Face First: Kitchen Islands Showing Off Their Best Side
Make more of your kitchen island with a look-at-me front that adds fun, flair or function
Open-plan living areas are forging on as the layout of choice in modern homes and extensions, and kitchen islands are usually what separates the living and dining areas from the cooking zone. It makes sense, then, to let that island shine. The island front, which faces the living and dining area, is particularly prime real estate that’s often neglected as a means to enhance the personality of many an open-plan space. Take inspiration from these island wonders for your next kitchen reno.
The island adds the interest and character this contemporary space needs to make it feel more homey.
Tiling the front of your island with graphic or whimsical tiles says a whole lot more about your personal style than one that simply matches the kitchen cabinetry.
The on-trend geometric island tiles are just one of the unexpected features that turn this Melbourne home into a standout.
See more of this home
See more of this home
Here, cheery floral tiles are the star of this kitchen, and give this coastal home a fresh and happy vibe. Had the homeowners opted for an island face in the white or grey/blue found in the rest of the space, the kitchen would still have been lovely, but just not as inviting.
The island face is even more of a feature as it’s so visible from the sunken living area alongside.
Texture
The right island face can add more than just good looks to an open-plan area, as this touchable treatment shows. This Perth home is a new build but the homeowners used recycled materials wherever possible in its construction.
The island was made using timber from an outbuilding demolished to make room for the house, the cabinets are from a restaurant being refurbished, and the owners found the antique pressed tin – bent and warped – in a salvage yard. Once straightened out and nailed into place, the pressed tin delivered just the look they were after on their kitchen island.
The right island face can add more than just good looks to an open-plan area, as this touchable treatment shows. This Perth home is a new build but the homeowners used recycled materials wherever possible in its construction.
The island was made using timber from an outbuilding demolished to make room for the house, the cabinets are from a restaurant being refurbished, and the owners found the antique pressed tin – bent and warped – in a salvage yard. Once straightened out and nailed into place, the pressed tin delivered just the look they were after on their kitchen island.
Recycled pressed tin fits in perfectly with the other recycled treasures making magic in this inventive home.
Take a look around
Take a look around
Adding texture to a smooth kitchen is often a move that works, but it can also be a smart idea when other textures come into play. The timber island front in this kitchen makes the rustic brick splashback work rather than it standing out like a sore thumb.
In a relatively narrow space, the kitchen is far from bland thanks to the timber-clad island, and the character-rich space fits in well with the rest of the extension.
Design flair
The kitchen island is an opportunity to step away from vanilla versions of kitchens and do something original. This island features the same materials as the rest of the kitchen, but hovers above the floor.
The kitchen island is an opportunity to step away from vanilla versions of kitchens and do something original. This island features the same materials as the rest of the kitchen, but hovers above the floor.
The design adds to the sense of space in an otherwise enclosed urban environment.
See more of this Melbourne home
See more of this Melbourne home
A panel of limed ply over the timber island front adds flair to this daring kitchen, without going over the top.
The angles, colours and materials used in the kitchen continue through the rest of the home. The slatted wall facing the kitchen can pivot open completely.
Take the tour
Take the tour
Why be humble when you can go all out and add some serious designer edge with an island that glows?
Combined with the use of plenty of golden timber, the lighting makes this kitchen/dining area a place you want to be.
Function
When there’s a spot for cookbooks, cabinets for storage, space for seating, and a wine fridge, your kitchen island is worth every penny you spend on it.
When there’s a spot for cookbooks, cabinets for storage, space for seating, and a wine fridge, your kitchen island is worth every penny you spend on it.
The books add colour to this open-plan London addition, and make the area a little friendlier. And isn’t that the goal? An easy-to-use kitchen that’s warm and welcoming?
This sleek kitchen makes use of American oak cabinetry and recessed, dark-stained jarrah timber to give the island a floating effect. Note the powerpoint built into the front of the island – just the addition the plugged-in modern family needs.
YOUR SAY
How have you given your kitchen island some added personality to match you and your home? How has it enhanced your space? Tell us in the Comments below.
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Browse more kitchen island ideas
YOUR SAY
How have you given your kitchen island some added personality to match you and your home? How has it enhanced your space? Tell us in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more kitchen island ideas
These classic tiles enhance the Hamptons-style aesthetic of this Sydney home, adding a welcoming dose of pattern in complementary tones.