Kitchen Island Design Ideas

Design the perfect kitchen island with the help of HGTV.com expert advice.
Contemporary Orange Kitchen With Zebrawood Cabinets and Island

Contemporary Orange Kitchen With Zebrawood Cabinets and Island

This ultra-contemporary kitchen from designer Jennifer Gilmer features orange walls that create a sense of warmth as well as vast amounts of countertop space.

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Kitchen islands are an integral design element in today's kitchens. Acting as the kitchen centerpiece, an island can be customized with dozens of time-saving, convenient options for storage, display and food preparation.

99 Beautiful Kitchen Island Design Ideas

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Similarly, ready-made kitchen islands, such as freestanding kitchen islands or kitchen island carts, come equipped with very specific functions, from a simple chop-block table with a single shelf to more elaborate versions with storage options for wine bottles and appliances, drawers for knives and racks for spices, towels, cups or dishes.

Whether the kitchen is large enough to accommodate a built-in kitchen island with table-style seating, or cozy enough to accommodate a smaller, pre-designed model to perform a specific task, kitchen island design ideas are seemingly endless.

Narrow down your kitchen island ideas quickly by determining how much space your kitchen will allow for an island, permanent or temporary. Next, determine which tasks you'll need this hard-working island to perform, such as extra countertop space for prep work or hidden storage for oft-used appliances. Decide on a budget, and contact a design professional if the needs of your kitchen island exceed the solutions provided by ready-made models.

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Kitchen Island Options

Design a kitchen island that's as stylish as it is practical for your space.

Kitchen Island Countertops

What you need to know to choose the best surface for your kitchen island.

Small Kitchen Island Ideas

Even small kitchen islands can make a big impact.

Kitchen Island Chairs

Determine the best seating for your island with kitchen island chairs that are as attractive as they are practical.

White Kitchen Island

White kitchen islands offer a crisp, clean surface—and with show-stopping effect.

Antique Kitchen Islands

Bring an antique piece firmly into the 21st century by giving it a second life as an efficient and stylish kitchen island.

How to Build a DIY Kitchen Island on Wheels

Need some extra workspace in your kitchen? Build a rolling island for added functionality and style. One side stores a stand mixer, sheet pans, cutting boards and more, while the other side allows for extra seating. Perfect for small spaces, this portable kitchen island easily rolls out when you need it and neatly tucks away when you don’t.

Two-Toned Kitchen Cabinets

Browse your options for two-toned kitchen cabinets, and prepare to add an eye-catching design that can make your kitchen feel larger and increase your home's resale value.

How to Build a Grilling Island

Create an outdoor kitchen by nestling a gas grill into a custom-built, granite-topped island.

Painting Kitchen Backsplashes

Find out everything you need to know about painting your kitchen backsplash, plus our favorite techniques to inspire your next DIY project.

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