Open concept kitchens have become the heart of modern homes. So much so that from cooking to dining to living areas, and more, they bend it all into a cohesive and inviting space.
And the main highlight of these kitchens are surely the islands. That’s because more than just being at the top of kitchen remodeling trends, these islands offer unmatched functionality and make life easy for you.
Now, like all things modern kitchens, the islands continue to evolve too. And utility apart, these are also serving as statement pieces that reflect your personal style and improve overall kitchen aesthetics.
Curious how you could bring about similar custom elements to your open concept large kitchen island?
Read on, as I’ve detailed the best ideas inspired from leading design platforms and expert insights.
The best ideas for open concept large kitchen island
1. A multifunctional workhorse
Kitchen islands are doing way more than just holding a cutting board. And in bigger open concept kitchens, they’ve become a place to cook, eat, work, and help kids with homework.
This is exactly why new kitchen islands now come with built-in features like sinks, stovetops, and outlets for plugging in your laptop or kitchen gadgets.
You can turn your concept kitchen into one such space too where this all-in-one concept plays out perfectly, bringing together family and their chores. In fact, there are so many trending ideas to decorate kitchen island and turn it into a multifunctional space.
However, the only thing you’ll have to make sure is there’s enough space to walk around comfortably. After all, the idea is to make the kitchen blend into the living area and feel more connected without getting cramped.
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2. Fluted island for texture and sophistication
Fluted detailing is making a significant impact in kitchen design of late.
How?
You see, this design involves vertical grooves or ridges on the island’s surface that creates a rhythmic pattern and increases depth. And it offers a tactile visual appeal that elevates your island’s presence.
The best part: it can be easily implemented into your open concept kitchen with island. That’s because fluted islands can be crafted from just about anything, including wood, stone, or even metal.
This makes customization possible to such an extent where you can quite precisely match your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Apart from visual appeal, this textural element also introduces a sense of craftsmanship and attention to detail, making your kitchen island a standout feature.
That’s amazing, isn’t it?
3. More visual interest with contrasting countertops
If you’re looking for easy ways to upgrade your open concept kitchen and dining, one way you can make it happen is by using different countertop materials.
Here, instead of making everything match, you’ll go for something like marble for the island and quartz for the rest of the counters.
This will create a really nice contrast and give the island a chance to stand out as the center of attention.
It’s a fun way to mix textures and colors without making the kitchen feel disjointed. Plus, it lets you show off some personality in your space while keeping it stylish and modern.
4. An invisible kitchen island
Imagine a kitchen island that blends so well into your living space that you almost don’t even notice it’s there.
This is the idea behind invisible kitchen islands. And not only are they possible to achieve but they’re also getting really popular by the day.
The idea is simple: You’ll hide appliances and storage behind smooth and handle-free custom made cabinets, making the kitchen look super clean and simple. And it is perfect for open concept kitchen designs where you want the kitchen to flow into the living room without sticking out.
Moreover, it will also help reduce visual clutter and make the whole space feel calmer and more organized.
Simply put, if you love minimalism or just want a tidier look, this is your way to go.
5. Work table as alternative to island
Not every kitchen needs a big built-in island. In fact, a lot of remote-working homeowners are choosing work tables instead, something you can too.
You see, these freestanding kitchen tables can be moved around easily and are excellent if you like flexibility in your kitchen layout.
Not to mention, a lot of these tables also come with open shelves underneath or a butcher block top that’s perfect for chopping veggies. These shelves add a cozy rustic vibe and work especially well in smaller kitchens.
Plus, they’re great if you don’t want your kitchen to feel too finished or formal.
6. Statement lights atop islands
You’ll agree when I say that kitchen lighting isn’t just about being able to see what you’re doing. That’s because it also lets you improve aesthetics and show off your personal elements.
Talking about islands in open concept kitchens, big and bold overhead light fixtures are totally in.
Picture eye-catching pendant lights, sleek chandeliers, or artsy fixtures.
Wouldn’t these make you do a double-take and make the island area feel like its own special space?
In fact, be it modern or farmhouse lighting, or something in between, the right light fixture will add personality to your kitchen without the cost of a full kitchen remodel.
7. Extended islands with integrated seating
More and more homeowners are turning their islands into spots where people can hang out and not just cook.
