24 Best Kitchen Island Decor Ideas: Spruce Up Your Cooking Space

The kitchen island is one of the most versatile spots in the house. It can be used for cooking, serving, cleaning, and even storage. But just because your kitchen island is functional doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish, too.

According to a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders, 76 percent of buyers consider a central island essential to a kitchen. The good news is there are many ways to dress it up and add your own personal flair. Whether you’re looking to create a focal point, add some color, or have a place to eat and socialize, these kitchen island decor ideas are sure to inspire.

1. Create a custom kitchen island by using a dresser

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to add a kitchen island to your space, consider repurposing a dresser. This kitchen island decor idea shows how a vintage dresser can be transformed into a custom kitchen island with a fresh coat of paint and a new countertop.

The best part? You can customize it to fit your kitchen’s color scheme and decor style.

2. Use a small kitchen island as a makeshift dining table

If you have a small kitchen, you might not have the space for a large island. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have one at all.

This small, square-shaped kitchen island by @the_house_that_jen_built is the perfect size for the space. It adds a bit more counter space and storage, but it also doubles as a makeshift dining table.

3. Choose a kitchen island with seating to add an extra spot to the table

If you find yourself running out of space at the kitchen table, a kitchen island with seating is the perfect solution. This can be a casual spot for your family to eat breakfast, or a more formal spot for guests to sit while you’re putting the finishing touches on a dinner party.

This kitchen island designed by Regan Baker Design is a great example of how to make the space feel inviting. The upholstered bar stools are comfortable and stylish, and the dark wood island adds a nice contrast to the white cabinets and marble countertops.

4. Opt for a kitchen island cart with industrial vibes

If you’re looking for a small kitchen island that’s mobile, this industrial-style option is a great choice. The metal accents and dark wood top bring a modern feel to the space.

The best part? You can roll it out of the way if you need to free up some space in the kitchen.

5. Embrace the beauty of a marble kitchen island

If you’re lucky enough to have a marble kitchen island, don’t cover it up with a lot of clutter. Instead, let the stunning stone be the star of the show.

This kitchen uses minimalist decor to accentuate the beauty of the marble. A small plant, a coffee maker, and a stack of cookbooks are all the decor this kitchen needs.

6. Bring in more seating with a kitchen island bench

If you love the idea of a kitchen island table but don’t have the space, consider a kitchen island bench. This built-in bench is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee, a quick breakfast, or a casual dinner.

If you want to add a bench to your island, make sure it’s the right height for the rest of your counter seating.

7. Create a rustic kitchen island with repurposed items

If you love the look of a rustic kitchen island, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get it.

This kitchen island by Studio McGee is made from a vintage workbench, and the top is made from marble. The open shelves are perfect for storing pretty dishes, and the baskets on the bottom shelf are great for hiding clutter.

8. Make a kitchen island do double duty as a dining spot

If you have a small kitchen, or if you just like the idea of a casual dining spot in the middle of the room, consider adding some chairs to your island for a quick and easy breakfast nook.

The key to making this look more like a dining table and less like a kitchen island? Adding some tall, statement decor to the center of the island to draw the eye. This could be a vase of flowers, a large bowl, or a stack of cookbooks.

9. Add color to your kitchen island to create a fun focal point

If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your kitchen, consider a vibrant shade for your island. The kitchen island in this space designed by Emily Henderson is a focal point in the room with its bright blue hue.

The island is also painted a different color from the rest of the kitchen cabinets, adding even more visual interest to the space.

10. Make a kitchen island the focal point of your space

If you have a large kitchen with lots of open space, there’s no better way to fill it than with a big, beautiful kitchen island. This large, white island offers plenty of extra storage and counter space, and the addition of a sink makes it a functional place to prep meals.

By choosing a bold, dark color for the base of the island, the space feels more like a piece of furniture than a cabinet. The addition of gold hardware and a marble countertop also give this island an elegant, regal feel.

11. Create a kitchen island with a waterfall edge

Instead of leaving the side of your island exposed, you can use the same material to create a waterfall edge. This simple design trick adds a modern touch to your kitchen island and helps tie the look of the island to the rest of the kitchen.

12. Add a kitchen island on wheels to make it multi-functional

If you’re working with a small kitchen, you may be worried that you won’t have room for an island. Luckily, there are many options available for smaller spaces, like a rolling kitchen island.

