Believe it or not, installing or upgrading a kitchen island in your new kitchen is smart. Indeed, many house-selling experts believe that the kitchens that draw the attention of buyers are the ones that have an “eye-catching” kitchen island. Moreover, other real estate agents and designers say a kitchen island is a must-have element in the kitchen.

Islands look incredible, save space, and provide extra functionality and storage – especially a large kitchen island. Needless to say, this kitchen remodeling improvement creates the overall appeal of a more luxurious kitchen.

Whether you plan to sell or not right now, it’s always a good idea to make your property more appealing while boosting its long-term value or cost. Kitchen islands are not generally expensive compared to your average home or bathroom and kitchen remodeling. It’s generally a safe bet for a high Return on Investment. This is especially true if you consider aesthetic value.

Investing in a kitchen island for your kitchen remodeling can be a wise decision for various reasons, combining the costs with practicality and aesthetic appeal. Here’s a breakdown of why kitchen islands are considered a good investment:

Increased Functionality

• Additional Storage: Kitchen islands often come with built-in cabinets and drawers, providing extra storage space for cookware, utensils, and other kitchen essentials.
• Workspace Expansion: The added countertop space on an island offers more room for food preparation, making it easier to cook and bake with convenience.

Enhanced Social Interaction

• Gathering Hub: Kitchen islands serve as a natural gathering point for family and guests. It encourages social interaction, allowing people to engage in conversations while meals are being prepared.
• Entertaining Space: The versatility of a kitchen island makes it an ideal spot for serving and enjoying meals, turning your kitchen into an entertainment hub.

Versatility in Design

• Customization Options: Kitchen islands come in various styles, materials, and designs, allowing homeowners to tailor them to their specific tastes and layouts for the kitchen remodel.
• Multi-functional Features: Some islands can be equipped with additional features such as built-in sinks, cooktops, or seating areas, enhancing the overall functionality of the kitchen.

Home Value Boost

• Increased Resale Appeal: A well-designed and functional kitchen, including a stylish island, can significantly enhance the overall appeal of your home, potentially increasing its resale value.
• Modern Kitchen Trends: Kitchen islands are often seen as a symbol of a modern and well-equipped kitchen, which can attract potential homebuyers.

Efficient Workflow

• Traffic Flow Improvement: Islands can be strategically placed to improve the overall flow of kitchen traffic, making it easier and more efficient to move around the space.
• Centralized Workstation: With the right design, a kitchen island can serve as a centralized workstation, allowing for a smoother cooking process by keeping everything within arm’s reach.

Aesthetic Impact

• Visual Focal Point: A well-designed kitchen island can serve as a visual focal point, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your kitchen and creating a more inviting atmosphere.
• Personalization: The addition of a kitchen island provides an opportunity to showcase your personal style and design preferences, contributing to the overall ambiance of your home.

Given below are the top and most trending kitchen island ideas for your kitchen remodeling project. They would provide a modern and traditional look of the kitchen.

Modern Farmhouse Island

An old farmhouse and a modern farmhouse have one thing in common, they both look rustic. That is the way your modern kitchen would also look with a farmhouse island. It would be done in a contemporary way by a professional kitchen remodeler. But still, be rustic and sophisticated. The style of the island is warm and inviting. It would provide plenty of space for guests and has a functional storage capacity for dishes, new appliances, and other cooking utensils. Modern Farmhouse Islands need a broader scope of the area and an open kitchen for appropriate spacing.

Cabinet Colors and Design

New cabinets are the main attraction as they must match in a way that suits your kitchen. On the safer side, people always try to select a white-colored cabinet as they look classy and sexy. Yet now colored cabinets are being swapped out for different colors and even upgraded with frames and intricate details. In which the frames can be colored to give a luxurious look. You can take suggestions from professionals at DMV Kitchen and Bath especially when you search for an experienced kitchen remodeling contractor. Their team is known as one of the leading bathroom and kitchen remodeling companies.

Two-tone Islands

The kitchen with neutral colors looks great. Colors like grey, white, and black look appealing and formal. If your kitchen remodel features cabinets with a two-tone design, opting for a classic color on your island can make your kitchen look spacious. And you know what, it will not even transform the personality of your space. And if there is natural light on your kitchen island, tone your cabinets with darker and more vibrant colors.  A two-tone island can be created by making the island cabinets a different color than the rest of the cabinetry and the same countertop or… changing the cabinetry color, design, and countertop.

Round Kitchen Islands

Whenever we plan for a kitchen remodeling project, the shape that comes to mind is rectangular or square. Have you ever wondered how a round-edge kitchen island would look? Just imagine it. Looks excellent, huh! A round kitchen island is unheard of and will draw the eyes of your guests. In a round kitchen, fewer corners will give an informal and flowing look. It turns out to be more space-saving and safer with kids running around.  Though storage capacity will not be as high as a fully rectangular or square island, a round kitchen island is a great way to add sitting space.  This is also a great way to Feng Shui your house.

Countertop Elegance

Quartz, granite, marble, or sandstone. They never get old. They are still the tougher ones and are loved by everyone, especially kitchen remodeling contractors. If you are remodeling your kitchen island, then one would surely suggest you use a quartz countertop. Quartz and granite are very hard, easy to maintain, anti-microbial, and last forever. Nowadays, you can find different colors of natural stone easily. For finding the best quality of Quartz you should take the help of bathroom and kitchen remodeling contractors such as DMV Kitchen and Bath.

