Embrace Your Inner Chef With 16 Michelin Star-Worthy Kitchen Islands
Words by Laura Dahlgren
Photography by Michael Clifford; Design by Jake Arnold
If a kitchen is the heart of the home, consider an island the central artery.
More than just a place to prep, it acts as a natural gathering zone while providing ample storage and extra seating. An opportunity to incorporate some architectural interest into your kitchen, details like scale, shape, and material all factor into making maximum impact.
From organization ideas to bespoke, built-in elements, our Experts have the secret ingredient to creating a space that turns up the heat. Go island hopping with 16 ideas courtesy of our designers.
Photography by Caitlin Atkinson; Styling by Emily Edith Bowser; Design by And And And Studio
Take a Shelfie
Typically utilized as a space to stow stools, And And And Studio transformed the underside of this island into a mini-gallery. More than just a clever solution to display treasured décor, these handy shelves double as stylish cookbook storage when not in use.
Book a consultation with And And And Studio
Photography by Laure Joliet; Styling by Merisa Libbey; Design by Another Human
Butter Up Your Prep Space
Take a page from Another Human’s book and wrap your kitchen island and walls in an optimistic shade of buttery yellow. Not only does it give the room a joyful edge—it’s impossible not to wake up on the right side of the bed when your morning coffee is enjoyed in a sunny space.
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Photography by Nicole Franzen; Design by Bunsa Studio
Go Chasing Waterfalls
Nothing feels quite as sleek as a waterfall edge. The stone steals the show in this contemporary pad by Bunsa Studio, while the extra-wide proportions of the island translate into miles of precious counter space.
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Photography by Michael Clifford; Design by Lauren Nelson Design
Embrace the Eat-In
Ditch the dining room and go all in on your eat-in kitchen. In this glamorous island designed by Lauren Nelson, the built-in table offers a separate spot for everything from breakfast waffles to after-dinner homework while keeping the countertops clear of clutter. As a bonus, the asymmetrical shape makes a strong statement.
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Photography by James McDonald; Design by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio
Adjust Your Frame of Mind
Moldings are an easy and elegant way to incorporate texture and visual interest into your kitchen island. Picture frame trim, as seen in this ornate space designed by Martin Brudnizki, adds timeless character.
Book a consultation with Martin Brudnizki
Photography by Erin McGinn; Design by Moore House Design
Turn the Tables on Traditional Islands
Moore House Design swapped the traditional island for an antique farm table in this rustic country kitchen. Transforming the architectural beam into a handy pot rack is a practical way to further elevate the space.
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Photography by Lindsay Brown; Design by Avery Cox Design
Put Functionality at the Forefront
No island is complete without an accompanying seat. Embracing practicality, Avery Cox designed these stools to fold in and out of the way when not in use, improving the kitchen’s flow and functionality.
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Photography by Michael Clifford; Design by Jake Arnold
Play All Sides
Often a forgotten space, Jake Arnold transformed the sides of this island into highly coveted kitchen storage. Perfect for stashing dishes when not in use, it makes an artful arrangement out of a normally unused area.
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Photography by Lauren Miller; Design by Ashley Montgomery Design
Remember Good Things Come in Small Packages
As Ashley Montgomery exhibits, no space is too small for an island of its own. A petite prep station adds functionality no matter the room size.
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Photography by Nicole Franzen; Styling by Katja Greeff; Design by And Studio
Give Power to the Pendant
Good lighting is crucial to any kitchen. Centering three airy pendants above your countertop, as demonstrated here by And Studio, is a sleek and functional way to punctuate your island. Bonus: a towel bar tucked away to the side offers practical storage.
Book a consultation with And Studio
Photography by Chris Mottalini; Design by Husband Wife
Make Minimal Magic
Serenity reigns supreme in this tranquil kitchen designed by Husband Wife. A refuge away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the sleek island conceals clutter with its handy drawers, allowing any minimalist’s mind to rest easy, while the chef-quality stainless steel finish gives the space a professional feel.
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Photography by Malissa Mabey; Design by Susannah Holmberg Studios
Soften Your Edges
Great for flow, rounded edges lend a soulful feeling to your cooking space. Susannah Holmberg mirrored the shape in the island’s base for a tranquil kitchen that isn’t afraid to show its softer side.
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Photography courtesy of Susie Atkinson Design
Get Cushy
A cozy loveseat doesn’t just wrap the sitter in comfort and support, it’s a fun opportunity to punctuate your kitchen with pattern by way of punchy textiles—as seen in this cottage-inspired space by Susie Atkinson.
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Photography courtesy of Whittney Parkinson Design
Build-in Your Banquette
Get inspired to grab the booth side anytime you want with this design by Whittney Parkinson boasting a bistro-style settee built right into the island. Paired with a classic kitchen table, it lends a practical touch while elevating the room with a bespoke feel.
Book a consultation with Whittney Parkinson
Photography by Nate Sheets; Design by KOBEL + CO
Open Up Your Shelf Space
Incorporating open shelves into your prep space is a great way to add a fresh feel to your kitchen. KOBEL + CO paired this airy island with a rattan light fixture, resulting in a breezy room with easy access to every cooking essential.
Book a consultation with KOBEL + CO
Photography by Felix Forest; Design by Handelsmann + Khaw
Look Up to Down Lighting
More than just a statement-making fixture, fixed surface mounts like the ones seen in this serene kitchen by Handelsmann + Khaw, offer unrivaled directional light—perfect for any chef in need of a bright spot.
Book a consultation with Handelsmann + Khaw