1Farmhouse Table + Hanging Basket Storage
Alec Hemer A simple farmhouse table can serve as a small kitchen island, especially if you need something narrow and budget friendly. This one is counter height, which is ideal for prep. For storage, a metal basket was suspended underneath using chains. The metal tone of the basket matches the sink faucet and overhead pendant lighting for a cohesive look throughout.
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2Refrigerated Kitchen Island
David A. Land Snacks and drinks are kept at the ready in the refrigerated drawers of this party barn's kitchen island, while the deep blue paint color (Lead Gray by Benjamin Moore) mingles with the raw wood for nautical charm.
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3Built-in Plate Rack + Zinc Countertop
Max Kim-Bee This kitchen island boasts a zinc top crafted by a local metal shop and has a built-in plate rack for stealthy farmhouse-style storage. Tip: As a countertop material, zinc is low-maintenance, easy-to-clean, and beats marble, granite, and even butcher block for affordability.
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4Tone-on-Tone Countertops
Alyssa Rosenheck This circa-1875 loft in Columbia, Tennessee, was renovated by Mike Wolfe from American Pickers and includes an expansive kitchen island with black marble atop black-painted cabinets. The island's sleek vibe is mellowed by exposed brick walls, perfectly rusted signs, and leather barstools.
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5Antique Kitchen Island
Dustin Halleck This weathered blue-gray piece is an antique given a second life as a kitchen island that's truly unique. The deep bottom shelf fits everything from produce to baskets. Pairing it with rustic tripod stools for seating creates contrast with the modern cabinetry and finishes in the space. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for at an antiques shop, consider commissioning a custom-built island made from reclaimed wood.
RELATED: 6 Best Places to Find or Buy Reclaimed Wood Near You
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6Repurposed Printing Press Worktable
David A. Land This one-of-a-kind kitchen island is an old printing press worktable. The drawers, which once held type pages, are now home to cooking utensils, freeing up space on the countertops.
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7Original Character
Alec Hemer Sometimes you can work with what you have. This beechnut kitchen island is original to a 1950s shingled home. During a demolition-free update, the homeowner painted the cabinets a milky matte white that allows the original hand-forged hardware to pop but preserved the island's natural wood finish to reinforce the farmhouse aesthetic. Fan-back barstools painted robin's egg blue provide seating and a colorful accent.
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8Drawers, Drawers, Drawers!
Kassandra Arbour Your kitchen island shouldn't just take up space; it should create space. Adding drawers is one easy way to make that happen.
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9Small on Size
Country Living "Go big or go home" just doesn't apply with kitchen islands. Yes, it's nice to have more prep space, but you can make do with a smaller island and still keep it looking stylish—just take a look at this stylish light-wood kitchen island.
10Forest Green + Charcoal Gray
Country Living All-white kitchens are lovely, but don't be afraid to opt for a darker hue as an accent color on the island. Here, charcoal gray stone counters pair beautifully with forest green paint for an island that's truly memorable.
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11Weathered Farmhouse Style
Brian Woodcock We love the idea of using a large farmhouse table as a kitchen island. Bonus points if it's made of reclaimed wood or boasts a similarly vintage vibe!
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12Marble-Topped Blue Island
Brian Woodcock Marble is so stately and luxurious all on its own, it's true. But when you add in an unexpected color combination, you've got yourself a veritable statement piece. If you want to DIY the look, pick up a small marble slab from your local home improvement store and place it on top of your existing island.
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13Bar Area
DAVID TSAY There's something so friendly and welcoming about a kitchen island that doubles as a bar. Add a few stools, bowls of your favorite snacks, and you've got yourself a party.
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14Marble-Topped Antique Table
Annie Schlechter This homeowner gave an old but timeless table new life by covering it with a marble countertop and situating it at the heart of her backyard barn kitchen.
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15Bold Blue Kitchen Island
Helen Norman 16Quick-Fix Refurbished Island
Troa Giovan 17Chicken Wire Cabinets
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18Rolling Kitchen Island
DAVID A. LAND A rolling island is ideal for anyone who loves to entertain. Simply move it out of the way, and you've got yourself a huge space to host parties...or do just about whatever you please!
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19Opposite Styles
David Tsay A sleek and polished marble countertop looks beautifully juxtaposed with chippy, industrial barstools and other antique finds. The refined island works to offset the other textures and colors featured throughout this Texas home's kitchen.
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Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isn’t working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!
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