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Kitchen Island Makeovers

"With a practical layout that packs in extra storage, these kitchen island makeovers demonstrate how to create a stylish centrepiece in a room that can make a cooking space multi-functional. Featuring designs from real customer homes, there are examples from compact floor plans to large, multi-use living areas. Each one takes a different approach to incorporate the island feature, whether that is using premium materials, bold colours or mixing and matching our fitted kitchens to create a look that is one of a kind. Explore this round-up of some of our favourite transformations to find creative ways to bring your own island ideas to life. For more inspiration, take a look at our full collection of 100 Beautiful Kitchens."

1. A winning wraparound

Select seamless style with a wraparound island that introduces a solid block of colour to the centre of your room – great for a deluxe monochrome look.

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1. A winning wraparound

Be inspired by @no8_poplarhouse's wraparound island, which adds an instant touch of luxe to a dark aesthetic. Wrapped in a crisp white counter, this bright focal point lifts the tone of the bold charcoal cupboards to create a timeless black and white look that will look good for years to come. By introducing a centrepiece in a lighter shade, they have softened the impact black interior, so the space feels more open. The continuous design makes it quick and easy to clean too, so this sophisticated space can remain spotless for longer.

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2. Capitalise on colour

Plan an island design with contrasting two-tone cabinetry to create a showpiece in your cooking space that gives you the freedom to play with colour.

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2. Capitalise on colour

An island feature is at the heart of a cooking space, so ensure it makes a statement by getting creative with colour. A sought-after look that appears regularly on our Instagram feed, @the_mellow_house has crafted a sophisticated two-tone design using navy door fronts with dove-grey units from our Fairford collection. The navy blue hue draws the eye to the island, making the space feel more intimate. Meanwhile, the neutral backdrop of dove grey allows the navy tone to pop without overpowering the space.

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3. Add warmth with wood

If you want an island that will stand the test of time, look no further than a solid wood counter, which will create a durable centrepiece that is full of character.

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3. Add warmth with wood

The natural tones and grained detail of solid wood are at the core of this island design by @number47_. Positioned across two cupboards, they have created a compact and casual seating area that is just the place to cosy up with a coffee in the morning. This surface is hardwearing too, thanks to its solid construction, making it a great option for high-traffic areas where knocks and spills are commonplace.

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4. Signature style

Opt for durable materials, like quartz, to form a unique island feature that adds a touch of luxe to everyday tasks.

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4. Signature style

When it comes to crafting a premium island design, @staying_inn_southsea has got the right idea. Using decadent materials for their island topper creates a sophisticated centrepiece that works for food preparation, eating, and entertaining. The quartz counter is high-end and hardwearing, making it a practical choice for busy areas that will be put to use. This gives this multipurpose feature an extra level of luxury that offers many years of timeless style.

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5. Lightweight laminate

For an inexpensive way to achieve an island format, choose laminate counters for your centrepiece. These surfaces are low-maintenance and low-cost.

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5. Lightweight laminate

Islands can be functional, fashionable, and affordable, as @stella_property has shown with this communal space in their shared house. Laminate mimics the look of sought-after solid materials for a smaller price tag, plus it is hardwearing and easy to clean – two must-haves for a busy home. These counters are also easy to fit, meaning they can be used to instantly refresh a rental property, ready to impress new tenants on the market.

See all laminate worktops
6. Draw in storage

An island can be used for more than preparing and enjoying dinner. Pack in sought-after storage with drawers, to keep everyday essentials close at hand.

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6. Draw in storage

To get the most from your island design and to maximise storage, consider adding drawers to one end, like @Lorraine Stapleton has. This is a handy spot to store plates and cutlery ready for laid-back meals. This added feature will also ensure that everyday clutter remains neatly hidden away, leaving your counter clear for cooking and dining. Drawers are a versatile, easy-access option that works well in a multi-generational home and are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different needs.

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7. Feeling fresh

Islands are busy areas of the home, so opting for an island extractor will ensure this multipurpose space remains fresh and fragrance-free.

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7. Feeling fresh

With cooking, eating and entertaining all taking place at your island, it is important to fit features that will keep it clean and inviting. @kitchendesignsbyellie has done this by incorporating an island extractor above the cooking zone, ensuring steam and fragrant smells are instantly whisked away from guests seated at the bar. If you have an open-plan layout, this will also prevent the scent of dinner moving through your home keeping it cleaner for longer.

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8. A plan for pro chefs

When planning an island layout, consider placing cooking devices within easy reach of your centrepiece to enhance an ergonomic flow when preparing meals.

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8. A plan for pro chefs

For those who love to cook, this setup from @renovatingcliffhouse is sure to be your favourite. By placing cooking equipment directly opposite the island ensures the chef can keep an eye on dinner while entertaining guests with their culinary skills. Equally, this layout lends itself to a more ergonomic flow when preparing meals as the built-in ovens make it easy to rotate dishes or bring them out to serve.

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9. Powered up

|slands are often used for different tasks throughout the day, so power up your design with extra sockets that will make way for home working.

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9. Powered up

The island is the hub of most homes, so we recommend taking inspiration from @gaylepow by adding a charging station to your design. This transforms the centrepiece of a room into a multifunctional spot for home working, homeschooling, or simply scrolling the web for a new recipe. These sockets can make cleaning easier too by providing a convenient place to plug in the vacuum and will prove popular among bakers who use mixers to whip up cakes.

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10. Light it up

Incorporate clever lighting to enjoy your island after the sun goes down, while adding ambience when dining and entertaining.

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10. Light it up

Islands often double up as a prime spot for entertaining, so follow the lead of @ourdollyhouse and illuminate your space with hand-picked lighting. Installing plinth lights along the base of the units creates a welcoming ambience for dinner parties and drinks with friends, while enhancing the modern theme of their room. They have also used tape lights below the island counter to brighten the dark design for maximum impact.

See all kitchen lighting