Skip to main content

A complete guide to kitchen island cabinets so you can transform your home

Everything you should know about kitchen island cabinets

Modern white kitchen with quartz counters
Xi Bai / Shutterstock

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the kitchen island is that heart’s oasis. It’s where people gather to eat, chat, do work, play games, and entertain. Kitchen islands have also become a focal point in kitchen design and set off with different sizes, colors, and materials to highlight them. If you’re using an island as a place to eat, you need to account for size and layout. An island should also be functional and create additional storage for dinnerware and appliances.

Recommended Videos

Kitchen islands are more than just base cabinets and can be transformed for many purposes, including shelving for decor and cookbooks. If you’re thinking of building a DIY kitchen island with cabinets or looking for a professional to design one for you, here are a few things to keep in mind.

What cabinets do you use for an island?

Rustic farmhouse kitchen
BM_27 / Shutterstock

There are many ways to go about planning a kitchen island. If you plan to use your island mostly for storage, you can use base cabinets for a kitchen island. Because they come in several different heights and styles, you can get a custom look without paying a custom price. Just make sure you measure properly and consider things like the island countertop in terms of how much weight the kitchen island cabinet base will hold. Many base cabinets come with other features like open shelving or wine racks that you can use to create a custom look.

If you’re using the island as more of an entertaining and eating space, you’ll need to plan space for how many people will be using it at one time. Ideally, plan on 20 to 24 inches for each person sitting along an island. Be sure to also account for whether you want the ends to be used as additional seating.

Do kitchen island cabinets need to match the rest of the kitchen?

Blue kitchen cabinets in farmhouse design
phototropic / Getty Images

It depends on the overall design of your home. If you have a minimalistic or modern approach to design, you may want everything to match. But if you like more of a farmhouse or boho style, you can mix it up. We love islands that are a different color from the rest of the kitchen cabinets so that they become the focal point of the space. If you have cream cabinets, choose a deep navy or sage green. If you have painted cabinets, let the island shine with natural wood.

What else can I put in my kitchen island?

wood kitchen walls and backsplash
Ground Picture / Shutterstock

The sky’s the limit when it comes to design. Many islands are used to house appliances such as microwave ovens, dishwashers, stovetops, and sinks for prepping food. This is ideal if you entertain a lot because you can cook and prep food and still talk to your guests. You can also get creative with open cabinets to showcase decor or opt for glass doors instead of solid doors for more interest. We also love using the island for a wine fridge, which is perfect for entertaining.

When designing your island, keep in mind how you will primarily be using the space. Plan for things like outlets, gas lines (if you put in a gas stovetop), and materials, which will help you determine both size and budget.

How much does a kitchen island cost?

Oak kitchen cabinets modern
pics721 / Shutterstock

If you only have room for a freestanding island or a rolling cart, you can find or build them for just a few hundred dollars. If you plan to use stock cabinetry with a butcher-block top, plan on spending between  $600 to $1,000. If you want a bigger size, more custom features, or high-end countertops made of granite or stone, you can be looking at anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000. It’s best to set a budget before you begin shopping so you know how to prioritize your list of must-haves.

Does adding a kitchen island increase home value?

modern black and white kitchen with oak cabinets
Paolo De Gasperis / Shutterstock

Experts say the kitchen is the most important room to update when selling your home. Potential buyers seek kitchens in great condition with plenty of storage and counter space and maybe some updated appliances or flooring. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of adding a kitchen island to your home, then it’s important for you to know that kitchen islands can actually increase your home’s value.

Kitchen islands add more storage and workspace and can enhance the room’s visual appeal. They become a design focal point and a natural gathering space for families. Kitchen islands can help elevate the potential that buyers see in your kitchen, and many prospective buyers find them an attractive and welcome addition to the space.

Kitchen islands are a wonderful area to cook, prep, entertain, and work. If you have the space, make your island as big as possible—there will always be more people and projects gathered around your island than you think. If you have small kids, they won’t take up too much space now, but just remember that they’ll grow, and so will all the friends they’ll invite over. If you don’t account for that now, you might find that your kitchen island won’t be able to seat everyone at once.

Take time to choose or design your kitchen island because, with so many custom features, it can be hard not to get carried away. Carefully consider the cabinetry and materials along with your current and future space needs to ensure you get the kitchen island of your dreams.

Topics
Julie Scagell
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
Transform your space with these craft room ideas
Organize your supplies and turn your craft room into an inspiring workspace with these stunning ideas
Person in craft room sewing

A designated craft room offers homeowners a space to store supplies, perfect creative projects, and cater to any hobbies and odd interests that don’t have a specific spot in the rest of the home. While an entire craft room may be a luxury, there are plenty of ways to use an odd corner or blank wall to store your most precious pursuits.

Whether you’re transforming a spare bedroom or tweaking the corner of your living room to accommodate your materials, we have some incredible craft room ideas to make the most of your space.
Go all out with a designated craft room

Read more
Contemporary industrial design: The ultimate guide to this sophisticated style
City-inspired factory-scapes with minimal and modern decor
Contemporary industrial loft with black ceiling and large pendant light

Inspired by big-city industrial lofts filled with eclectic art and neutral color palettes, contemporary industrial design has emerged as a luxurious yet grounded home design style. With exposed architecture, weathered materials, and soft color palettes that pay homage to minimalistic decor, the contemporary industrial design blends modern pieces with cozier rustic furnishings. If you are interested in this sophisticated and eclectic style, then you’ve come to the right place.

Below, we’ll show you just how to blend contemporary design with industrial decor to create an expansive and bold look in your space.
What is contemporary industrial design?

Read more
Moto boho style: Mixing edgy and bohemian vibes in your home
Pair edgy and grunge looks with flowy and eclectic bohemian aesthetics to hop on this new trend
Bohemian living room with neutral-colored decor

The year 2025 could be a time of rebellious aesthetics, inspiring the next generation to step out of their comfort zones. Moto boho style was introduced by Pinterest Predicts as a fresh spin on edgy rock 'n' roll vibes paired with free-spirited bohemian aesthetics. While this style is emerging in fashion spheres, we’ll likely see influences of moto boho in home interiors as the year goes on.

Here is everything you need to know about the moto boho style and how to invite this look into your space.
What is moto boho style?

Read more