Decorating & Design
March 10, 2022
These Kitchen Islands Will Inspire Your Next Makeover
In addition to offering prep space and seating, kitchen islands are an opportunity to get creative with interesting millwork, the latest technology and clever storage. From curved islands with fluted details to glamorous hardware, get inspired with some of H&H’s best kitchen islands.
Scroll down for a collection of our favorite looks!
In this two-tone mid-century kitchen, a curved island widens the space, and walnut slats give it a 1970s-inspired feel with a modern twist.
This Charnwood Forest Kitchen from deVOL is English charm at its finest. Painted in a mellow, handsome green, the generous kitchen island features hits of brass, ample storage and even a butcher block prep area at the end for chopping food.
This chic black-and-white island features a counter-integrated vent-hood that tucks away when not in use, and an island faucet that offers boiling, filtered and carbonated water on demand.
This Victorian-inspired kitchen features a handmade Dairy Table as its island, with deep drawers and a marble worktop. The hanging cookware above the table adds to the vintage feel.
A kitchen island painted in Farrow & Ball’s Railings brings a hit of color and contrast to this open-concept kitchen. Fluted details on the island adds character, while oversized brass pendants bring drama.
This sleek kitchen island features Caesarstone’s Pure White quartz counters and cabinet doors stained in a rich tone reminiscent of teak. Simple brass hardware complements the other accents in the light and airy space.
This monochromatic kitchen features a peninsula clad in dark reeded oak that matches the vent hood and pantry.
A ‘Scullery Yellow’ hardworking prep table with a copper worktop and ample storage brings a Summery feel to this beach house kitchen.
A marble waterfall island with wood panelling brings a laid-back, West-Coast feel to this Las Vegas kitchen.
This sophisticated island features veined porcelain counters that give a marble look with more durability. The Shaker detailing under the counter stools adds a hit of elegance.
Svetlana Tryaskina of Estee Design was tasked with customizing a condo kitchen in Toronto. The sleek kitchen island features grey quartz and Statuarietto marble. “A thick counter profile gives a more substantial quality to the island,” says Svetlana.
This grand kitchen island is extremely hardworking, featuring a sink area with stone counters on one side and a table-like, walnut-topped section on the other. The homeowners “wanted a huge island so the kids would have space to do homework, crafts and baking,” says designer Jonathan Legate.
In this 154-square-foot kitchen, a wooden work table replaced an old island, and brought warmth, texture and character to the all-white space.
A waterfall island and statement light is the focal point of Gillian Atkins’ Toronto kitchen, which she transformed in just three months (and on a budget!). “Having a long, narrow island was my first priority. I wanted a place where all three boys could gather to hang out or dine. Now we have a nice, long surface with no cooktop or sink in the way — perfect for entertaining,” says Gillian.
In this German schoolhouse kitchen, bespoke aged copper covers the island top, while drawers with elegant brass pulls create a dresser-like effect.
This Scandi-style kitchen has hygge and history. The mid-century style prep table features laminated oak curves, turned legs and custom aged-copper counters.
This kitchen works double duty with two dishwashers, two ovens, and even two islands. A charming blue island features ample storage and a sink, while an oxidized white oak trolley with a stainless steel top offers additional storage and prep space, and can be wheeled outside during the Summer.
A rustic wood and green kitchen features some unexpected elements, like the chevron walnut used on the island “It anchors the other design elements and connects the workspace with the lounge areas,” says designer Tommy Smythe.
In this knockout kitchen island by designer Shauna Walton, a veiny marble slab steals the show, while light wood accents ground the space. “Despite all of the black, the kitchen still feels fresh and bright,” says Shauna. “I credit that to the wood-sided island.”
The clients of this home loved the look of Calacatta marble but not the maintenance, so designers Erin Feasby and Cindy Bleeks opted for porcelain instead. “It’s very realistic and extremely durable,” says Erin. They also chose to mix metals with a black faucet and sculptural brass hardware.
This classic greige kitchen island went for storage over seating, and features a beautiful English-style unlacquered brass faucet.
A three-in-one kitchen island, dining table and desk is the perfect choice for a compact space. The black and oak palette feels modern and cool in this airy loft. “I wanted to keep the design simple yet strong, and let the natural beauty of the materials speak for themselves,” says designer Nam Dang-Mitchell.
If you’re looking for an innovative spot to mount your TV, take cues from this French bistro-style kitchen. “I felt very strongly about hiding the television in the island rather than mounting it above the fireplace,” says designer Emily Griffin. “It would have killed the whole vibe of the room.”
This old world kitchen island was designed to resemble an apothecary counter, with nine drawers on each side. Custom drawer inserts are engraved with labels for everyday staples like bread, flour and sugar, and then sealed with rubber gaskets to keep the contents fresh.