Nowadays, it’s hard to see a modern or remodeled kitchen without an island. Why is that? Whether it’s a trend or a necessity, a kitchen island with seating has become an integral part of kitchen design. This feature offers a workspace, making cooking easy and convenient, along with extra seating. Kitchen islands are multifunctional; you can use them for food preparation, cleaning space, kitchen storage, bar area, etc. So, a kitchen island with seating will be a great idea if you want to make your cooking space more functional and aesthetically pleasing. Here are 20+ beautiful kitchen islands with seating ideas to inspire you:
1. Family Friendly Kitchen Island
Let’s start with a kitchen island with seating for all your family members. As you can see in the above picture, this kitchen has two islands, one for adults and one specifically made for young children. How to make a kitchen island with seating? All you need to do is add a small wooden kids’ table and chairs near your main kitchen island. This way, everyone can hang out and enjoy meals together.
2. Small Kitchen Island with Seating
Not everyone is blessed with a large, spacious kitchen or doesn’t want a massive kitchen island. This is why determining and designing kitchen islands is vital. You can get the island according to your kitchen layout or empty spaces, which will add more storage and functionality. For example, take a glance at the above image; here, owners have decided to go with a tiny kitchen island with seating for two people only. It beautifully serves the purpose and looks perfect in the above kitchen.
3. Rustic Farmhouse Style Island
The next kitchen island idea for you is this rustic farmhouse-inspired island. This kitchen features a neutral color palette and distressed wood. Apart from these, you can add other prominent details like shiplap or beadboard and vintage-inspired island chairs for kitchen, such as metal bistro chairs or tufted benches. These things will help you create the perfect rustic farmhouse style kitchen.
4. Kitchen Island with Seating and Double Sink
This modern kitchen features two large built-in sinks on the island. You can use one for prepping your meals and another for washing dishes. There is also cabinetry under the sink where you can put your kitchen essentials. This idea is brilliant, as it adds functionality and visual interest to the space. It is designed by Steven Cooper of Cooper Pacific Kitchens and interior designer Rebecca Foster, who explains, “The island end piece is a fumed oak with a four-inch thick random mix walnut chop-block countertop.”
5. Kitchen Island with Easy Pull Out Storage
This type of kitchen island will be perfect for people who don’t like to waste time finding random stuff! It has pull-out storage spaces where you can store appliances, utensils, and other useful things that you want handy. Whenever you’re prepping your meals or washing dishes and you need something, you can easily get it from this storage. Additionally, this kitchen island also features seating. You can have dinner or drinks with your friends whenever you want.
6. Modern Kitchen Island with Seating
Are you looking for something sleek and contemporary? If yes, this waterfall kitchen island with seating will be a great option. It features a minimalistic design, clean lines, island bar stools, and simple materials, which create minimal aesthetics, which is, in fact, in trend right now!
7. Butcher Block Countertop
A kitchen island, a work table, or a butcher block countertop is one of the most popular features in modern and traditional homes. This one compliments the kitchen perfectly and also features plenty of space for storing kitchen towels and other essentials. Painted in a light gray color, this island creates a nice contrast to all the saturated colors.
8. Bar Stools for Kitchen Island
Do you want to add more seating, but your cooking area doesn’t have more space? Don’t get disheartened because there are ways in which you can make your regular island into a kitchen island with seating. For example, the above homeowners put small bar stools in front of the cabinets. This way, you’ll get seats where people can sit and talk while you prepare the meals.
9. Colorful Kitchen Island with Seating
The best thing about home projects is that you can transform your space however you like. The same goes for your kitchen: don’t be afraid to experiment and add color! Bold and vibrant colors and patterns are an excellent way to make any space more interesting and appealing. Take inspiration from the above kitchen, which features a kitchen island in bright green and floors with a diamond pattern.
10. Kitchen Island Stools
This gray kitchen features high ceilings with grand features like gold light fittings, marble countertops, and kitchen island stools with backs. The overall theme surrounds the creation of a balance between light and dark tones. These details create a luxurious and relaxed vibe.
