Timeless Kitchen Island Designs July 27, 2022 – Posted in: Design, Furniture – Tags: , ,

Trends are forever changing, and staying in style is not always easy. When it comes to the kitchen, one can’t afford to constantly change out items like islands and cabinetry to keep up with current trends. That’s why it’s essential when designing your kitchen to consider what styles and designs may date themselves.

We have rounded up some kitchen island trends that will stand the test of time with design styles that we love (and plan to love forever!)

Half Marble-Half Butcher Block

Get the best of both worlds for your island and design the countertop to be half marble and half butcher block. It will not overwhelm the two design styles if you plan the cabinetry for the island in a classic white, grey, or cream. Keep your hardware simple and classic, too.

White kitchen island contrasted with matte black pulls features a butcher block and marble countertop holding a sink beneath a matte black faucet.
Photo Credit: Collective Studio

Distressed Wood

Distressed light wood islands are on trend now, and we don’t see this style going out soon. It looks great with white or beige cabinetry and provides a stunning contrast right in the middle of the kitchen. It’s an upgrade to the deep wood colors of the ’80s and ’90s that are still timeless today. This type of island works with a traditional or modern farmhouse-style of kitchen.

A distressed wood island also suits several different styles of stools, but we think this designer chose right when she opted for wicker.

Pendants hang over a distressed kitchen island accented with a rustic stone countertop. A row of four wicker barstools sit at the island facing a sink
Photo from: Marie Flanigan

Bold Color

Some may say a bold color is not a wise choice as trends may change, but given that it is only the island here that is bold, I think this homeowner will be safe for some time. This kitchen is not too overwhelming by keeping the cabinetry and finishes white and simplistic colors. To keep your bold color timeless opt for a color that goes with as many decor styles as possible—blues and greens practically act as a neutral!

Pendants illuminate a peacock blue kitchen island finished with a sink and a brass gooseneck faucet
Photo Credit: Kira David Design

Waterfall Edge

We love an island with a beautiful waterfall edge! This style of island screams luxury and is perfect for contemporary and modern-style kitchens. With a waterfall edge, you can style your island in any color — it’s sure to look great!

waterfall marble edge island with blue backing and gold pendants
Photo Credit: Lindye Galloway

Work In A Sink

It sure is handy to have a sink on your island. It can be your main sink or even a smaller sink for hand washing. Islands especially look spectacular with a modern farmhouse-style apron sink. The faucet also becomes an attractive focal point when you have an island with a sink.

dark brown walnut island with white farmhouse apron sink gold sage green hanging pendants
Photo Credit: Studio McGee

Large Posts

Make a statement with some large posts at the end of your island. This adds character to your kitchen and makes us think of Old Victorian charm in a modern, sleek and elegant way.

large white island in middle of kitchen with white stools and pendants
Photo Credit: Blakely Interior Design

Add Your Design Style To The End

Dress up the ends of your island according to your design style. A simple framing looks excellent in minimalist style housing, or if you’re into modern farmhouse, a Barn ‘X’ is a great way to finish off your island.

barn x island with seagrass bar stools silver hanging pendants
Photo Credit: Sarah Hayes Design

All Around Seating

Make great use of all sides of your island for seating. You can keep the underside of your island open on all sides at one end to allow for more room for seating.

black kitchen cabinetry and island with gold and blush stools hanging pendants
Photo Credit: Studio Thomas James

Fully Open Underneath

If storage is not an issue in your kitchen, you may consider an island completely open underneath with just open shelving. This will allow more room for decor and styling in your kitchen—a place to store pretty bowls and beautiful cookbooks.

black open island with suede stools and white pendants lighting
Photo Credit: Amber Interior Design

Make Use of The Backside

On the flip side of things, maybe you don’t have a ton of cupboard space in your kitchen, and if this is the case, you may want to make sure of the backside of your island with some cupboards. This style of island is not only trendy but super functional, too!

large beige island in middle of kitchen with three hanging pendants
Photo Credit: Brittney Ferguson Interiors

Island and Table Combo

If you have a large kitchen, consider an island/table combo. This island style is excellent for those who love to entertain in the kitchen. Your island is a “T” shape with lots of room for cooking at one end and entertaining at the other.

large island table in middle of kitchen with black stools faux wood beams on ceiling
Photo Credit: Amy Storm and Co.

Decorative End Shelving

In a spot where you would otherwise have nothing take the opportunity to make it space to display some pretty decor in your kitchen. End shelving at the end of island is also a great spot to store cookbooks and other kitchen items that look great on display.

end of kitchen island with decorative shelving black cabinetry
Photo Credit: Collective Studio

Square Island

If you are short of space and don’t have the room for a large rectangular island, you can always go square. Don’t fret — just because you’re going square and smaller doesn’t mean you can’t have seating. This square island is perfect for two and makes this space feel alive.

blue stool chairs at square island in white kitchen
Photo Credit: Mel Bean Interiors

Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Textures and Styles

This beauty of an island proves that you don’t have to work with just one material. A mix of wood, black marble, and white tile give this island a modern and contemporary feel and makes it the star of this kitchen.

kitchen island with wood and black marble and white tiles faux wood beam
Photo Credit: Veneer Designs

Contrasting Island

If you want your island to stand out, go for something with excellent contrast. If your cupboards are a color, try using a wood tone for your island. You can also contrast with the countertop as well.

large wood island with blue cabinetry and glass pendants
Photo Credit: Kristina Crestin Design

If you want to take your ideas a step further, why not check out Denzilla’s ranges of high quality hand crafted solid hardwood furniture, such as the excellent oak Mobel collection, or the fine oak Roscoe collection?

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