Dress Up Your Kitchen Island

The kitchen island or peninsula is often the home's hub, where family and friends gather to help with the cooking (or just the eating). This central position makes it an important design feature and a great place to add personality to your kitchen. Re-dressing the island can provide a dramatic face-lift on any budget.

1. Color

Looking to expand your palette but hesitant to make a big splash? Repainting just the island (or even only one side) adds a dash of drama without the effect of visually shrinking the space that can come from dark or vivid cabinetry. Pair the island with contrasting bar stools for even more life.

Snimay blue modern lacquer kitchen cabinet - ENO

2. Wood

Another way to lighten an island visually is to simply match its faces to the flooring material so the two blends together. Letting wood or laminate wrap around the island is unexpected but warm and inviting without being heavy.
If you have leftover flooring after a renovation (most often there would be enough for at least one face of the island), consider using it to wrap an island.

Contemporary wood veneer kitchen cabinet with island - RAFFEL

3. Furniture Styling

Giving an island furniture-like details makes it feel even more like its own little hub of activity separate from the functional cabinets around it. Even an existing island can get an upgrade by putting legs or feet on the exterior.
You'll want to add leg detailing before painting (that is, during construction) to have the finish match perfectly.

Snimay Popular kitchen design with storage cast - Jane

4. Molding

Another way to achieve a furniture-like appearance is to embellish the island’s faces and corners with molding. This provides a sense of elegance that's essential to transitional kitchens. It's a good long-term investment since the stately look will likely stay in demand.

5. Island Cart

This one is a bit of a cheat since you'll have to replace your fixed island altogether, but if it's beyond salvaging (or if you don't have one to start with), subbing a free-standing cart lends a real chefs kitchen vibe and a more open look.

Snimay modern minimalism handless kitchen cabinet with Island - welsey

6. LED Lighting

Install LED lighting strips to the underside of the island counter, the base, or both to bring a fun modern element and extra brightness to the whole space.

7. Hardware

One last idea: Upgrade the hardware. Brass is an unstoppable trend in kitchen design, and a little gold-toned hardware will give your kitchen a new feel with no need for a hammer or paintbrush. To re-create this look, also consider using a few dummy drawer or door fronts to dress the back of your island.

Snimay High gloss large laminate kitchen with island – north sunshine