Home » Misc » Patterns for kitchen islands

Patterns for kitchen islands


18 Great DIY Plans for Kitchen Islands

DIY Projects for Kitchens of Any Size

By

Stacy Fisher

Stacy Fisher

Stacy is an expert writer for The Spruce covering home DIY projects and crafts. She has over 18 years of journalistic experience, appearing as a DIY expert on the Dr. Oz Show and several radio shows. She has published hundreds of articles and co-authored a book.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 11/17/22

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

A DIY kitchen island is a great way to add a custom centerpiece to your kitchen and, when done right, can add more value to your home. Extra countertop and storage space are significant benefits, and it doesn't have to be complicated. If you have basic DIY building experience, it is often cheaper to build your own rather than buy a kitchen island. However, if you want to install a sink, dishwasher, or other appliances on your kitchen island, you will need professional help getting your kitchen up to code.

You can find many free DIY kitchen island plans for different features or style elements. Plans include material lists and step-by-step instructions to guide you in building a custom island. For ease, you can make a kitchen island out of stock cabinets as the base and finish it with a countertop.

Size Considerations

The beauty of building a kitchen island yourself is you can modify the plans to adjust the island size, finish, and other aspects, such as accompanying stools or seating. The best size for a kitchen island depends on your available space and needs.

In most cases, an island should meet the minimum of 36 inches tall and 2 x 4 feet in surface space. The galley space or space between the island and cabinets should be at least 42 inches. The average size of the countertop overhang is standard, usually 1 1/2 inches. And, if you plan to add seats, for instance, four stools on one side, plan on having at least 20 to 24 inches of countertop length per stool.

Here are 18 free DIY kitchen island plans to inspire you.

Watch Now: Designer Kitchen Tips

62 Kitchen Island Ideas You'll Want to Copy

By

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson began her career at HGTV where she worked with designers to write about home design. Her work has appeared in HGTV, Insider Reviews, Travel Channel, and more.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 05/11/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

The kitchen is oftentimes the heart of the home. It's where you and your family fuel up for the day, make memories during the holidays, entertain friends and family, and celebrate life's big moments during get-togethers.

Get Inspired by These Kitchen Island Ideas You'll Want to Copy

At the center of the kitchen is the kitchen island, the part of the room that provides an extra spot for meal prepping, cooking, gathering for casual meals or coffee breaks, and even extra storage space. Aside from all its practical uses, the island can also serve as a decorative focal point of the room. We've gathered our top kitchen island ideas, from big to small and simple to over-the-top to help inspire your kitchen design.

The Best Kitchen Islands for Stylish Storage

These Are the Best Brands of Paint for Kitchen Cabinets to Update Your Style

14 successful examples of colorful kitchen islands

Kitchen island remains the privilege of large kitchens (preferably from 20 sq. m) - in them it plays the role of a link between all kitchen areas and their sets. On the kitchen island, you can place a sink, stove, drawers for storing food or kitchen utensils and much more. But the kitchen island is not only a functional unit, it is also a decorative element (very massive, but still), an accent and a focal point in the kitchen. That is why designers propose to emphasize its central location and role in the kitchen with the help of color. Of course, a kitchen island can have the same fronts and countertops as other kitchen furniture, but it is much more interesting to emphasize it using one of the techniques. nine0005

Kitchen island can be a bright accent in the kitchen - if you are attracted by colorful shades, but do not have the courage to use them all over the kitchen surface, apply a contrasting catchy color (lemon, amber, scarlet, coral, etc.) to the front surface of the kitchen island. Also, you can choose a countertop that differs in color and pattern from the main countertop along the work wall. The color of the facade of the kitchen island can be combined with the color of the kitchen apron (or one of its shades, if a pattern or mosaic is used), textiles. You can highlight the island by making its facades just a few shades darker or lighter than the main facades. nine0005

Here are some successful examples of colorful kitchen islands in the kitchen.

In this example, you can see a rather rare combination of blue and green. The color of the facades of the kitchen island is in harmony with the floral pattern on the wallpaper in the kitchen.

1

The kitchen island is not only a very functional unit, but also a great accent in kitchen design. If applying a bright color to all facades seems too bold for you, use it only on the facade of the island. nine0005

A bright kitchen island is best placed in the center of the kitchen, so it won't go unnoticed.

Brightness is a relative concept. In a color-saturated interior, a bright color will not seem too flashy, and in a room with a neutral color scheme, even a rich gray can become a focal point.

