Kitchen islands are a hot topic of debate among the design community these days. While some say the feature is a thing of the past, others couldn't live without the extra counter and storage space. Even among the kitchen island devotees, there is much to discuss, namely: Do you need one or two? And of course: What kind of kitchen island is right for you? If you’re firmly on Team Kitchen Island and are looking for modern ideas to refresh or build your dream cookspace, you’ve come to the right place.
The best thing about kitchen islands—apart from their functionality—is that there are countless styles to suit your design preferences. And while faux-farmhouse Tuscan kitchen islands can take Millenials straight back to their childhoods, modern kitchen islands create a fresh, invigorating space for everything from brewing morning coffee to meal prepping. Here, we’ve collected all of the clean, yet impactful, styles worth considering for your next kitchen makeover. From a countertop with a waterfall edge to a dramatically veined stone, these kitchen island ideas aren’t just practical—they’re also stunning centerpieces for your kitchen.
White Counter With Soft Black Millwork

In this kitchen, Imparfait Design Studio cofounder Rebekah Zaveloff created a moody, yet charming, island with white countertops and soft black millwork. “It was inspired by a vintage shop counter with two sets of glass cabinet doors and seating on the side opposite the range,” the designer says.
The custom cabinetry is painted in Railings by Farrow & Ball, “which is this perfect shade of black with just the right blue undertone that can go navy in a certain light,” Zaveloff says. “For the countertop, we chose Bianco Superiore Leather Quartzite... The combination creates that sophisticated, British-inspired look we were after—something grown-up and urbane rather than suburban.”
Calacatta Marble With Plum & Gold Veining

Go bold with a dramatically veined material, like in this kitchen by Laura McCroskey and Leann Lynn of McCroskey Interiors. The design duo chose Calacatta turquoise antique marble with veining in plum and gold, giving the small-but-mighty kitchen a rich, European feel.
Waterfall-Edge Island

No kitchen island style offers a sleeker look than the waterfall-edge countertop island, where the countertop material extends down one or both sides for a seamless, flowing look. For the five-seat island in this kitchen, the LTA Interiors design team chose honed quartzite that has depth and intrigue but is not too bold. Natural white oak cabinetry and flooring ensures the space feels warm. (Even TikTok’s most viral couple chose this style for their kitchen renovation!)
Fluted Island

Add fluted detailing to the base cabinet for texture and architectural interest, as designer Alexis Vitale of Vitale Design Group did in this kitchen. Along with the warm wend wood cabinetry, Vitale chose leathered quartzite countertops, which “bring an organic, tactile element that grounds the space,” the she says. “The result is a harmonious blend of clean lines, earthy tones, and elevated materiality.”
Two-Tiered Island

If you love the idea of bar seating but want some separation between the dining and food prep areas, go for a two-tired island. In this kitchen by designer Amy Kalikow, the split-level island with Taj Mahal stone puts space between the dining portion of the island and the hardworking portion with a sink—making each feel distinct and intentional. Better yet, the island has drawers built into the second tier for easy access to extra storage.
Double Island

Another way to ensure separation? Build two islands—that is, if you have the space. Let one island be the go-to spot for bar seating and the other remain a place for storage and decor. The sleek setup in this kitchen by designer Hilary Matt is especially good for hosting, as the nearer island makes an excellent spot for laying out an impressive food spread.
Barcelo Cream Marble & Walnut

Anyone into antiques with a modern twist should consider taking a page from this kitchen, designed and owned by Chandler and Jeremy Quarles of Peach & Pine Interiors. The 10-foot island features Barcelo Cream marble for the counters, which is “a bit harder, [and] more user friendly than many marble species,” says Chandler. “It has been easy to use and maintain!” The solid walnut base includes a mix of open shelving and cabinets for ample storage.
Bold Lacquered Cabinets & Quartz Counters

Bring a pop of color into the kitchen with lacquered cabinetry and quartz counters. For this kitchen in a New Jersey home, designer Sasha Bikoff mixed a custom green paint to bring the backyard's greenery inside.
Dark Brown Base With White Counter

For a contrasting, yet soft, combination, pair a white counter with millwork stained in dark brown. In this kitchen, designer Whittney Parkinson elevated the neutral color palette with textured bar stools from Serena & Lily.
Subway Tile With Quartzite Counters

Opt for classic quartzite counters—then have fun with paint and tile, as Zaveloff did in this kitchen. “The lower cabinetry and trim/moulding on the island is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Narragansett Green, which we paired with a 3x6 field tile from Waterworks in a similar hue,” Zaveloff says. The counter “mellows out the rich shades of teal and adds lasting natural beauty to the overall concept.”
White and Gold

Keep the kitchen’s focal point light but elevated with white and gold materials. Take note of this island by designer Allison Handler, who used Michelangelo Gold Quartzite for the counter. Custom slim shaker profile cabinets by Cora Cabinetry painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Egret White with Armac Martin hardware complete the look.
Table-Style Island

Want an island than feels more like a table? Have the counter hang over the base of the island and add legs to the corners for a table-style look. The island in this kitchen by designer Michelle Murphy of DEMI RYAN features Silestone Calacatta gold and a black base for a contrasting look.
Island & Table Hybrid

Can’t decide between a dining table and an island? You don’t have to with this style that melds the two. Designer Nicole Hirsch selected quartzite in a polished finish for the higher part of the island in this kitchen. “We wanted to create a point of difference in the material on the dining table part that cantilevers off the island, so we used a very clean piece of white quartz,” she says. “The pedestal on the dining table portion is a custom millwork cylinder we painted in a bright white to match the table top.”
Partial Waterfall-Edge Island

If you like the look of a waterfall-edge island but want it to feel a little lighter, incorporate an opening. For this kitchen, OWIU Design created a custom island made of silver travertine and natural white oak. On one end, a cutout with solid white oak detailing makes the island feel airy rather than imposing.