100 Beautiful Kitchen Island Inspiration Ideas

Explore pictures of gorgeous kitchen islands for layout ideas and design inspiration ranging from traditional to unique.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links.

By: Morgan Faulkner

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Chipper Hatter

Photo By: Bethany Nauert

Photo By: Dustin Halleck

Photo By: KC Interior Design

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Amy Bartlam

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Jennifer Boomer/Verbatim Photo A

Photo By: Jennifer Boomer/Verbatim Photo Agnecy

Photo By: Regan Wood Photography

Photo By: Mark Adam

Photo By: Robert Peterson; Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Life Created

Photo By: Regan Baker Design Inc.

Photo By: Marisa Vitale

Photo By: Werner Straube Photo

Photo By: Lauren Pressey

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Marcel Alain Photography

Photo By: David Tsay

Photo By: Caitlin Murray

Photo By: Jeff Herr

Photo By: Caitlin Murray

Photo By: Art Gray Photography

Photo By: Anissa Zajac/House Seven Designs

Photo By: Anna-Marie Claassen

Photo By: John Moery

Photo By: Jenn Feldman Designs

Photo By: Julie Soefer Photography

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo By: Jared Kuzia Photography

Photo By: Tessa Neustadt

Photo By: Jennifer Boomer/Verbatim Photo Agency

Photo By: Jeff Herr Photography

Photo By: J. Turnbow Photography

Photo By: Joshua Curry; Design by Tongue and Groove Design + Build

Photo By: Sarah Wittenbraker

Photo By: Misha Hettie

Photo By: Nickolas Sargent

Photo By: Jason Miller, Pixelate LTD

Photo By: Brian Cole Photography

Photo By: Kim Cornelison Photography

Photo By: Lane Dittoe

Photo By: KuDa Photography

Photo By: Jessica Klewicki Glynn

Photo By: Michael J. Lee

Photo By: Jane Beiles

Photo By: Kyle J. Caldwell Photography

Photo By: Jennifer Boomer/Getty Images

Photo By: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Marisa Vitale

Photo By: Colleen Scott

Photo By: D2 Interieurs

Photo By: Jenn Feldman Designs

Photo By: Marisa Vitale Photography

Photo By: Dorsey Alston Realtors, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Amy Bartlam

Photo By: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Lee Manning Photography

Photo By: Illustrated Properties - a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Ryan Garvin

Photo By: Stacie St. Jarre

Photo By: Collete Wright, the lipstick lens

Photo By: Melissa Kaseman Photography

Photo By: Mike Schwartz

Photo By: Lindsay Salazar

Photo By: Ryan Gravin

Photo By: Grace Laird

Photo By: Eron Rauch

Photo By: Troy Thies Photography

Photo By: Emily Minton Redfield

Photo By: Chas Everitt International Property Group, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Christopher Shane

Photo By: Justin Levesque

Photo By: Ashley Grabham

Photo By: Christian Garibaldi, Garibaldi Imagineering LLC

Photo By: Nathan Schroder

Photo By: John Daugherty, Realtors, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Anice Hoachlander

Photo By: Jeff Herr Photography

Photo By: Illustrated Properties, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: EWM Realty International, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Drury Design Kitchen and Bath Studio

Photo By: Andrew Pogue Photography

Photo By: Kimberly Gavin

Photo By: Ashley Gilbreath

Photo By: Grace Blu Designs

Photo By: Chipper Hatter

Photo By: Amy Bartlam

Photo By: Dale Sorensen Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Gibeon Photography

Photo By: Perry & Co., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Hilton & Hyland, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Choeff Levy Fischman

Clean + Fresh

This modern kitchen features plenty of light and clean lines. The clean white cabinetry offers brightness that is reflected in the marble-top, navy island while white and brass bar stools provide seating that is both stylish and functional.

From: Corine Maggio

Instant Luxe

To offset the weight of the cantilevered countertop that extends from the island's base, brass poles were added to the outer corners of this stunning piece. The poles coordinate with the brass fixtures in the rest of the kitchen, creating a continuous design throughout the space.

From: Bryan Wark Designs, Inc.

Oh So Chic

This Victorian home features a fully updated kitchen sprinkled with both modern and classic touches. The large island, painted a periwinkle blue, anchors the mostly white room while also serving as a focal point.

