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Whether you agree or not, kitchen islands became a necessity in every kitchen. As the technology progresses every day we started to have fully equipped kitchens and so on the classic countertops there is no more room because of the sandwich maker, espresso maker, toaster, or microwave. All these machines fill the entire countertop, leaving no place for work. Thus the kitchen island became very useful for preparing any meal.

And not only that this shiny kitchen island helps you in storing the condiments, dishes, and cutlery. With diverse shapes, kitchen islands adapt to every kitchen depending on its space.  With an island kitchen, you are able to store more, no matter the size of your kitchen.

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Everyone should have kitchen island cabinets and custom design them as they want. At the same time, a kitchen island with seating could take the place of a kitchen table.

In this article, you will find 31 kitchen island ideas from modern to traditional kitchen island designs. If you chose a white kitchen island this will transform your kitchen into a luxury one, thank its fabulous appearance.  From the small kitchen island to the rolling kitchen island, there is something for everyone.

Even if the kitchen is one of the most important areas in the home, openness is not a common feature. Isn’t it strange: The place where space is most efficient almost causes claustrophobia? Why not open the walls, or create a kitchen island which is fancy, practical, and able to store most of your kitchen tools?

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Don’t use the size or placement of your kitchen as an excuse: Every kitchen, as small as it may be, deserves some breathing space. Both wide movement paths and spacious lockers will make working in the kitchen easier, especially with functional and stylish small kitchen islands.

Centered islands are perfect for enclosed kitchen

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Why centered? As enclosed kitchens are usually smaller, you need a functional container which won’t restrict movement. Perimeter islands incorporated on open floors are the best solution – leave 35 to 40 inches between the island and the other cabinets, and you will have no problem with movement.   An island table will simultaneously provide you with a practical workspace.

Sitting islands

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The island is not simply a working place-it can serve as a proper table, where the family gathers for coffee and snacks. However, make sure you’re not sacrificing sitting space-there should be around 24 inches of width for every person; and 10 inches legroom under the counter.  Kitchen islands with stools also provide a great space for friends to chat over coffee or a lunchtime snack.

The advantages of inbuilt islands

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Functionality comes first, but it doesn’t have to mean you need to sacrifice style and appearance to obtain it. Take care of the size, shape, style, and decoration; and install an island which will definitely attract attention.

Associate the design with other kitchen elements, but make sure to highlight that the island is the centerpiece.  Kitchen island cabinets can make an attractive element which fits in with the rest of your kitchen design.  At the same time, it will provide a handy storage space, removing clutter from your kitchen.

Frankly, inbuilt islands are functional, because they secure extra space for your small dishes and cooking accessories.

Provide diversity with a flexible island

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An island doesn’t have to change the appearances of your kitchen (permanently). Why not installing a moveable island, which will be there only when you need it? Movable islands are great for unexpected visits and cleaning, and they add style and space at the same time. Your small kitchen will appreciate the gesture!

There’s no such thing as Universal Island

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Kitchen islands differ depending on the needs of your kitchen. Do you enjoy baking? Do you cook for a big family? Which are your dining habits? Then, of course, think whether you actually need storage space; or you want to build an island because of its decorative features?

Islands come in a range of styles.  There is the long kitchen island, the wood kitchen island, metal kitchen island and granite top kitchen island.

Kitchen islands also come in a range of shapes, from the kitchen center island which is great for food preparation, to the kitchen island breakfast bar, which is a great place to share an early morning coffee.

The need for extra cabinet space

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Its true-extra space can always be useful. However, this doesn’t mean you have to overdo it with extra large islands and hundreds of cabinets. Besides, if the reason you’re installing an island is to make a kitchen spacious,‘Blocking’ the lower parts with cabinets and drawers cannot provide the results you need.  An island cart will provide you with clutter-free storage space.

If you absolutely need extra storage space, make the island larger. The important thing is to plan your design in advance.  From the freestanding kitchen island to the kitchen island with drawers, there is a range of choices to select from.

Islands for small kitchens

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One rule that ought to be remembered is that a kitchen island doesn’t have to be huge in order to store all the elements. For instance, you can leave the bottom part opened, or add small towel bars to make it look cute and clutter free.

In such case, everything will be within reach and there’ll be no wandering in the dark to find the pot you’re looking for.  Decide on the features which will suit your kitchen best.  There are kitchen carts and islands for every home.

