These are the latest kitchen island trends you need to know about

Posted on 11th September 2024

From split-level designs to sociable seating, KBB journo Vicki Evans asks kitchen designers what the latest island trends are, and what the future holds for this highly sought-after feature…

What’s the first thing that catches your eye when you see a kitchen? For me, it’s the island. Usually the centrepiece of the room, it features some of the most exciting design elements, from bold worktops, beautiful lighting to clever storage ideas.

Modern luxury design with a marble island, pendant lights and four bar stools. — Homeowners @woodberry_cottage asked Crouch Design for a waterfall island with dramatic marble. The final result is truly spectacular. Photography: Christopher Murphy.

But what I love the most is how it continues to evolve and change as the years go on – not only in terms of its size and shape, but the way it’s used as well. Which got me thinking: what are the key things designers are being asked for when it comes to islands right now and what does the future hold for this wishlist wonder?

I decided to reach out to my contacts within the industry and find out…

Kitchen island trends

While it may sound like an oxymoron, individualism was one of the key trends designers mentioned to me. Essentially, islands that are completely bespoke and tailored to the needs and lifestyles of the homeowners. But not only this – people are thinking outside the box when it comes to shape.

Green kitchen with a simple white island, two bar stools and wood cabinetry. — The island, which uses Kitchen Architecture’s bulthaup Alpine White laminate for the worktop, is the main preparation and cooking zone in the kitchen. It also includes a bridge at one end for bar stools, creating a sociable hub. Interior design by Amanda Durham. Architecture by Snell David. Kitchen design by Kitchen Architecture.

No longer monolithic, rectangular chunks of cabinetry; designers are being asked for more unique ideas. From curves, freestanding legs, additional bar-style table tops, to the craze du jour: split-levels – ideal for boosting an island’s multi-functionality, according to Dawn Filkins, head of creative at Smile Kitchens.

This rise of multi-level islands is also perfect for people with mobility issues, children, or for those who simply prefer having their feet on the ground.

Modern scheme with a central unit painted in green and clad in fluting, wood and white cabinetry and concrete surfaces. — Curves and fluting complement each other in this design by Kate Feather. Caesarstone worktops were used to create curved edges that soften the space while serving as a bold detail in this turquoise kitchen.

Designs for entertaining

Another key theme is socialisation, and how to better improve time spent with friends and family. (Yes, the linear row of barstools could be on the outs). The very on-trend feature of incorporating banquette seating, for instance, helps bring people together in a much cosier way.

Peter Humphrey, design director at Humphrey Munson, explains, “The banquette creates an inclusive, sociable and convivial dining space that feels informal and relaxed.” But it’s not only banquettes, as Owen Williams, of Owen Williams Kitchens, highlighted a shift towards other sociable seating arrangements, such as stools facing each other surrounding an integrated table extension – excellent for helping the flow of conversation.

Modern luxury kitchen with marble surfaces, a brass tap and classic cabinetry. — The Arabescato marble is the centrepiece of this design, as the veining flows down the work surface to the island bar table. The moulded bead around the island’s edge ensures this Richmond townhouse’s period features blend well with the modernist kitchen. Kitchen by 202 Design. Photography: Alexander Maguire.

So, what else are designers being asked for? Jayne Everett, creative director at Naked Kitchens, tells me mixed materials, colours and textures that make a statement are incredibly popular. She also mentioned contrasting cabinet tones, fluted details and waterfall worktops.

Timeless kitchen cabinetry in off-white and sage green with an L-shaped island with banquette seating and green leather chairs. — Humphrey Munson’s banquette seating has the worktop wrapped around it in an L shape. The mix creates a space for the cook to be social with friends and family. Photography: Paul Craig.

Open shelving

While open shelving is nothing new, this easily attainable feature is still very much on the most-wanted list as well. Harking back to the individualism, it allows homeowners to show more of their personality and hobbies.

“Open shelving is a great way to soften an island,” says Jim Leach, owner and designer at Wood & Wire. “The shelving is just as useful as cabinet storage but can also be used to display the client’s collection of decorative glass or ceramics.”

Green kitchen design with modern cabinetry, wood open shelving, veiny surfaces, geometric floor tiles and rustic decor. — Kitchen units in Fenix Verde Brac by Husk, priced from £225 for a 60x80cm door front. This beautiful vibrant green injects colour into the traditional Victorian cottage kitchen.

Islands with chef zones

Designers like Arron Bird, director at Anglia Interiors, and Russell Buckley, managing director at Stuart Henry Kitchens, tell me they’ve noticed a rise in homeowners wanting secondary preparation spaces and large hobs placed on the island.

Both these features combined help create a ‘chef zone’. With lots of seating on the opposite side, enthusiastic home cooks will really get to show off their culinary skills.

Burgundy kitchen design with timeless furniture, a freestanding island, concealed extractor and brass accents. — Freestanding furniture can be a game-changer, as it helps open the space and create an optical illusion underneath. Here is Naked Kitchens’ Houghton island with deep drawers to compensate for the lack of storage.

Of course, it goes without saying that within all these kitchen island trends, the key consideration is form and functionality. Homeowners are after beautiful yet practical designs that work for them and their lifestyles – ideally with a little character thrown into the mix as well.

I don’t know about you, but with all the endless possibilities right now, I feel it’s an exciting time for island living.