Modern Kitchen Islands

Sleek surfaces, clean-lined cabinets, brushed-metal (or hidden) drawer pulls—these are some of the tell-tale signs of a modern kitchen island. But don't let these contemporary design elements limit your imagination.

One of the easiest ways to add modern flair to the kitchen island: choose a signature color (think tangerine orange or lipstick red) to distinguish the space.

Whether or not that color is repeated in another kitchen design element is up to you—there's no rule that says an island's counter (or color) needs to match its counterparts on the perimeter of the kitchen.

Employing a monochromatic palette, such as a white-on-white, all-black or warm wood, is another way to add contemporary character to the kitchen island. If a monochromatic style feels too dramatic for your space, there are plenty of high-contrast ways to incorporate modern touches. Think polished wood or stainless steel used as an accent on the base of the island or in place of trim.