Butcher Block Island

The word “Butcher” can strike many images in your head. But don’t worry it won’t be as dangerous as it sounds. On this type of island, it would provide a separate workspace for cutting vegetables, fruits, and meats while cooking. These islands are trending in kitchen remodeling nowadays because they are cheap, easy to maintain, and give a warm feeling. They look great when you pair them with kitchen counters made of quartz, marble, or sandstone.

In the past 2 years, it’s been trending to use a wood countertop for a butcher block island. The only downside to using wood is that you might have to change your countertop sooner than you would a harder surface.  Wood countertops will give your kitchen a natural farm-style feel. If you decide to install wood countertops, make sure you learn how to maintain them for maximum durability.  Ask your kitchen remodeler for suggestions.

Minimalist Island

Just to clarify, minimalistic renovation does not mean simple and boring kitchen remodeling features.  When designed correctly, this style will make your kitchen look and feel superior.

With these types of islands, the kitchen looks sleek and contemporary. They provide you with more storage space and add the additional benefit of a kitchen that is less cluttered. In essence, a minimalist kitchen island achieves a sense of spaciousness through intentional design choices prioritizing functionality, simplicity, and efficient use of space. This style is great if you constantly need sitting space, for instance, if you constantly host large groups or if your family enjoys gathering in the kitchen while the meals are being prepared.

Island with Rolling Cart

If you need a versatile island for your kitchen remodel, then a rolling island is the perfect option for you. If you must entertain more guests, then roll it out and lock it back into place when finished. You can position it anywhere in your kitchen and designate storage space depending on your needs. You can even use it to store some of your utensils or bottles of wine.

The popularity of large kitchen islands can be attributed to their versatility, social appeal, enhanced storage, and contribution to the overall aesthetics of a home. As kitchen remodeling design continues to evolve, the large kitchen island layout remains a key element, seamlessly blending style and functionality in modern living spaces.

Open-Concept Island

A seamless design that integrates the island with the overall kitchen space, often with open shelving or glass cabinets for a spacious and airy feel. Equipped with ample storage, built-in appliances, and often topped with elegant countertops, the open-concept large kitchen island not only enhances practicality but also elevates the overall design of the kitchen, offering a versatile and welcoming environment for both culinary pursuits and gatherings with friends and family. It’s a worthwhile kitchen remodel idea to consider.

Two-Tiered Island

Characterized by its dual-level surface, this island provides a dynamic workspace that caters to diverse culinary activities. The lower tier, typically designated for food preparation, allows for easy access to ingredients and utensils, while the elevated upper tier serves as a convenient space for casual dining and additional seating. The two-tiered large kitchen island promotes seamless integration of cooking and socializing while keeping everyone safe.  One complaint we constantly get from clients regarding their island with sitting and working space is that they often splash food on guests as they cook.

This forces them to have to move to a different section of the kitchen to prepare their meals; which defeats the purpose of having sitting space on the island.  The Two-tiered island is the perfect solution to this problem, making it a versatile centerpiece that enhances both the efficiency and sociability of the culinary space.

Waterfall Edge Island

This distinctive feature is characterized by a continuous countertop material that extends seamlessly down the sides of the island, resembling a cascading waterfall. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the waterfall edge serves as a design statement that can elevate the overall look and feel of the kitchen. Often crafted with high-quality materials like marble or quartz, the smooth, uninterrupted flow of the waterfall edge exudes a luxurious and sleek ambiance. This style also serves well if your focal point is your island.  Fewer cabinets will allow you to drape your island with stone, quartz, or granite, as shown in the picture.  This will turn the heads of guests.  We have helped clients turn kitchen islands into pieces of art in their kitchen remodeling dreams.

Multi-Functional Island

Serving as the epicenter of the kitchen, it seamlessly combines practicality with versatility, featuring integrated appliances, ample storage, and dedicated work surfaces. This island is designed to accommodate not only meal preparation but also functions as a breakfast bar, casual dining spot, or even a home office. With built-in sinks, cooktops, and additional features, it transforms into a culinary workstation that caters to diverse cooking needs. For this to succeed, be sure to contact professional kitchen contractors near me.

Floating Large Kitchen Island

This concept is characterized by an open and elevated base, creating a visually striking effect that enhances the overall sense of spaciousness. Utilizing materials like glass or lucite for the supporting legs contributes to a barely-there look, emphasizing the illusion of the island floating effortlessly in the air. The incorporation of a cantilevered countertop or a waterfall edge further accentuates the contemporary elegance of the design.

This sleek and minimalist approach not only adds a touch of architectural interest to the kitchen remodel but also allows for creative integration of appliances and concealed storage, maintaining a clean and uncluttered appearance. Illuminated by discreet LED lighting and often featuring a monochromatic color scheme, a floating large island becomes a central focal point, seamlessly combining form and function in a space that exudes modern sophistication.

Floating Island

Suspended above the floor without visible supports, this style of complete large kitchen island creates a visually striking and light-filled atmosphere for your kitchen remodel. Its floating appearance not only lends an illusion of spaciousness but also allows easy cleaning around and beneath the island. This kitchen remodel design often incorporates open shelving or hidden storage, contributing to its clean and uncluttered aesthetic. One way to enhance the illusion even further is to add light under the island.  This will scream elegance.

Remember, the best kitchen remodel design for your large kitchen island project depends on your personal preferences, the overall style of your kitchen, and the functional needs of your household. Consider the traffic flow, available space, and how you envision using the island in your daily activities during the planning process. As kitchen design continues to evolve, the large kitchen island remains a key element, seamlessly blending style and functionality in modern living spaces.

Get your personalized free estimate from DMV Kitchen and Bath as they have a team of licensed kitchen and bathroom remodeling contractors to provide you with any helpful information and services you may need.