From: 2to5 Design

Rich With Warmth

A rich wooden island serves as the main prep area in this chic space that is brimming with sleek design. Four modern-rustic barstools complement the island while providing the perfect spot to enjoy a quick meal.

Modern Farmhouse

Warmth was added to this home's bright-white kitchen through gold and black accents and wooden details on the island, really bringing the rustic farmhouse feel to life in the space.

From: Blissful Design Studio

Grounded With Blue

The color blue is commonly known to symbolize many feelings associated with peace, relaxation and calmness, making it the perfect shade for a high-traffic room such as the kitchen. A rich hue of indigo coats the island and lower cabinets in this dreamy, magazine-worthy kitchen.

From: Jenn Feldman Designs

Have a Seat

To give the homeowners an additional dining option, designers added four barstools to the kitchen island. This space can function as a breakfast bar for the family or as overflow seating from the breakfast nook when they entertain friends and family.

From: Lexi Grace Design

A Stylish Upgrade

The house may have been built in the early 20th century, but the kitchen has all modern-day amenities. Chef's grade appliances guarantee gourmet meals and a blue-and-white palette with warm accents, such as the brass knobs, keeps the mood crisp and stylish.

Neutral Beauty

As seen on HGTV's Fixer Upper, a white oak island is topped with a stunning quartz countertop to tie in the neutral color palette seen throughout the rest of this modern-farmhouse kitchen.

Fun With Color

Pattern and texture are key in this urban contemporary kitchen. The bold peony and vine backsplash makes a dramatic statement and is offset by sleek wood cabinets. The vibrant pink island is color matched to the BlueStar stove while contemporary pendant lights illuminate the space.

From: Elizabeth Bomberger

The Ultimate Trio

The three key materials for an industrial interior vibe are brick, wood and metal. This industrial kitchen mixes all three while also creating a dramatic effect by adding a sleek black counter to the island and exposed ductwork for extra impact.

From: Luciana Corwin

Hues of Blues

Navy modern bistro stools with solid elm wood seats at the island allow family or guests to enjoy a drink or snack while visiting with the host or hostess at the cooktop.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Extra Storage

This fresh and contemporary kitchen was constructed by the builder with a growing family in mind. The all-white island features extra storage shelves to hold necessities as well as decorative items.

From: Kirsten Holmstedt

Striking Transitional

Striking blue-gray cabinetry and kitchen island steal the show in this transitional space. The island features a trendy brass faucet as well as a marble countertop that pairs seamlessly with the clean white walls.

From: Regan Baker

Waterfall Edge

In this open-concept kitchen, all focus is on the marble — and for good reason. Striking black-and-white, or panda white, marble adorns the kitchen's large island with a waterfall edge that pairs perfectly with the vivid-glam furnishings.

From: Natalie Myers

Warm Meets Cool

The beautiful wood grain featured in this kitchen's island is a welcome counterpoint to the room's grays and white, adding warmth and texture to the look.

From: Morgante Wilson Architects

Contrasting Colors

Natural wood tones mix with black-and-white accents in this sleek, modern kitchen. Guests can enjoy a meal from the expansive, dark-toned kitchen island on wooden stools, and enjoy the view from double windows flanking a stainless steel gas range.

From: Kate Lester Interiors

Unexpected Accents

The island lighting, designed by Angela Blehm, is a magnificent display of creativity. Angela upgraded three simple spheres by designing a custom cage constructed from white oak. The natural texture of the wooden cage along with the matching cabinet pulls adds just enough warmth to make the family's gathering spot feel approachable and inviting.

Old is New Again

Design diva Sarah Richardson gave this kitchen a trendy industrial edge with an island clad in reclaimed barn boards installed in a herringbone pattern. Topped with pricey Calacatta marble and fitted with a sink, the island serves as both a handy prep space and a convenient spot to enjoy a snack.

From: HGTV Magazine

Open Spaces

Calling all farmhouse lovers! This vast island is topped with a warm, butcher-block countertop and paired with a rich navy base to create an island fit for style.

From: Ariana Lovato

Statement Piece

With a crisp palette and a large marble-top island already in place, this kitchen space was perfect for Christina Anstead and her family. The island's large size allows for meal prepping and enjoying a sit-down meal at the same time.

