17 Kitchen Island Designs for a Beautiful & Functional Design
It is no surprise that over 85% of our customers inquire about adding an island to their kitchen. Kitchen Island Designs create an eye-catching focal point in the room that serves three main functions: Food preparation, dining, and storage. A well-planned kitchen island design can provide an ideal space for your family. Whether you dream of a spot for your kids to draw while you are cooking or a large space to set up a buffet party with your friends, a practical and beautiful island will be the most used area in the house.
Kitchen islands offer functional and aesthetic elements to our homes in a variety of interesting ways. To help you in selecting the best design for your home, we have gathered of the 17 most popular Kitchen Island Designs from Calgary homes that we have completed!
1. Use a Waterfall Island Design for a Sleek Look Kitchen
The main reason waterfall island design has become so popular is its aesthetic appeal. Stone countertops are naturally beautiful. Dropping down to the floor rather than stopping at the counter's edge is a popular design feature that will elevate any kitchen island. This seamless transition gives it a modern, sleek appearance and adds so much to the kitchen aesthetic. Waterfall kitchen islands are also useful for concealing bar stools, electrical outlets, or for camouflaging an appliance.
2. Contrast with Wall Cabinets
Many people like to use a contrasting-coloured kitchen island as a statement of style and personality in their kitchen. For example, a kitchen island with a lively grained wood finish can provide a contrasting balance to the walls and painted cabinets. This look brings any kitchen to life!
3. Mix Your Storage Options
If storage space is your top priority in the kitchen, adding a kitchen island can open a wealth of possibilities. You can incorporate drawers and shelves to free up countertop space, allow effortless storage for cookware, and display some of your most characterful essentials.
4. Double the Seating with an L-shaped Island
You have probably seen a lot of L-shaped kitchen design ideas, but did you know this design can also work well for a kitchen island? An L-shaped island design makes doubling the amount of seating and serving food and drinks easier, so this design is perfect for those who love to entertain.
5. Install a Hob on Kitchen Island
Install a hob (a stove-top set into your island) and hood fan within your kitchen island to make your cooking area the central point of the space. It creates an open atmosphere and makes you more sociable while you cook. This means the cook can face the rest of the room and participate in any party conversation. Plus, the kitchen triangle theory can also be organized better to move quickly and easily from the fridge to the sink to the stove.
6. Drop in a Low Dining Table
Combining a kitchen and dining area can save space while increasing the capacity of both rooms. It can provide warm textures, allowing you to converse comfortably while dinner cooks. A kitchen island paired with a table is also a great space-saving idea for families with small living spaces.
7. Create the Double Kitchen Island
The double island designs have grown in popularity in recent years and will continue to do so in the future due to the luxurious look and versatility they provide. One island is typically used for food preparing or cooking, while the other is designed as a dining area.
8. Use Contrasting Colours
Adding contrast means adding a touch of style and sophistication. It could be a high gloss white quartz countertop combined with a classic navy cabinet, a stunning black marble cooktop with dark walnut drawers, or simply a beautiful piece of timber for the counter.
9. Create the Kitchen Bar
The kitchen island ideas with a wine rack or wine cooler built into are an excellent investment because it frees up space in the refrigerator and pantry while keeping your wine in optimum condition. It also ensures that the cook can prepare meals without being bumped into by other party organizers.
10. Make a Kitchen Island Display
The kitchen island is the perfect spot to show off your favourite collections. A lot of people are incorporating unique open shelving ideas within islands to display their vintage curiosities, ceramics, or cookbooks, each adding colour and personality to their home.
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11. Add an Alternative Countertop
To indicate a change in function for the countertop portion of the kitchen island, use a different material. Your kitchen island design can include a sink and can also serve as a breakfast bar. A dedicated dining area can be formed by extending a wooden worktop over the quartz countertop that covers the remainder of the island.
12. Maximize Storage with Drawers
You may consider dividing the island space into several compartments. The bottom drawers could contain seldom-used items, while the others are for frequently used items. Keep some drawers separate for your kids so that they can safely access tools that are appropriate for them. To make it more eye-catching, consider adding stylish handles.
