10 Ways to Give Your Kitchen Island a Facelift
Use lighting, cladding or a lick of paint to revamp your kitchen staple
Jo Simmons
13 February 2016
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
Kitchen islands typically work really hard, simultaneously containing storage and vital appliances while also providing space for sitting and eating. An island also, by definition, tends to sit centrally in a cook space, which means there’s no missing it. So perhaps it’s time to treat yours to a facelift. From changing the handles to cladding it in glowing brass or copper, there are heaps of ways to reinvent this kitchen staple.
Try new handles
Replacing the handles is a brilliant and inexpensive way to give your island a fresh feel. Source new handles in an on-trend material, such as brass, or something more unusual, such as leather.
You don’t have to be restricted to using handles of the same size, either – simply fill the holes created to secure the original handles and touch them up with a tiny dot of paint (hopefully, you’ll still have the original colour knocking around in a tin or on a paint card somewhere).
Replacing the handles is a brilliant and inexpensive way to give your island a fresh feel. Source new handles in an on-trend material, such as brass, or something more unusual, such as leather.
You don’t have to be restricted to using handles of the same size, either – simply fill the holes created to secure the original handles and touch them up with a tiny dot of paint (hopefully, you’ll still have the original colour knocking around in a tin or on a paint card somewhere).
Add some panels
Simple tongue-and-groove panelling brings texture and graphic detail to an island. It works in a cottage-style scheme, but if used with rich colour, it can look fresh and contemporary, too.
Simple tongue-and-groove panelling brings texture and graphic detail to an island. It works in a cottage-style scheme, but if used with rich colour, it can look fresh and contemporary, too.
Clothe it in metal
Sheet brass or copper can transform a kitchen island from the workaday to something wonderful. To keep costs down, try covering just the side of the island that’s seen from most angles, or max the luxe and cover the entire piece.
Sheet brass or copper can transform a kitchen island from the workaday to something wonderful. To keep costs down, try covering just the side of the island that’s seen from most angles, or max the luxe and cover the entire piece.
Change the colour
Simple but effective, painting your island a new colour will quickly change its appearance. Try a contrasting bold shade to help it stand out against a pale scheme.
This is a no-risk way to introduce colour to a kitchen without the room-shrinking effect that can result if you paint all the units a dark shade.
Simple but effective, painting your island a new colour will quickly change its appearance. Try a contrasting bold shade to help it stand out against a pale scheme.
This is a no-risk way to introduce colour to a kitchen without the room-shrinking effect that can result if you paint all the units a dark shade.
Light it up
Fitting LED lighting strips to an island will brighten it up and mark it out as a feature. Fix them below the worktop or at the base, tucked above the kickboard, for a chic, contemporary feel and to give your island a fun glow.
Fitting LED lighting strips to an island will brighten it up and mark it out as a feature. Fix them below the worktop or at the base, tucked above the kickboard, for a chic, contemporary feel and to give your island a fun glow.
Include mirror insets
Slim strips of mirror inset into your island will lift its appearance and create eye-catching reflections. They can easily be attached using a super-strong grab adhesive.
Slim strips of mirror inset into your island will lift its appearance and create eye-catching reflections. They can easily be attached using a super-strong grab adhesive.
Swap for a salvaged piece
Consider repurposing a piece of salvaged furniture and using it as an additional island or, if your existing piece has seen better days, a replacement. This handsome island makes a striking focal point and is, in fact, an old printing block.
Inventive repurposing ideas
Consider repurposing a piece of salvaged furniture and using it as an additional island or, if your existing piece has seen better days, a replacement. This handsome island makes a striking focal point and is, in fact, an old printing block.
Inventive repurposing ideas
Clad it with reclaimed timber
Old floorboards have been used to clad this island, lending it masses of texture and personality. This is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly option, and will bring a rustic twist to any scheme.
Old floorboards have been used to clad this island, lending it masses of texture and personality. This is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly option, and will bring a rustic twist to any scheme.
Build in some baskets
Reorganise an open storage space on your island by sweeping books and bits into baskets that slot neatly on each shelf. Baskets are inexpensive, so this is a change you can make quickly and then rethink again in the future.
Kitchen storage tips
Reorganise an open storage space on your island by sweeping books and bits into baskets that slot neatly on each shelf. Baskets are inexpensive, so this is a change you can make quickly and then rethink again in the future.
Kitchen storage tips
Install new doors
Modifying a solid door so it contains a see-through inset can give an island depth and prevent it from looking so ‘solid’. The doors on this island have a fine wire mesh front to give them the look of a traditional pantry. Clear glass would work just as well.
TELL US
Have you modified your kitchen island? Tell us about it in the Comments.
MORE
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Designing Your Kitchen Island
My Island Home: 10 Kitchen Islands for Families
Modifying a solid door so it contains a see-through inset can give an island depth and prevent it from looking so ‘solid’. The doors on this island have a fine wire mesh front to give them the look of a traditional pantry. Clear glass would work just as well.
TELL US
Have you modified your kitchen island? Tell us about it in the Comments.
MORE
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Designing Your Kitchen Island
My Island Home: 10 Kitchen Islands for Families
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Lovely ideas. Can we get some ideas for benchtop transformations also, I presently have laminex but would like to see what options I have for new top or going over top!
Best tip I ever received when rebuilding our kitchen was to *not* put a sink or any appliances on the island. So, we have a 200mm x 200mm uninterrupted surface on which to lay out maps, stitch curtains, serve buffets, ice wedding cakes and wrap large Christmas presents. It's invaluable.