See More Photos: Tour Christina Anstead's Cali-Cool Home In Newport Beach With HGTV Magazine

From: HGTV Magazine

Punk Rock Pink

Punk rock princesses will feel totally at home in this edgy black-and-pink kitchen. With its black countertops, gold hardware and pale pink island, the space is the perfect mix of bold and glamorous.

From: Caitlin Murray

Small Yet Mighty

The waterfall countertop on this sleek island ties in with the rest of the white kitchen design while wooden cabinets in front complement the open shelving behind.

From: Terracotta Design Build

Gold Meets Black

This stunning kitchen features gold cone-shaped pendant lights that illuminate the black marble kitchen island and matching gold commercial-style faucet. Sleek forest green cabinets add an eye-catching color accent behind the island.

From: Caitlin Murray

Modern Galley

A long, sleek island makes up most of this modern galley kitchen. The seating area and built-in cooktop make the statement piece a perfect area for entertaining.

From: Minarc

Mixed Materials

A marble countertop, wood paneling and metal stools combine harmoniously to create an envy-worthy island in the middle of this contemporary-chic kitchen.

Dine In

Why not dine in the heart of the kitchen? This spacious gray kitchen island makes for an intimate dining experience, complete with a wine fridge and all.

From: Anthology Interiors

Wow Factor

This crisp, white kitchen with modern elegance features four globed pendant lights that hang from the beautiful vaulted ceilings above the marble kitchen island. The space is ideal for busy families on the go.

From: Custom Design & Construction

No Space? No Problem.

Just because your kitchen space is small doesn't mean you can't incorporate an island. Here, a navy blue island adds additional workspace as well as a seating area to the otherwise small area.

From: Jenn Feldman Designs

Sleek + Sophisticated

The homeowners wanted a texture-rich space with a simple feel, so designers set out to achieve that goal by using cabinets that were a mix of wood and back-painted glass paired with black countertops. They carried those choices into the island to create a sleek, streamlined design for the heart of this sophisticated home.

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Perfect for Prep

This warm, red island is the perfect size for the kitchen, providing a designated space to prep for dinners.

Easy on the Eyes

Say hello to your new favorite color combo: slate blue and soft pink. The hues join harmoniously in this chic, contemporary kitchen island.

From: Kristina Crestin

Groovy Stools

The designers paid homage to ’70s-inspired design throughout this Los Angeles-based home including leather and brass barstools seated at the modern gray-and-white island.

From: Blackband Design

Wooden Wonderland

As seen on Fixer Upper, the newly-remodeled kitchen features a small wooden island that's ideal for two barstools to enjoy a quick meal at the bar.

Punch of Purple

Give an eye-catching twist to a neutral kitchen by accenting the space with gorgeous, rich color. Seen here, a showstopping, eggplant-purple hue makes up the bottom of the island while a white countertop and gold pulls add bright contrast.

From: Terracotta Design Build

Display Space

The beautiful design of this large kitchen island includes storage and display space in the form of well-lit open shelves and an L-shaped eating bar.

From: Urbanology Designs

Say Yes to Color

Designed by Bridgett Mazer, this contemporary kitchen's color palette was inspired by the array of colors you would see in the water and the sky, such as the cobalt blue and tangerine seen in the island.

From: Tongue & Groove

Chic Contrast

Because the rest of her home is full of pattern, owner and designer Sarah Wittenbraker kept the kitchen clean, white and fairly minimalistic. Black countertops and a navy blue island create just the right amount of contrast, though.

From: Sarah Wittenbraker

Full of Glam

Talk about a wow factor! An 11’ island, the focal point of the space, provides ample seating for friends and family. Two chic gilded chandeliers illuminate the Statuario quartzite countertop, chosen for its soft veining and durability.

From: Bradshaw Designs

Warm Tones

After renovations, this kitchen is a warm, welcoming hub filled with natural materials and touches of gold, complemented by beautiful olive-colored cabinets — reflective of designer Christopher Peacock’s mother’s taste. The heavy-duty island in the center of the space serves multiple purposes such as dining, prepping and even storage underneath.

Sophisticated Quartzite

On the larger of this kitchen's two islands, white quartz countertops by Hanstone make a frame for a Palomino Quartzite interior. The stone's swirls add a sense of movement to the room.