Tip: Use some kitchen drawer organizers to keep your well-arranged kitchen. They have a variety of dimensions to fit your drawers perfectly.
13. Install Electricity Outlets
If you are planning a new kitchen, do not overlook installing kitchen island electrical outlets. The island is a multi-use space where families spend most of their time gathering, cooking, and working remotely. Adding an electrical outlet to your island allows you to make the most of your counter space and makes a multitude of meal preparation tasks a breeze.
14. Design a Farmhouse Chic Look
A farmhouse kitchen is a little bit country and a little bit modern, there is something warm and welcoming about this kitchen design concept. A rustic kitchen island design helps to make your space feel cozy and inviting. This design is ideal for any kitchen looking to add some extra counter space while also creating a social hub for family and friends.
15. Choose a Unique Shape
Think outside the box and make the most of your spacious kitchen. The kitchen island can absolutely step beyond familiar rectangular designs to become a dynamic shape. Consider an angle, a triangular, or a unique asymmetrical island that allows for more seating, creates a clear division between cooking and relaxing, and reflects your personality.
16. Make the Overhanging Countertop
The portion of the counter that extends beyond the edge of the island's base is referred to as the island overhang. Most islands require a slight countertop overhang to ensure you have plenty of legroom when seated. To comfortably fit your legs under the countertop, it must have a lip of at least 15 inches.
17. Increase the size for more seating
The kitchen island has transformed from a place for preparing and cooking meals into a relaxing, gathering, and socializing with friends. A large island is designed for comfort with a higher seating capacity, making it an ideal place to entertain your guests.
If you are in the process of gathering ideas or need a custom kitchen island builder, we are here for every budget and every step, from estimate and design to delivery and installation.
Looking for upgrading kitchen cabinets in Calgary? Whatever your budget, whatever your style, our kitchen cabinet design professionals are here to help bring your vision to life. With over 50+ years of combined experience in cabinetry and design, our team at Zen Living has the skills and knowledge you need to turn your dreams into reality. Whether you're looking for a complete renovation or a simple refresh, we are here to help.
To get started, simply fill out our form for a free consultation, or you can give us a call at (403) 720-1928 for free design consultation. Our team at Zen Living Kitchen & Bath is eager to work with you and hear all about your project ideas. We are dedicated to turning your vision into a reality.
Kitchen islands offer functional and aesthetic elements to our homes in a variety of interesting ways. To help you in selecting the best design for your home, we have gathered of the 17 most popular Kitchen Island Designs from Calgary homes that we have completed!
1. Use a Waterfall Island Design for a Sleek Look Kitchen
The main reason waterfall island design has become so popular is its aesthetic appeal. Stone countertops are naturally beautiful. Dropping down to the floor rather than stopping at the counter's edge is a popular design feature that will elevate any kitchen island. This seamless transition gives it a modern, sleek appearance and adds so much to the kitchen aesthetic. Waterfall kitchen islands are also useful for concealing bar stools, electrical outlets, or for camouflaging an appliance.
2. Contrast with Wall Cabinets
Many people like to use a contrasting-coloured kitchen island as a statement of style and personality in their kitchen. For example, a kitchen island with a lively grained wood finish can provide a contrasting balance to the walls and painted cabinets. This look brings any kitchen to life!
3. Mix Your Storage Options
If storage space is your top priority in the kitchen, adding a kitchen island can open a wealth of possibilities. You can incorporate drawers and shelves to free up countertop space, allow effortless storage for cookware, and display some of your most characterful essentials.
4. Double the Seating with an L-shaped Island
You have probably seen a lot of L-shaped kitchen design ideas, but did you know this design can also work well for a kitchen island? An L-shaped island design makes doubling the amount of seating and serving food and drinks easier, so this design is perfect for those who love to entertain.
5. Install a Hob on Kitchen Island
Install a hob (a stove-top set into your island) and hood fan within your kitchen island to make your cooking area the central point of the space. It creates an open atmosphere and makes you more sociable while you cook. This means the cook can face the rest of the room and participate in any party conversation. Plus, the kitchen triangle theory can also be organized better to move quickly and easily from the fridge to the sink to the stove.
