Kitchen Inspiration: 10 Creative Kitchen Islands to Escape To
Give your kitchen island a fresh look with these funky ideas. Tibetan altars and wine barrels take centre stage - prepare to be impressed
Looking for something a little out of the ordinary for your kitchen island? There’s no reason to settle for humdrum when you can have vibrant colour, interesting patterns and textures, and unique shapes. From designer glass to repurposed antiques, these 10 creative ways with kitchen islands will spark your imagination.
3. Decorate with printed glass
This look is created by printing an image directly on to the glass before affixing it to the island. If you’ve been searching for just the right tile or paint colour for your island to no avail, this could be the ideal choice for you – the options are limitless.
This look is created by printing an image directly on to the glass before affixing it to the island. If you’ve been searching for just the right tile or paint colour for your island to no avail, this could be the ideal choice for you – the options are limitless.
4. Reclaim timber
Cover up a bland or dated island with reclaimed wood boards on the diagonal for a rustic look. Also framing the reclaimed wood with new, painted wood keeps the rustic island current and helps it fit in well with a number of styles.
Cover up a bland or dated island with reclaimed wood boards on the diagonal for a rustic look. Also framing the reclaimed wood with new, painted wood keeps the rustic island current and helps it fit in well with a number of styles.
5. Try angles
The custom green cement island in this contemporary home has a unique shape that catches the eye while maintaining a slim footprint. Too many details would clutter a look like this, so keep it simple with a gooseneck spout and minimalist hardware.
The custom green cement island in this contemporary home has a unique shape that catches the eye while maintaining a slim footprint. Too many details would clutter a look like this, so keep it simple with a gooseneck spout and minimalist hardware.
6. Bring in nature
A custom island like this one, created from natural tree limbs, is a surefire focal point. The smooth edges and organic shapes are a welcome contrast to the sharp angles and crisp corners usually found in the kitchen; this table just begs to be gathered around.
A custom island like this one, created from natural tree limbs, is a surefire focal point. The smooth edges and organic shapes are a welcome contrast to the sharp angles and crisp corners usually found in the kitchen; this table just begs to be gathered around.
7. Use live-edge wood
Far simpler than the last example but no less striking, this island combines live-edge wood with hand-carved, painted wood for a modern take.
Far simpler than the last example but no less striking, this island combines live-edge wood with hand-carved, painted wood for a modern take.
8. Roll out the barrel
Looking for an island solution that’s as easy on the wallet as it is big on creativity? This may be just the thing. Simply place a round marble piece atop a sturdy wine barrel for a nearly instant island. Just be aware that this may not be the best choice for households with children, unless you have a pro secure the barrel and marble to ensure they will not topple over.
Looking for an island solution that’s as easy on the wallet as it is big on creativity? This may be just the thing. Simply place a round marble piece atop a sturdy wine barrel for a nearly instant island. Just be aware that this may not be the best choice for households with children, unless you have a pro secure the barrel and marble to ensure they will not topple over.
9. Adopt pattern
Covering the base of your island with patterned tile, like the lovely damask design shown here, is a simple way to transform a ho-hum space into one that’s unique and eye-catching.
Have a pretty wallpaper you’d love to use instead? Wallpaper can work beautifully, but you will need to have it covered with a sheet of clear acrylic to protect it from damage.
Covering the base of your island with patterned tile, like the lovely damask design shown here, is a simple way to transform a ho-hum space into one that’s unique and eye-catching.
Have a pretty wallpaper you’d love to use instead? Wallpaper can work beautifully, but you will need to have it covered with a sheet of clear acrylic to protect it from damage.
10. Repurpose an antique
Consider shopping at a flea market for something unique; antique chests, cupboards and more can be transformed into one-of-a-kind islands. This piece, once a Tibetan altar, has found new life as the heart of this cosy kitchen.
TELL US
Which of these island designs caught your eye? Let us know in the comments section below.
Consider shopping at a flea market for something unique; antique chests, cupboards and more can be transformed into one-of-a-kind islands. This piece, once a Tibetan altar, has found new life as the heart of this cosy kitchen.
TELL US
Which of these island designs caught your eye? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Perfect for washing large pots and pans and filling vases (or even washing a small dog), an extra-deep and extra-wide sink also makes a strong design statement. The capacious size calls to mind farmhouses and cheerful country homes, and you can play up a big sink even more with an interesting material like the soapstone shown here.
2. Colour your cabinets
Painting the base of your island bright buttercup yellow is a bold choice. The colour is unabashedly optimistic and perfect for a room you gravitate towards first thing in the morning.