From: House of L

Mediterranean Inspired

This kitchen is open and bright, with dark wood details providing a just-right amount of gravitas. A sparkling chandelier above the large island echoes the curves of the room's many arches.

From: Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes

Shades of Green

Green is aplenty in this white country kitchen that features white Shaker-style cabinets, shiplap walls and a bold kelly green eat-in island surrounded by comfy, patterned chairs.

From: Lori Paranjape

Pop of Color

Talk about a statement piece! The massive brown kitchen island gets a friendly dose of color thanks to five pink barstools and chic gold hardware.

From: Anthology Interiors

Polished Eat-In Island

Leather bar chairs blend beautifully with the wood finishes used as accents in this kitchen design. Four heavy black pendant lights form a square above the polished island countertop while natural-wood exposed beams give a country influence to the contemporary style.

From: Jordan Iverson

Rustic Friendliness

A butcher block countertop on the island and exposed beams give rustic friendliness to this open-concept kitchen. A stainless steel range hood and dark blue cabinetry add a refined feel to the center of the space.

From: Alison Jennison

Fresh + Sophisticated

Natural materials, textures, color and art come together flawlessly in this family-friendly kitchen. With a bar and a large island at the center of the kitchen, there is no shortage of space for a snack or cooking prep.

From: Ana Donohue

Double the Fun

In this long, contemporary kitchen, dual islands feature matching waterfall countertops. With white finishes and natural woods dominating the space, the bold blue accent color on chairs and inside the pendant lights stands out.

From: D2 Interieurs

Grab a Seat

This marble-topped island was designed to allow family and friends to gather around without losing comfort. The warm tones in the barstools and island base create a cozy atmosphere within the bustling space.

From: Javier Fernandez

Modern Materials

As seen on Fixer Upper, distinctive features in the new kitchen include a large island with waterfall concrete countertops, suspended industrial shelving above and cozy seating for five.

From: Chip Gaines

Center of Attention

Designer Brian Patrick Flynn says this kitchen’s almost 10-foot-long center island was designed to be a spot for food prep and working, with bookshelves incorporated in front of the island that offer a chance to add your own personality. This look at the backside of the island shows the easy-access drawers that provide ample storage space for various kitchen essentials.

See More Photos: Kitchen Pictures From HGTV Urban Oasis 2019

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Kid Friendly

The vaulted ceiling expands the overall size of this all-white kitchen, which is designed to be a family-friendly heart of the home. A huge navy island accommodates the kids' baseball team and hides scuff marks, as well as adds color to the space. The barstools were chosen because they're easy to wipe clean — an essential in a home with kids.

From: Ashley Ausland

Modern Meets Classic

Modern elements mix with classic design in this large island kitchen. White and gray-toned cabinets and geometric patterned tiles create a dazzling focal point with the marble-topped kitchen island in blue.

From: Veronica Solomon

Wooden Wonderland

This modern kitchen features lots of wooden accents, from the spacious cabinets to the kitchen island and hardwood flooring. Guests can enjoy a meal from the large kitchen island with seating for four.

From: D2 Interieurs

Wine Refrigerator

A wine refrigerator tucks into the end of the kitchen island in the minimalist kitchen. It's a efficient use of space that maintains the room's clean, open lines.

From: Jenn Feldman Designs

Adds Color and Functionality

The island in the center of the kitchen adds counter space, functionality and a casual dining option, and with its light gray finish, it even adds a pop of color to the space.

From: Lindye Galloway

Eat-In Option

Chic birdcage pendant lights hang over an expansive, marble-topped island, creating a cozy place to gather in this bright, sunny kitchen. Six chairs wrap around the island, allowing an eat-in option for its occupants.

From: Dorsey Alston Realtors and Luxury Portfolio International®

Marble Monolithic Island

The key feature of this Santa Monica kitchen is a stunning marble monolithic island that acts as a modern sculptural piece. Neutral square tiles ground the room, while sleek wooden cabinets are topped with clean white countertops.

From: Natalie Myers

Casual Design

Matching leather bar stools at the custom pine-needle green island are the perfect spot for a quick morning coffee or entertaining guests before dinner. A trio of pendant lamps in matte black add soft white light to the space and incorporate soft task lighting for the island.

See More Photos: Kitchen Pictures From HGTV Urban Oasis 2018

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Authentic Butcher Block

The hunk of butcher block, discovered in a Michigan antique store, was integrated into the design of the oversized kitchen island. It pairs beautifully with the blue island and cabinets.

