The island is without a doubt the ultimate ‘it’ feature in modern kitchens. To show you what’s possible, we’re looking at all the wonders you can include in your design…

Gone are the days of kitchen islands as simple aesthetic features – they’re bigger and better than ever, equipped for different daily activities, from cooking to socialising, and beyond. I like to think of islands as mini kitchens because, these days, you can really have everything you need right there, in a single hub.

“It’s always fun to think about how we can maximise the island, both in practical terms and aesthetically,” Ella Driscoll at Shere Kitchens in Surrey tells me. “Some popular details include nooks for recipe books, tea towel rails, wine coolers, waterfall countertops, beautiful stools, and special pendant lights placed above.”

So, let’s take a closer look at all the amazing features you can include in your kitchen island design…

1. Closed and open storage

Starting off strong with something most renovators will probably agree you can never have too much of – storage. “Integrating storage within the island is a game-changer,” says Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio, who often recommends a mix of open and closed solutions to balance function with style.

Depending on the look you want to achieve, whether that’s sleek and sophisticated or personal and welcoming, you can opt for a range of different cabinet door styles to conceal kitchenalia, slim and/or deep drawers, and open shelving.

“From generous drawers for pans and crockery to open shelving for cookbooks or display pieces, it offers a chance to tailor your kitchen around your lifestyle,” says Charlie. “Think beyond the basics: a built-in charging drawer, dedicated recycling solutions or even a discreet wine fridge can add both convenience and a touch of luxury, elevating everyday use into something far more enjoyable.”

2. Sink versus hob

Should you have a sink or a hob on your island? (This is as hot a debate as gas versus induction.) Both features come with their own pros and cons, so it mainly comes down to space and personal preference. “While both can work, I’d always recommend a hob – especially if you’re a social cook and want to be able to entertain guests or chat with your family as you prepare food,” advises Sebastian Aronowitz, founder of The London Kitchen Company.

“A small secondary sink can work well, perhaps with a boiling water tap or for rinsing produce, while the main sink remains on the kitchen run. That way, you avoid the island becoming a dumping ground for dirty mugs and plates, preserving its role as a clean, open space at the heart of the kitchen,” he adds.

But if you really can’t decide, and have ample room to play with, why not include both? Georgina has gone more in-depth on this topic in her article, here.

3. Kitchen appliances

There is a whole host of gadgets and appliances you can include in your island. If you’re a keen chef, create a dedicated cooking zone with a built-in oven, gas or induction hob, and a downdraft extractor. Alternatively, if you want to include a sink, you can complete the washing-up area with a compact dishwasher.

Other appliances that can elevate your island are drinks fridges, built-in bottle coolers like Kaelo, microwaves, and freezer or warming drawers.

4. Butcher’s blocks

Going back to the beginning of the article, consider your daily activities and the way you use your kitchen when designing your island. If you love entertaining and cooking for friends and family, including a butcher’s block is a great idea. “Integrated into the island, it creates a defined preparation zone and adds a warm, natural texture that contrasts beautifully with stone or painted cabinetry. It’s both practical and visually grounding,” explains Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen company.

This feature works especially well in farmhouse-style and classic kitchen designs. And, as an alternative to the butcher’s block for smaller spaces, built-in chopping board storage within your island will also come in handy when preparing meals.

5. Bespoke kitchen island interiors

By commissioning a bespoke kitchen company to design your island, the world is your oyster (pun very much intended). This does come with a higher price tag, but if your budget allows it, you can customise the interiors of your island to maximise space and enhance your lifestyle. Think plate and spice racks, pull-out organisers, drawer dividers, lid and tray storage, and so much more.

6. Seating and dining

Seating and dining solutions are some of the most popular features when it comes to multi-functional islands. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home where everyone congregates.

Booths and banquettes help recreate that intimate restaurant-like feeling at home while elevating the design in terms of practicality (you can have built-in storage underneath, for example) and aesthetics (picture leather finishes and embroidered fabrics).

For more compact kitchens, you can opt for a breakfast bar with stools where you can enjoy your morning coffee, or little ones can do homework while you’re preparing dinner. Or you can combine your kitchen island and dining area into one with a split-level design, which allows you to use your unit for cooking as well as enjoying meals.

But no matter which style of seating and dining you’re going for, make sure to carefully consider the dimensions for a practical design. “If you’re planning to incorporate seating, allow for approximately 300mm of legroom beneath the worktop overhang. Be sure to confirm with your worktop supplier whether this will work, as some thinner or more brittle materials may not support this span without additional support,” recommends Sebastian.

7. Lighting

Lighting adds both aesthetic value to your island as well as enhances the practicality factor of your design. For example, you can include LED strips under your worktop or shelves for a statement feature, or inside your cabinets so you can easily see what you’re looking for. “For added wow factor, consider glass-fronted display cabinets with internal lighting. These elevate the island into a statement piece, showcasing beautiful glassware or curated collections while adding ambient glow,” says Cassie Jones, brand manager at Masterclass Kitchens.

8. Pet-friendly solutions

When designing your island, keep in mind all members of the family, including furry friends. “Other design ideas homeowners might not think of… a dog bowl nook, for pet food and water,” says Ella. “It keeps the bowls out of the way of everyone’s feet and looks really lovely if you use the matching stone worktop to form the base.”

If you want to be a bit extra, why not also include a compact pot filler tap above the food and water bowls for added functionality? Built-in pet beds are another great addition to an island, so they can rest or snooze while you’re busy in the kitchen.

9. Power sockets

Another feature which you might overlook or forget to consider is power sockets. This is especially important if you plan on using your island for cooking and baking, so you can effortlessly and safely plug your gadgets and appliances – you don’t want to be tripping on cables now, do you? Plus, they will also be helpful if you’re using a tablet to read off recipes, or if you’re working from home.

So, where can they go? “Sockets can be positioned at the ends of the island, tucked discreetly under a worktop overhang, or integrated into a pop-up unit on the surface. The location depends on how you’ll use them – whether it’s for kitchen appliances, charging devices, or both – and how visible or hidden you want them to be,” says Sebastian.

For example, you can conceal them inside drawers. “You could also carve out a dedicated admin area within the island, a space where you can drop keys, charge phones and tablets or organise paperwork. It’s these small touches that help keep surfaces clear and make the kitchen feel calm and considered,” says Tom.

10. Aesthetic detailing and finishing touches

Tea towel hooks and rails for hanging utensils are small but practical details. And once you’ve chosen all the features you’d like to include in your island, it’s time to have fun with the finishes.

For example, you can add interest with an intricate worktop edge, such as mitre joint, cove or waterfall. “The cove ogee (countertop edge profile) is a favourite. It is especially lovely to have wide-stave bespoke oak at a breakfast bar, full of warmth and character,” says Ella. “We also love to add turned legs to our kitchen islands. These can be made in lots of different designs and really elevate the whole kitchen.”

From fluting, curves, trims, to scalloped details, and brass bands, speak to your designer to find out all the creative ways you can personalise the look of your design so it ticks all your boxes and suits your style.

Truly, there is so much you can do with a kitchen island.

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