Our 4 Favorite Kitchen Designs With Islands

There are so many options when looking for kitchen designs with islands that it makes it difficult to choose the best option for your home.

When designing a layout for a new kitchen, one of the most common requests we get is: “I would love to have an island in my kitchen – is that possible?” Who wouldn’t want one!? Kitchen designs with islands have many perks. They bring many benefits to the space and, of course, they look wonderful, too.

Benefits of Islands

Islands are so versatile. A kitchen with an island can be found in any and every style, they can come in all sizes, shapes, and designs. And, they have so many benefits – some you may not even realize.

Adding an island to your kitchen will:

• Give you additional cabinet storage space.
• Allow more counter space for extra appliances.
• Provide you more electrical outlets.
• Give you another workstation, independent from the rest of the counter space.
• Become a focal point for the entire kitchen.
• Provide extra seating for your family and friends.

Designing a kitchen with an island can change the whole feel of the room. Also, because you are creating your own kitchen, you get to decide what you want your island to do for you.

Kitchen Designs with Islands

The versatile functionality of islands makes them perfect for every kitchen.

• Will you want it to be functional, with a sink or cooktop?
• Do you need more seating in your kitchen, and/or another place to eat?
• Or, are you seeking an island that gives you an extra countertop without taking up too much space?

As you design your kitchen, you can create an island that gives you the specific benefits you are seeking, that match with the cabinets and countertops used in the rest of your kitchen. This allows the entire space to flow as a uniform, intentional design style. Or you can change it up and make it fit exactly how you see it.

Whether you know exactly what you want your kitchen to look like or you just know you want yourself an island, we’ve got some designs to help get you focused and ready for its creation. Here are a few of our favorite kitchen designs with islands.

1. Galley Kitchen with an Island

If you currently have a galley kitchen, you may think that there is no way you can have an island. Where would you put it? Believe it or not, all islands are not created equal.

Your island does not need to go in the middle of your kitchen. You can add an island to the end of your countertop, for example. You will still have your galley kitchen space, but your island – or should we say peninsula? – will extend off the end.

Designed with the same cabinets and countertop, it will appear as though it is one unified countertop. Except – you get the perks of the island.

It’s a win-win!

Here’s an idea if you currently don’t have a galley kitchen but would like one:

1. Design one side of your kitchen along an existing wall.
2. Then, design the opposite side of your galley kitchen using a large island that extends the length of the kitchen.

This gives you the galley feel and look, the extra space you need, and it doesn’t require that you build a whole new second wall. Using an island rather than a wall gives the kitchen a more open feel and allows more light into the space.

2. To Match or Not to Match?

When creating kitchen designs with islands, you can determine if your island will match the rest of the kitchen – or if it will not.

Stand-alone islands can be as unique as you want them to be. Most generally, they are designed to match the current cabinets and countertop in the kitchen. But if you are looking for an eclectic vibe, choose a unique style of cabinetry and countertop that complements, but does not match.

In a sense, this selection can make the island look more like a piece of furniture rather than an extension of the kitchen. Depending on your design style, this could be the personalized touch you were looking to have.

3. Modern and Sleek

Modern kitchens tend to lean towards a minimalist approach, providing you a kitchen with a delightful yet simple design. When designing a modern kitchen, an island is almost always included if space allows.

However, some of the intricacies that come with certain islands may not be found here.

The island in a modern kitchen is most often used as a countertop, finished to match with rest of the counters in the kitchen to give off a seamless feel. The cabinets included in the island most likely won’t have handles (or may have recessed handles).

To keep the sleek appearance, the cabinets may even look as though they are flush with the wall itself.

4. Islands of Different Heights

Some kitchens have two islands. This gives you one to be used as an extension of the kitchen, such as with a sink or cooktop included, and another for eating/seating. But most kitchens are not large enough to accommodate two islands.

Here’s the good news:

It is still possible to have the benefits of two islands that take up the size and space of one.

Kitchen designs with islands that are two heights give you the best of both worlds – and it is not that difficult. It can be incorporated into almost any kitchen, depending on the cabinets, countertop, and style you choose.

This island will seem to be cut in half:

• The lower half (at about 36 inches) will be the extension of your countertop and can include a cooktop or sink, or it can be extra counter space.
• The higher half (at about 42 inches) will be the perfect spot for seating. You get the best of both!

This dual-use island is growing in popularity in the world of kitchen design.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it – a few of our favorite kitchen designs with islands and all the reasons why you need one. Keep in mind, though, that these are just our favorites.

There is no rule book when it comes to kitchen islands, which means you can dream big. Take the time to decide what you want your island to do for you in your future kitchen. Then, let’s design it together.