And trust me, it’s the simplest of all open concept large kitchen island ideas. All you’ve got to do is add seating to one side of the island and you get a built-in dining area that’s perfect for quick meals or chatting with guests.
Even better, some designs have a lowered or raised section just for seating, making it feel like a casual dining nook.
This setup is perfect for such open concept spaces where you want the kitchen to feel more social and connected to the rest of the home.
8. Waterfall countertops
Old school as it might seem, waterfall countertops continue to be a popular choice for open concept kitchen islands.
In this design, the countertop material extends vertically down the sides of the island, creating a continuous flow that resembles a cascading waterfall.
And not only does this approach add a touch of elegance but it also showcases the beauty of the countertop materials like marble, quartz, or granite.
9. Double islands for functionality and flow
If yours is a large open kitchen, you can have double islands and significantly improve functionality and workflow.
This design features two separate islands, each serving distinct purposes, namely:
- First island: For meal preparation and cooking.
- Second island: For dining, socializing, or additional storage.
You see, double islands facilitate better traffic flow and let multiple people to work simultaneously without congestion. This setup is particularly beneficial if your household frequently entertains guests or you’ve a large family.
Open concept kitchen design: Things to consider
1. Space
Before you fall in love with a big beautiful kitchen island idea, I suggest you take a step back and make sure your space can actually handle it.
A good rule of thumb is to have at least 36 inches of space around all sides of the island. This way, you can move around easily without bumping into cabinets, appliances, or other people.
2. Functionality
At the time of designing your kitchen island, think about what you’ll actually use it for.
Ponder over questions like will it be your main space for cooking or do you want it to double as a dining table or a workstation too?
Whatever your priorities are, build the island around those needs. This way, you’re not just adding something pretty but you’re creating something that truly fits your daily routine.
3. Plumbing and electrical connection
If you’re planning to add a sink, dishwasher, cooktop, or electrical outlets to your island, don’t forget about the behind-the-scenes essentials like plumbing and electrical connection.
You see, although these features make your island super functional, they also require extra planning and investment.
For instance, running water lines or wiring to the middle of your kitchen floor can be a big job, more so if your home is old.
So, it’s always a good idea to talk to a kitchen remodeling contractor early in the process so there are no surprises.
Frequently asked questions about open concept large kitchen island
How big can a kitchen island be?
There’s no limit to how big a kitchen island should be. But as a general rule of thumb, you should leave at least 36 inches of space on all sides so you can walk, cook, and clean comfortably.
Is it necessary to match the island countertop with the rest of the kitchen?
Not at all!
In fact, using a different countertop material or color on your island can be a great way to add personality and break up the look of your kitchen.
For instance, you might choose a bold marble for the island and stick with a neutral quartz for the rest. This will create visual interest and helps the island stand out as its own space, especially in open-concept homes.
How can you install seating around your kitchen island?
It’s actually pretty simple; all you’ve got to do is extend the countertop a bit on one side of the island to create an overhang. This will let you easily tuck in some bar stools or chairs.
It’s perfect for quick meals, coffee breaks, or even working. Just make sure there’s enough legroom underneath and that the seating area is comfortable for everyday use.
Are work tables a good alternative to built-in islands?
Absolutely.
Work tables are a great choice if you’re working with a smaller space or want a kitchen that feels a bit more laid-back.
Unlike built-in islands, work tables are freestanding. This means you can move them around or even swap them out down the line.
Also, work tables are usually more affordable than a fully custom island, making them a great option for budget-conscious buyers.
And if you’re renovating with cost savings in mind, check out this guide on tax-deductible kitchen remodels to see if your updates could also bring tax benefits.
Remodel Your Kitchen with a Spacious Island Today!
Create a spacious and stylish kitchen with expert remodeling and custom kitchen island designs.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are endless ideas for an open concept large kitchen island. So, whether you’re drawn to the sleekness of an invisible kitchen, the warmth of biophilic elements, or the boldness of mix-match colors , there’s an island design to suit your style.
Got more questions or need to remodel your open concept kitchen?
You can get in touch with us!
At Creative Design Ceramic Bath & Tile, we are seasoned kitchen renovation experts with an expertise spanning over 38 years. And we’ve got all your kitchen island ideas covered on a budget.