10 Kitchen Island Decor Tips to Level Up Your Kitchen

It may seem obvious to suggest adding chairs to your kitchen island, but you’d be surprised how many people skip this step. If you fall into this category, consider sourcing bar stools or high-top chairs to compliment your island. If you already have seating, this is your sign to switch it up with something new. Select seating with fabric and patterns that pop to help bring the focus to your island space. If time allows, visit some yard or estate sales to source something unique, or check out your local second-hand store for a cool find.

Using contrasting materials, such as wood, metal, brass, glass, and marble or other stone, is a fun way to recreate the look of your kitchen while keeping the island as the center of attention. Take inventory of what you currently own to see if you already have materials that you can mix and match to create eye-bending contrasts that will keep people engaged and curious.

It may require help from a professional (or some extra elbow grease), but creating your own DIY built-in storage can completely change the look and feel of the kitchen. It will provide easy access to grab pots, pans, and hosting supplies whenever you need them. Additionally, your guests will ask where you found such a fantastic piece, to which you can respond, “It’s an original DIY!”

For those who don’t require extra storage, there’s always wood panelling to consider. Incorporating texture into your kitchen island is a great way to make a noticeable change without breaking the bank or hiring a contractor to do the job. All you have to do is find the side panelling that speaks to you and your space, and invest in a caulking tool kit to help apply the design. For a simple option, choose peel-and-stick wallpaper.

Of course, there is always the option to crack open a can of paint and go wild with your own designs to create a new look for your kitchen island. Many colour themes are currently on trend in the home and decor space, which could help inspire your vision, but if all else fails, focusing on the primary colours (red, yellow, and blue) is a great default that not only brighten ups the room, but will have your guests talking too.

We’ve discussed the sides of your kitchen island and the space above it, and now it’s time to address how you can spruce up the top of your island countertop. Reimagine this area by adding onto or replacing the top of the island with a new slab of material. There are many options to consider in this realm, such as refurbishing an old slab of wood or stone, making a design using tile or repurposing an existing material that matches the size of your island.

Stepping away from redesigning the physical island, there are plenty of ways to draw attention in the right direction with other elements, such as a hanging pot rack. Displaying your cookware above or beside your kitchen island has an immediate impact on anyone entering the room. Don’t sweat it if your pots and pans don’t match, lean into the different sizes, colours and hardware to showcase your journey through cooking and entertaining.

Another item that works well functionally and creatively is different cutting boards. From wood to glass, marble, and more, various styles of cutting boards will stand out, providing easy access to store items you use often and simplicity when preparing your next meal. Markets, yard sales, and second-hand stores are great places to search for gently used cutting boards, but if you’re searching for something extra special, you can always reach out to a local designer or kitchen expert to create or source one for you.

Lighting will always produce a talkworthy ambiance, but sometimes it takes more than a chandelier or overhead light to make an island stand out. Instead, elevate your kitchen with interesting portable lighting options, such as LED globes and lanterns, which often allow you to adjust the hue to match the room’s overall ambiance. String lights placed delicately on the island or above it, or candles set in enchanting holders, can create an indoor-outdoor vibe.

For those who don’t have the time or desire to undertake a big kitchen island DIY project, you can always keep it simple with fresh-cut flowers. Adding flowers to your island countertop will bring you joy each time you enter the room and is bound to get the attention of anyone who joins you. They smell great, are low-cost, and offer a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes that allow you to build an exceptional bouquet each time. Replace your vase regularly to help keep the focal point of the island feeling fresh and exciting.