From: Jeff Troyer Associates

Topped With Marble

No expense was spared in the details of this lavish home including the marble-topped, wooden island. Three chic pendant lights hang above while industrial-modern stools create a tucked-away seating space.

From: Illustrated Properties

Black, White and Gold

Black and gold combine to create a sleek profile in this streamlined, modern kitchen. A mix of dark and light cabinetry is unified by dark countertops and an eye-catching backsplash that brings the mix of hues together. Three clean-lined pendants light the island, while a trio of modern upholstered barstools provide seating that allows guests to interact with the cook.

From: Erica Bryen Design

Pretty + Practical

To add to this kitchen's practical features, the island was extended to provide more storage and was given a pull-out wastebasket. Part of this kitchen's visual interest comes from its layering of different woods: a dark wood floor and an island finished with oak.

From: Sonja Capasso

Slim Design

To pack in as much storage space as possible, designers slimmed down the width of this vintage-meets-modern island. The slimmer island means there's still plenty of room to move around in the small kitchen with the bonus of more countertop space.

From: Susannah Watts

A Splash of Blue

A brass chandelier provides a focal point over the cleverly-imagined island. The island itself is a place for prep work or even homework; bar stools tuck tidily beneath the countertop on two sides.

From: Harmony Weihs

Modern Aesthetic

A soft gray and white color palette sets the tone for this open, contemporary kitchen. A sleek, soft gray island base pair with chic marble countertops and a unique lighting fixture above complement the modern aesthetic throughout.

From: Elizabeth Krueger Design

Oversized Beauty

The oversized island in this soft and neutral kitchen houses much-needed storage, range, extra sink and tons of prep space.

From: House of Jade Interiors

Fun Barstools

Sculptural barstools are highlighted by the kitchen island's black base, making this space a perfect hang out spot for friends and family.

From: sKout

Modern Vintage

A Texas house is converted into a modern, French country home with neutral backsplashes, wood-detailed island and vintage accents. Cozy barstools, sleek countertops and traditionally-inspired interiors create a light and airy home that appeals to all the senses.

From: Ashley Moore

Blue-tiful Island

This kitchen area opens easily to the rest of the house with an island (in fun blue and white) as a subtle boundary between spaces. Lots of natural light and a simple, airy approach make the room an appealing one to hang out in.

From: Caitlin Murray

Casual Dining Space

Extending the lip of the large island created a casual dining space in this kitchen. Airy metal-and-lucite barstools tuck easily underneath while providing an additional glam factor.

From: Andrea Swan

Entertaining Made Easy

The large kitchen has two islands and wide paths around them, making it easy for the family to cook and entertain for big groups.

From: Duet Design Group

Chef Quality

This large kitchen feels simple in style, with white countertops, clean-lined cabinets and bare walls. But the amenities are chef-quality and the long island makes sure there's plenty of prep space to go around.

From: Chas Everitt International Property Group

Brimming With Style

The open kitchen in the DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2017 home has an industrial style that highlights natural materials, including wood ceiling beams that pull the eye up and a custom center island that encourages good traffic flow.

19th Century Farmhouse

Reclaimed beams and classic architectural details resonate with the early 19th century time period in which this farmhouse was built. Soft gray cabinets pair with creamy white countertops in this open kitchen, where a large island takes center stage and provides a spot for dining.

From: Landing Design

Double the Space

When possible, Jasmine of Hidden Potential always adds an island to the kitchen. Not only does this custom centerpiece make the kitchen look bigger and double the counter space, but it gives friends and family a special place to gather.

Seating for Six

A large kitchen island adds plenty of prep space to the galley kitchen, while barstools add a casual dining option for the family.

From: G Design LLC

Handsome Hues

This handsome kitchen looks fit for a king with its regal black-and-gold island, barstools and range hood. Pale gray cabinetry acts as a foil to those bolder elements.

From: Karen B Wolf Interiors

Marble + Metallic

A long marble island stretches across this airy kitchen design. Clear-back chairs, metallic pendant lights and a marble backsplash complement the light, shining style of the space.

From: SHM ARCHITECTS

Full of Warmth

Gather round and watch the chef whip up many masterpieces in this gourmet kitchen. There's room for four at the island and plenty of standing room around the rich wooden countertop.

