsored
Sponsored
Fairfax County's Specialized, Comprehensive Renovations Firm
Seating is the No. 1 feature homeowners want their kitchen island to include these days, according to the pros we spoke to. “We get a lot of requests for seating at the island — specifically to have a place to eat quick meals or be able to help the kids with their homework while making dinner in today’s go-go-go world,” Kahle says.
“If space allows, I always recommend including seating — even for two — because when prepping and entertaining, guests naturally gravitate toward the kitchen and the island ends up being the seating area,” says Viktoriya Velma, founder and principal designer at Allure Interiors in Toronto. “I believe a kitchen is far more comfortable and inviting if seating is available.”
Find a kitchen designer on Houzz