The combined island and dining table in the example below create a cohesive design thanks to the common red color. nine0005

Playing with natural wood tones is a designer's favorite trick. Use a dark shade (for example, wenge) on the facades of the island, and bleached oak on the kitchen shades, and the kitchen will sparkle with new colors.

There are many ways to maintain the bright accent color of kitchen island fronts. One of them is wall painting. Due to the fact that most of the walls in the kitchen are covered with kitchen furniture, this combination will not look "too". nine0005

Pistachio shade is an infrequent "guest" in the kitchen. But just look how harmoniously it looks in combination with bright dishes and a wooden countertop of the kitchen island.

Yellow color both on the kitchen island and on the lower facades of the kitchen is a bold and original solution. To balance such a bright “bottom” will help light hanging cabinets, a light ceiling and discreet drawings in the upper part of the room.

Just a few shades different, this island is a self-contained and self-sufficient unit in the kitchen. nine0005

Sky blue for the kitchen - why not? The combination of blue with white and slate gray looks especially good.

The play of fakrut, shades, patterns and materials in this kitchen is amazing. A kitchen island with light turquoise facades and a wenge-colored worktop also played a significant role in creating the finished image.

The dark slate gray color on the facades is a favorite of Western designers lately. A cool gray shade combined with bright accessories is a great combination! nine0005

The kitchen island with a breakfast bar is the clear “favorite” of this room, which in its importance competes only with the unusual tiles on the work surface.

Island kitchens - an overview of kitchen styles, features, colors and materials

Contents

  • Kitchen island design
  • The cost of the kitchen island to order
  • Island kitchen cabinets

    • Best Price Guaranteed!

    Show the calculation from any company - and we are guaranteed to offer cheaper.

    10% discount for orders before January 1, 2023.

    Custom Kitchen Island Ideas Checklist

    A kitchen island is a great example of a kitchen item that can combine both form and function. A kitchen island is essentially a stand-alone counter, usually located in the middle of a kitchen area, that provides access from all four sides. Kitchen islands can serve as a center for both cooking and food preparation, as well as a place to eat, so the photos presented on the site can help determine the ideal idea. This page features our gallery of photos and kitchen island ideas for inspiration. nine0005

    The most common type of kitchen island is the rectangular one, but you don't have to stick to this and you can have the shape that best suits your kitchen space or style, a photo of this is also available online. Rounded, L-shaped and T-shaped islands are a common alternative to rectangles. You can also consider freestanding islands, which are basically tables or carts. This option is suitable for small kitchens, as they do not give a feeling of tightness. nine0005

    Although the main function of the kitchen island is to provide you with additional work space by increasing the countertop area in the kitchen, depending on its other functions, there is a type that will suit everyone's needs. In many types, countertops are combined with furniture at the base. The base can have drawers, open shelves, bookshelves, and cabinets to give you extra storage space and even serve as a display space. Some types serve as specific work areas or points in the kitchen work triangle. These types can include practical kitchen details like secondary sinks, appliance nooks or even stovetops to help you make the most of your space. nine0005

    Go to the catalog of kitchens

    The catalog contains all the factories producing Italian kitchens from inexpensive models to premium and elite ones.

    Kitchen catalog

    Modern kitchens classic kitchens Loft kitchens Kitchen Provence Neoclassical kitchens Art Deco Kitchens

    Kitchen island design

    Cooking oriented kitchen island design includes a hob or stovetop. This style can focus on food preparation and have a large, uninterrupted surface. Some types may also include a sink or dishwasher to help clean up after meals. The island is located in the center of the room, so it can serve as a cooking center, but it can also serve as a center for entertainment and socializing. The island can replace a kitchen table and can have built-in seating so it can serve as an informal dining area and activity hub. nine0005

    A large island may consist of two tiers or spaces, one for work and one for entertainment. There should be enough space in the work area for several people to join in and help prepare the meal. Meanwhile, the entertainment area should provide comfortable seating for people to talk, hang out and interact with the chefs, and once the food is ready, a place to eat it. A photo of such a zone can help determine the choice of the ideal kitchen option for any requirements and financial possibilities. nine0005

    Whatever shape or style you choose for your kitchen island, remember to take into account the amount of space it will take up. Remember that you should be able to maneuver around the island and from there have easy access to the rest of the kitchen. The size, shape and placement of a kitchen island should never obstruct the flow of the kitchen. A photo of the finished version is available to all interested parties, so you can choose the best one online.