From: John Daugherty, Realtors

The Power of Paint

This kitchen space got a midcentury modern renovation, complete with a blue island and stools that are reminiscent of the '50s.

From: Wiedemann Architects

Entertainer's Dream

This kitchen is an entertainer's dream, with stainless appliances, a large island, four stools and a bright white breakfast nook. While the owners prep dinner, their guests can enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres in the same room.

From: Terracotta Design Build

Oh So Glam

Gleaming and glamorous, this open-plan kitchen aims to please. The large island accommodates four for casual meals, while Carrara marble floors shine below.

From: Illustrated Properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

Oozes With Luxury

Etched marble walls and countertops ornament this dream kitchen. Bronze pendant lights over the sink and island complement the stools, decor and fixtures.

From: EWM Realty International and Luxury Portfolio International®

Two Tiered Island

This elegant, transitional kitchen in warm gray and wooden tones features a long, two-tiered kitchen island designed for five guests with plenty of counter space. A large pendant chandelier hangs above the island while modern tile flooring makes a stylish underfoot.

From: Drury Design

Half It

This modern kitchen provides plenty of space for food prep as well as food consumption. Countertops line two sides of the kitchen, and a large kitchen island provides even more space for preparation. Once preparation is finished and the meal has been prepared, the large kitchen island seats seven-perfect for a night of casual dining.

From: Cornerstone Architects

Seamlessly Blended

Make your island blend seamlessly with the rest of your space by choosing the same cabinets, countertops and hardware used on the perimeter walls. To further this idea, opt for the same metal for your lighting and barstools.

From: Massucco Warner Interior Design

Coastal Chic

No beach is required to embrace the coastal vibes of this trendsetting kitchen. A lovely pale blue hue on the cabinets and island brings seaside flair to the area, while wicker pendant lights above complement the breezy color.

Multipurpose Island

An island bisects this petite kitchen, dedicating one side to prep work and cooking and the other side to casual meals and pretty storage.

From: Ashley Gilbreath

Minty Fresh

Rich wooden accents, such as the pantry doors and island, are offset with a light and airy color palette of mint and bright white in this kitchen.

From: Grace Blu Interior Design

Industrial Modern

This refined kitchen pulls off an industrial look that also feels friendly with cheery pops of color in the sky blue barstools and delicate details like the sculptural pendants above the island.

From: Kristianne Watts

Midcentury Modern

You can never have too much storage — especially in the kitchen. Three shelves provide space to house decorative items next to the barstools in this wooden-front, midcentury island.

From: Natalie Myers

Double-Oven Island

This high-end chef's kitchen features abundant white cabinets, a beautiful stone tile floor and a large island with two ovens.

From: Dale Sorensen Real Estate

Marble + Waterfall

Two major island trends combine in this contemporary kitchen — marble and waterfall countertops. Sleep and sophisticated barstools tuck underneath the island for a hidden seating option.

From: Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers

Work Hard, Play Hard

Home to the dishwasher, sink, trash and recycling bins, this glossy black island works hard for the family during the week then plays hard on special occasions — the 7-foot by 3-1/2-foot island offers plenty of serving space for entertaining.

See More Photos: A Kitchen Designed With Real Life in Mind

From: Terracotta Design Build

Contrasting Island

In the center of the bright, neutral kitchen, a large, dark wood island with black marble countertop adds contrast and seating for five.

From: Forum Phi Architecture

Additional Prep Space

A large island offers a casual place to enjoy a meal in this neutral contemporary kitchen. Top-of-the-line appliances and plenty of prep space make this kitchen a cook's dream.

From: Perry & Co. and Luxury Portfolio International®

All the Essentials

With two sinks, a plethora of cabinets and a seating area at the end, the marble-topped island is the star of the show in this elegant gourmet kitchen.

From: Jamie Herzlinger

Gold Treatment

As if this kitchen wasn't enchanting enough, the island shines with a gorgeous gold treatment on the front. Notice how the design catches the light and complements the space's other metallic accents.

From: Hilton & Hyland

Handsomely Sophisticated

This handsome-hued island is set apart from most with a completely open middle portion. This allows for flexible seating and tons of room for entertaining guests.

From: Choeff Levy Fischman