11. Classic Kitchen Island with Seating
Look at this large kitchen island with seating; doesn’t it look fantastic? You can try this island idea if you also own a big kitchen! For bigger kitchens, it’s recommended to put the island at the center to easily access your refrigerator, pantry, and other parts of the space. A large kitchen island can be used for many things, from working on your laptop to cutting vegetables and preparing meals. The bigger the countertop, the more space you’ll have.
12. Kitchen Island With Benches
Another way to add more seating to your cooking space is to add benches instead of stools or chairs to your kitchen island. This unique furniture plan will make your kitchen stand out while offering the same benefits. Lauren Liess designs this gorgeous kitchen with symmetrical open shelving, gray light fixtures, and a white island.
13. Neutral Kitchen Design
If you’re not into bold and colorful kitchen designs, you can try these types of kitchen designs in a neutral color palette. This small cooking space has an island with storage and seating options. Elements like wood in a chalky color, paneled interior walls, and kitchen island stools with backs create a relaxed and calming ambiance.
14. Industrial Kitchen Island with Seating
Another interior trend that is always in demand is industrial. Its popularity is because it gives off both modern and edgy vibes. This style focuses on materials and elements like reclaimed wood, metal accents, and exposed hardware. To complement the overall industrial chic vibe, buy wooden benches with metal legs, structured lighting, and metal barstools with leather cushions.
15. Tiered Kitchen Island with Seating
Try this one if your space doesn’t allow you to have two separate kitchen islands idea! It is specifically designed with a bar height so that people can use the first countertop for cooking or cleaning and the other for dining.
16. U-shaped Kitchen Design
If you don’t want your kitchen island separately in your kitchen, this type of U-shaped layout will be a wonderful idea! Here, the kitchen island seamlessly connects with the kitchen. You can utilize this island as your breakfast bar or hangout entertainment corner.
17. Kitchen Island with Double-Sided Seating
If one seat isn’t enough, build a kitchen island with double-sided seating arrangements. The extra seating can be used as a conversation space when several guests visit, or you can utilize the entire space for cooking. Also, if you don’t like the rectangular shape, you can choose a square or circle kitchen island with seating.
18. Traditional Kitchen Island with Seating
We don’t need to explain a traditional kitchen, as it mostly consists of paneled cabinetry, decorative moldings, and elegant hardware. These design elements create a classic and timeless atmosphere. To give it a modern touch, you can switch the old upholstered dining chairs to metal bar stools for the kitchen island.
19. Simple Kitchen Island With Seating
People who just want a simple, organized kitchen with a kitchen island with seating should take a look at this option. This minimal kitchen island has storage underneath, making it look clutter-free. Two rattan seats are placed here, creating a fantastic contrast against the black-and-white island design. Other noticeable things are a steel double-basin sink, strip lighting hanging at the center, and flowers, which create an inviting environment.
20. Coastal-inspired Kitchen Island with Seating
Another wonderful kitchen island with seating is this coastal cottage-inspired kitchen. This kitchen theme has natural materials and light, airy colors to make the space look brighter. Use beachy accents like wicker barstools, slip-covered dining chairs, and gold fixtures.
21. Kitchen Island With Storage and Seating
This white kitchen features a two-tone kitchen island with seating, a simple horizontal backdrop, and gold fixtures. Small, rounded wood stools complement the rustic vibe of this space. This island provides enough space for food preparation and seating, so your family can join you for dinner.
Final Words
A kitchen island with seating is a great option to add extra seating and space to your cooking area. You can use comfy chairs, built-in benches, or casual bar stools in a number that fits your needs and the kitchen’s size. You can experiment with shapes, styles, and colors to create something personal and unique. Take inspiration from the kitchen island ideas mentioned above and create your dream kitchen where everyone can gather, eat, and enjoy time together.
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