Decorating & Design
Clever Ideas For Your Next Kitchen Island
Updated on April 8, 2026
Islands have become the centerpiece of the kitchen — a place to perch, prep or pitch in. From cleanup to cooking to dining, these islands are designed to do it all. Take a look at these clever ideas!
Entertain The Troops
This island incorporates a wall-mounted TV for easy viewing in the adjoining den — a smart move that keeps too many cooks out of the kitchen.
Cleanup Central
Outfitted with a deep farmhouse sink and not one but two dishwashers, this island moves all the wash-up duties to one centralized area, making sure the mess stays contained.
The Swiss Army Knife Island
Equipped with an undercounter fridge drawer, compost drawer, prep sink, microwave, storage and lots of counter space, this island seems to do it all. “Entertaining was always front of mind,” says homeowner Peter Langeman, so the kitchen was thoughtfully designed to balance form and function.
Party Of Eight
This supersize island seats eight comfortably. If you know your family and guests will congregate in the kitchen, offer them places to perch. Stash away extra stools when they’re not needed.
Splash-Free Zone
Café-style seating is built in to this island. A bar-inspired lip keeps water from splashing food or laptops when the homeowners are seated.
Island & Table Combo
When space is tight, incorporating both an island and a kitchen table can be challenging. Here, Collective Studio created a banquette that backs onto the island. “If you look closely, we added a mitred lip along the counter, which is a clever way to avoid spills on the banquette,” says designer Alana Firestone.
Double The Fun
Why stop at one island? If space allows, add another work surface! Here, the main one has a sink for cleanup, while the second is all about food prep and a place for a quick bite to eat.
For Baking Only
In this kitchen, a handsome black rectangular island is joined by another that’s round and in lavender, which is used primarily for baking.
No Island At All!
Or, skip the island altogether and opt for a classic dining table and chairs. Having furniture you can move around (note the casters on the table legs) is a great option if your kitchen is on the smaller side, or if you don’t have a formal dining room.
Ready-made Islands
No Island? No problem. Try one of these out-of-the-box options.
House & Home