6. Drop in a Low Dining Table
Combining a kitchen and dining area can save space while increasing the capacity of both rooms. It can provide warm textures, allowing you to converse comfortably while dinner cooks. A kitchen island paired with a table is also a great space-saving idea for families with small living spaces.
7. Create the Double Kitchen Island
The double island designs have grown in popularity in recent years and will continue to do so in the future due to the luxurious look and versatility they provide. One island is typically used for food preparing or cooking, while the other is designed as a dining area.
8. Use Contrasting Colours
Adding contrast means adding a touch of style and sophistication. It could be a high gloss white quartz countertop combined with a classic navy cabinet, a stunning black marble cooktop with dark walnut drawers, or simply a beautiful piece of timber for the counter.
9. Create the Kitchen Bar
The kitchen island ideas with a wine rack or wine cooler built into are an excellent investment because it frees up space in the refrigerator and pantry while keeping your wine in optimum condition. It also ensures that the cook can prepare meals without being bumped into by other party organizers.
10. Make a Kitchen Island Display
The kitchen island is the perfect spot to show off your favourite collections. A lot of people are incorporating unique open shelving ideas within islands to display their vintage curiosities, ceramics, or cookbooks, each adding colour and personality to their home.
11. Add an Alternative Countertop
To indicate a change in function for the countertop portion of the kitchen island, use a different material. Your kitchen island design can include a sink and can also serve as a breakfast bar. A dedicated dining area can be formed by extending a wooden worktop over the quartz countertop that covers the remainder of the island.
12. Maximize Storage with Drawers
You may consider dividing the island space into several compartments. The bottom drawers could contain seldom-used items, while the others are for frequently used items. Keep some drawers separate for your kids so that they can safely access tools that are appropriate for them. To make it more eye-catching, consider adding stylish handles.
Tip: Use some kitchen drawer organizers to keep your well-arranged kitchen. They have a variety of dimensions to fit your drawers perfectly.
13. Install Electricity Outlets
If you are planning a new kitchen, do not overlook installing kitchen island electrical outlets. The island is a multi-use space where families spend most of their time gathering, cooking, and working remotely. Adding an electrical outlet to your island allows you to make the most of your counter space and makes a multitude of meal preparation tasks a breeze.
14. Design a Farmhouse Chic Look
A farmhouse kitchen is a little bit country and a little bit modern, there is something warm and welcoming about this kitchen design concept. A rustic kitchen island design helps to make your space feel cozy and inviting. This design is ideal for any kitchen looking to add some extra counter space while also creating a social hub for family and friends.
15. Choose a Unique Shape
Think outside the box and make the most of your spacious kitchen. The kitchen island can absolutely step beyond familiar rectangular designs to become a dynamic shape. Consider an angle, a triangular, or a unique asymmetrical island that allows for more seating, creates a clear division between cooking and relaxing, and reflects your personality.
16. Make the Overhanging Countertop
The portion of the counter that extends beyond the edge of the island's base is referred to as the island overhang. Most islands require a slight countertop overhang to ensure you have plenty of legroom when seated. To comfortably fit your legs under the countertop, it must have a lip of at least 15 inches.
17. Increase the size for more seating
The kitchen island has transformed from a place for preparing and cooking meals into a relaxing, gathering, and socializing with friends. A large island is designed for comfort with a higher seating capacity, making it an ideal place to entertain your guests.
If you are in the process of gathering ideas or need a custom kitchen island builder, we are here for every budget and every step, from estimate and design to delivery and installation.
Looking for upgrading kitchen cabinets in Calgary? Whatever your budget, whatever your style, our kitchen cabinet design professionals are here to help bring your vision to life. With over 50+ years of combined experience in cabinetry and design, our team at Zen Living has the skills and knowledge you need to turn your dreams into reality. Whether you're looking for a complete renovation or a simple refresh, we are here to help.
To get started, simply fill out our form for a free consultation, or you can give us a call at (403) 720-1928 for free design consultation. Our team at Zen Living Kitchen & Bath is eager to work with you and hear all about your project ideas. We are dedicated to turning your vision into a reality.
