Dining Room + Kitchen
26 kitchen island decor ideas you should try today
Islands provide lots of opportunities to customize the look and feel of your kitchen. From distinctive themes to chic kitchenware displays to colorful design concepts, these kitchen island decor ideas should give you the inspiration you need to create the perfect look for your unique space.
1. Try a bowl display
Bowl decorations are a great way to spruce up your kitchen island. Try filling them with ceramic or glass balls for an elegant touch or with fresh fruit for a vibrant look.
2. Light it up with a modern chandelier
One way to enhance your kitchen island decor without altering the island itself is to update the lighting and install a modern chandelier. Tasteful, dedicated lighting will give your island space a completely new feel.
3. Keep it rustic
A rustic kitchen island concept is perfect for creating a warm, homey cooking and dining area. Pick decor and dinnerware featuring rich wood tones, soft edges and earthy hues.
4. Stay charcuterie-ready
Want to be ready to impress those unexpected guests at all times? Keep your kitchen island table stocked with an elegant display of charcuterie supplies that look (almost) as good without the hors d'oeuvres as they do with them.
5. Select chic seating
Another simple but impactful way to restyle your space is by changing your kitchen island seating. Substitute outdated pieces for modern bar stools that complement both the island and the kitchen as a whole.
6. Use bakery inspiration
Who doesn’t love a gorgeous bakery display? Draw some kitchen island decor ideas from a French patisserie by using a tiered cake stand as a dessert display the next time you’ve got fresh baked goods.
7. Strip down to a monochromatic theme
By going with monochromatic kitchen island designs, you can make your accents really pop. Consider matching your island with the rest of your kitchen’s primary features for a clean, uniform look.
8. Draw from your personal tastes
When picking out display pieces, serveware and kitchen countertop decor for your island, consider adding some touches that are uniquely you. Try starting with a single idea and building around it to create a distinctive custom theme.
9. Leave the dishes out
If you’ve made an effort to carefully curate beautiful dinnerware, why not show it off? Incorporate attractive dishes and plates with just about any modern kitchen island decor ideas you choose.
10. Change with the seasons
As the seasons change, try changing things up with seasonal kitchen island countertop decor ideas. Bring out fresh flowers in the spring, bright fruit in the summer, warm autumnal displays in the fall and festive looks in the winter.
11. Roll out a runner
Table runners are typically reserved for dining tables, but they can also bring a boost to kitchen island designs. Look for pieces that complement the color scheme of the room as well as your serveware.
12. Light a candle
Candles make beautiful additions to just about any kitchen island design concept. Bring subtle ambiance and a touch of warmth to your space with a tasteful candle display.
13. Serve up a tray
Serving trays make functional, stylish additions to any kitchen space. Find a piece that matches the room’s aesthetic, and try kitchen island tray decor ideas like a floral arrangement, a coffee setup or a seasonal fruit medley.
14. Display dried flowers
A floral arrangement always makes for a beautiful kitchen island centerpiece. Instead of changing out fresh flowers, you can display bouquets of dried flowers or faux plants year-round to add a lively look no matter the season.
15. Keep ingredients on display
From garlic cloves and seasonal squash to olive oil and seasoning, some of your favorite cooking ingredients look just as good as they taste. Show them off in tasteful arrangements as part of your kitchen island decor theme.
16. Consider a farmhouse theme
There’s something about the classic farmhouse aesthetic that meshes perfectly with dining spaces. Try bringing that feel to your kitchen with a few farmhouse kitchen island decor ideas. Change things up with stoneware, neutral linens and a butcher block counter.
17. Upgrade your countertop storage
Want to reduce clutter and enhance style at the same time? Make your island’s countertop storage hold its own as a decorative element by thoughtfully selecting pieces that complement your space in color and texture.
18. Adorn with placemats
Even if you don’t use placemats at your dining table every night, they can still add just the pop of color your kitchen island needs. Try to select pieces that stand out against your countertop surface while matching other features in your kitchen.
19. Modernize the design
If you’re looking to really revamp your kitchen area, update to a modern kitchen island design. Stick to a clean, minimal aesthetic and add contemporary features like a built-in stove to heighten the look and functionality of the space.
20. Freshen up with a fruit display
The classic fresh fruit display is one of the most popular kitchen island centerpiece ideas—and for good reason. It’s simple, bright and beautiful while giving you the rare opportunity to snack on your decor!
21. Go bold with lots of color
If you’re working with a neutral or toned-down color palette in your kitchen, consider adding bold and bright dinnerware. This is also a useful small kitchen island idea, as it turns serveware into decorative elements when you have minimal storage space.
22. Turn your kitchen island into a bar
Create a fun, classy look that keeps you ready for entertaining by turning your island into a cocktail station—complete with chic barware and your spirits of choice. Don’t have the space for it? You could even make your own kitchen bar island using a bar cart.
23. Use coasters as decorative elements
For an unforgettable kitchen bar design, adorn it with striking coasters. Look for pieces made from alternative materials like colored stone, raw wood or even fossils to add a surprising touch.
24. Think outside the box with geometric pieces
Looking to create a chic, modern island design for your kitchen? Geometric designs are the perfect way to mix things up. Try swapping out rounded glasses and carafes for prismatic pieces.
25. Create a café mood
For those who can’t start their day without coffee or tea, a kitchen island makes for a perfect mini-café. Turn yours into a drink station by stocking it with coffee and tea bags, your preferred sweetener, your favorite mugs and an electric kettle.
26. Stand out with a live centerpiece
Want to liven up your kitchen? A live plant makes for a perfect kitchen island centerpiece. Grow succulents, pothos or your favorite low-maintenance foliage, and remember to be mindful of the amount of sunlight and water they need.
27. Try a colored glass theme
Add some colored glass to your island for a look that’s equal parts rustic, modern and classic. From decorative globes to bottles and vases, these dynamic pieces come in a range of colors to match your kitchen’s color scheme.
From swapping the decor to updating the theme to changing your kitchen lighting, there are plenty of ways you can update your cooking and dining space. Remember to keep your personal taste and the overall design of your home in mind. No matter what method you choose, these kitchen island decor ideas should help get you started!