    The image above shows a modern classic style kitchen in a neutral color scheme. It features white kitchen cabinets with plain paneling and gray granite countertops with salt and pepper. It also has a large rectangular kitchen island in the middle, finished in dark gray and topped with a thick slab of marble. There is a place on the kitchen island where you can stack three bar stools inside if you don't intend to use them yet. The space is well lit with plenty of windows as well as pendant lights above the island. nine0005

    Custom kitchen islands are a great way to maximize your kitchen's efficiency and storage needs, helping you achieve exactly the style you want. The kitchen design in the image above shows a harmonious balance of warm and cool gray tones. While the walls are finished in a warm grey/brown tone, the cabinets remain in neutral white with a warm gray solid surface that blends in with the walls. Beneath the island's countertop, you'll see three bar stools with cool gray upholstery that help balance the kitchen's warm tones. nine0005

    Custom kitchen island cost

    One of the easiest ways to get a custom kitchen island on a budget is to get creative with the material you use for the countertop. Granite countertops are a stylish, durable and classic choice, but they can be a bit pricey. According to the data, the price of granite fluctuates per square meter. Marble is also another popular material, and its glossy finish is often associated with luxury kitchens – unfortunately, it also comes with a luxury price tag that most people interested in home improvement generally like. nine0005

    If you want the classic and stylish look of granite, marble and other natural stone countertops, but you're not sure you'll spend that much money, quartz countertops are a good alternative. Photos of such options of such options can also be seen on the site. Quartz, also known as artificial stone, is made from a mixture of stone chips, resins and pigments. You can buy quartz countertops at a low price per square meter. These durable countertops come in a wide variety of colors and can convincingly mimic natural stone. nine0005

    One of the most inexpensive materials you can use for custom countertops is laminate. To get a laminate countertop, you will not have to shell out a large amount of money. It's easy to get creative with laminate as it's available in a wide range of colors and patterns. You can even get ones that resemble more expensive materials like granite or marble.

    Perhaps the most economical and easily customizable countertop material option is tile. In order to use tiles on a countertop, you must allocate a certain amount of money per square meter of countertop. Countertop tiles can be ceramic, porcelain or stone and are durable and easy to clean and maintain. They are also beautiful and available in a wide variety of colors, sizes and patterns - they can be easily customized. Photos of such additions to the kitchen are available to all interested parties. nine0005

    Tiles allow you to be creative and create a unique look for your countertop. You can play around with the types of tiles you use by mixing different colors and mixing different patterns to create a design that suits your tastes. You can even create a mosaic to really make sure you have a unique, one-of-a-kind work surface.

    Wooden or artificial wooden butcher block countertops are also relatively cheap options. These wood countertops will work very well if you are looking for a rustic or country style kitchen. They also help to add some homely warmth to a "cold" kitchen. nine0005

    This kitchen features beautiful natural wood worktops with rich dark blue cabinetry and brushed brass pendant lighting.

    Quarter circle island counter is the perfect addition to your kitchen space. Made from drywall with a white granite counter top, this area doubles as a vanity area, an additional prep surface, and a small dining/breakfast area. A kitchen island layout with a sink can be a great help when cooking and cleaning. The dark wenge-stained bar stools contrast well with the white countertops, and the red upholstery matches the red accents in the rest of the kitchen. nine0005

    Quite a large kitchen directly adjoining the dining room, which has a large kitchen island. Has two levels. The lower part of the island with a standard countertop height has a kitchen sink and built-in dishwasher, while the larger and upper part of the island serves as an additional cooking area and additional lunch/breakfast space. The entire kitchen uses a gorgeous white Himalayan granite countertop. This large custom kitchen island showcases a two-tier design with a breakfast bar at one end and a food prep area at the other side. nine0005

    Island kitchen cabinets

    Remember that the kitchen island is, first of all, the main working area. Thus, a kitchen island countertop can include a sink or even an oven. The base of a kitchen island can also have a number of unique and functional elements such as drawers, cabinets and other storage areas.

    Incorporating built-in cabinetry into the base of your kitchen island is another great way to customize your work area. Another benefit of having cabinets based on your island is that you have storage space close at hand. This makes cooking easier and can help you maximize the available space in your kitchen. nine0005

    There are three main types of cabinets. These are standard, semi-custom and non-standard. Make sure you choose the type of cabinet that suits your taste and overall kitchen design. Standard cabinets are also known as budget cabinets, and as the name suggests, they are the most economical cabinet option. You can get a standard cabinet. A standard cabinet can be purchased pre-assembled or pre-assembled from home stores.

    While standard cabinets may be the most convenient choice, they tend to be limited in terms of style or colors available.

    Learn more