This one from The DIY Playbook can be wheeled out of the way when it’s not in use, but can also serve as a prepping station, serving area, or even a bar cart when you’re entertaining.

13. Create a kitchen island with a built-in cooktop

For the ultimate kitchen island experience, consider adding a built-in cooktop. This design by Chango & Co. is perfect for those who love to entertain. The cooktop is positioned so you can chat with guests while you cook, and the island is equipped with a second sink and a wine fridge.

14. Add a sink to your kitchen island to make food prep easier

If you have the room, consider adding a sink to your kitchen island. You can use it to wash produce, fill pots with water, and more. Plus, it’s a great way to separate your cooking space from your cleaning space.

In this kitchen designed by Tamsin Johnson, the island is complete with a sink, marble countertop, and brass faucet. The cabinets are also paneled, which adds a cozy touch to the sleek space.

15. Add a kitchen island with storage to make your space more functional

This kitchen designed by Tamsin Johnson is proof that a kitchen island doesn’t have to be massive to be functional. This small kitchen island not only provides extra prep space, but it also features built-in storage.

The shelves on the side of the island keep cutting boards, serving dishes, and other items within reach. Meanwhile, the cabinets in the island provide a spot to tuck away cooking tools and other kitchen gadgets.

16. Create a kitchen island with a built-in wine fridge

The only thing that could make a kitchen island better is a built-in wine fridge. Take a cue from this elegant design by Debra Zinn Interiors and elevate your cooking space with a chic island that features a wine fridge, plenty of storage, and a marble countertop.

17. Add a kitchen island with a built-in microwave

If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen island, consider one with a built-in microwave. This will save you counter space and keep your microwave hidden.

This kitchen island also has a built-in wine cooler and a quartz countertop, so you can easily entertain guests.

18. Make a kitchen island with a built-in trash can

If you’re tired of looking at your kitchen’s trash can, consider adding a slide-out option to your kitchen island. This will help to keep your kitchen looking clean and organized.

The team at Studio McGee added a wooden top to the trash can area in this kitchen island to create a seamless look.

19. Create a kitchen island with a built-in pet feeding station

Your furry friend deserves a special spot in your kitchen, too! A custom-built feeding station on your kitchen island is a great way to keep your pet’s dishes out of the way.

This design from The Refined Group keeps the pet feeding station on the lower level of the island and hides it with a cabinet door when it’s not in use.

20. Add a kitchen island with a built-in bookshelf

If you’re a cookbook collector, you’ll love this kitchen island decor idea. This custom island has a built-in bookshelf where you can store your favorite cookbooks, novels, and more.

Pro tip: Add a decorative touch to the bookshelf by mixing in a few plants and some kitchen accessories, like a cutting board or a salt cellar.

21. Make a kitchen island with a built-in charging station

Create a more functional kitchen island by adding a few outlets. Not only will it provide a convenient place for you to plug in your appliances or charge your phone, but it also means you won’t have to worry about running out of outlets on your backsplash.

This kitchen island by Studio Dearborn features a built-in charging station, as well as a microwave and a small prep sink.

22. Add a kitchen island with a built-in paper towel holder

The kitchen island in this Austin, Texas, home designed by Mark Ashby Design has a built-in paper towel holder. This keeps the paper towels out of sight and off the counter, but still within reach.

23. Create a kitchen island with built-in utensil storage

If you’re tired of digging through your utensil drawer to find what you need, you’re going to love this kitchen island idea. This design by Studio Griffiths features a built-in utensil storage system that makes cooking time a breeze.

The top drawer of the island features a slotted system that keeps all of the utensils organized and within easy reach. The second drawer is a standard drawer, which is perfect for storing things like your cutting boards, trivets, and more.

24. Make a kitchen island with a built-in spice rack

If you’re a fan of cooking, you know that spices are everything. But if you’re tired of digging through your cabinets to find the one you need, then this kitchen island is for you.

This custom kitchen island by Drury Design has a built-in spice rack that keeps everything you need close at hand. The island is also home to a wine fridge, a microwave, and a seating area.

Conclusion

Ready to get to work? Choose a few of your favorite ideas from the gallery, and get started on creating a kitchen island that’s the perfect mix of function and style.