Islands + other amenities for large kitchens

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When space is not limited, the opportunities are endless. Kitchens become kingdoms of function and form; and they incorporate spacious luxuries such as refrigerator drawers, preparatory sinks, or even vintage ovens that serve no purpose but the decorative one.  A kitchen island bar or even a kitchen island with seating for 6 will look great in a big kitchen.

The reason why large kitchens are so awesome is that they have electricity/plumbing services which run straight to them. It is exactly because of this that they are the perfect place to combine cooking and entertainment.  A granite kitchen island table is a great choice because it is easy to clean, while a rustic kitchen cart will create a relaxed vibe.

High and multi-leveled islands

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A kitchen island is not simply a dish container. The rule is: the higher the better; and there are many wonderful purposes you could ‘attach’ to it. Make it work as a dining table. Add dynamics and divide it in an asymmetrical manner.

You can even use it for the sink or the stove top, or even a coffee bar decorated with plants and hanging cups. A kitchen coffee cart will always be welcome at breakfast time!  Sounds cozy, doesn’t it?

A good island will always draw attention

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Since you already introduced an island in the central part of your kitchen, why not make it more attractive? Cover it with textured fabric, or use a color palette which contrasts with other elements in your kitchen.

The most devoted among you could decorate it with granite, marble, or pieces of recycled glass. The catchier the better!  Your island itself can also bring a splash of color to your kitchen.  Blue kitchen islands are great for beach houses, while a red kitchen island would look stunning in a French country kitchen.

The wide choice spectrum

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Regardless of whether you need classy islands to secure elegance; or useful ones to ‘cover’ the mess, you have lots of design options at your disposal. If concerned about the price, think to introduce plastic or a solid yet budget-friendly finish.

A used kitchen island may be an affordable option and may give a worn-in appearance.  If you’re handy at DIY, you could also find out how to build a kitchen island with cabinets.  This way, you could tailor your design to your home.

Mid-level spenders could also think about stained concrete or similar solid surfaces. The ones that benefit the most are the creative ones among you, as they can discover their dream-solution all the way from rubber edges to exotic wood variants.  From rustic kitchen island ideas to an island kitchen table, there are multiple options available.

Stay creative and open-minded. Turn to retailers for advice, or ask professional designers to do the planning for you. Great interior design always comes with a purpose, so make sure your island is well planned.

The relationship between passages and kitchen islands

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If your kitchen is large and U/L shaped, you’re one really lucky person! You have enough space for a centered island, especially one which can be used for various tasks: U-kitchens will benefit from double working sides, and they will ensure consistency; while an L-shaped one will delineate the kitchen area from the rest of your home.  Take the shape of your kitchen into account when selecting your island.  There are always custom kitchen islands for sale and one size does not fit all.

Look out of the box

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As we already asked, why not break the rules? Why not adding comfort to chaos, and make an oval island in the middle of the kitchen? T-shaped and L-shaped islands are also an excellent idea.  Island interior design ideas are often flexible and designed to suit your home kitchen décor.

Improving the quality of your kitchen island

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Let us remind you again: Kitchen islands are not permanent and irreplaceable. It is normal and common for you to get bored by them, or to look for a modern solution to update their ‘character’.

The main advantage is that you can improve a solid and well-preserved island with almost no effort and cost.  You could, for example, update your white kitchen island with granite top and new door handles.

When you add a brand new countertop, customize the panels, clear stains, and employ a new color scheme, you will update your look and highlight the central role of the island.

The thing we don’t recommend is to sacrifice storage space in order to configure new looks.  Updating your island does not have to be expensive.  A fresh coat of paint will give you a green kitchen island to suit your country kitchen at minimal cost.

The trick of disappearing

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You want a large island which contains most of your elements, but it’s still not the most visible element in your kitchen? Guess what! It is possible! Assuming that the island lies between your countertops, you could make it slightly higher and paint its surface with the same colors of the walls or the surrounding elements.

The effect is that the island will become almost invisible, but still large and open to gather everything you want it to.  If you’re looking for a toned down effect, match the wood in your island to your surrounding cabinets.  This would mean a cherry wood kitchen would be paired with a cherry kitchen island.  The look will be discrete.

Stay creative

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It is really not difficult to find a practical and breathtaking solution. Make plans; and experiments with function and style, so that everybody will be amazed by your efforts.

Take care of the technical details and give a ‘harsh eye’ to quality, ensuring you get the island you like; and that it fits in with space you own.  Pictures of islands in kitchens will help you to determine the options available.  Plan carefully and you’ll end up with the kitchen of your dreams.

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