The kitchen island has taken center stage in modern kitchen designs, captivating homeowners and design enthusiasts alike. With its ability to command attention and add both style and functionality, the kitchen island has become the focal point of the kitchen.
If you want to create an alluring and practical kitchen, focusing on your island is a smart move. This versatile feature offers numerous opportunities to enhance the visual appeal and usefulness of your cooking space.
In this article, we will explore simple yet effective tips and ideas to transform your kitchen island into a standout centerpiece.
What is a kitchen focal point?
A kitchen focal point is an eye-catching centerpiece or area that stands out in your kitchen design. It is a single object or feature that adds an artistic touch while harmonizing with the overall style of the space.
Some examples of kitchen focal points are the stovetop, backsplash, and hood. However, your kitchen’s focal point could also be a sink, a window, or in this case– the kitchen island.
What is a kitchen island?
A kitchen island is a freestanding or built-in piece of furniture positioned in the center or as an extension of a kitchen. It typically serves multiple purposes and provides additional workspace, storage, and seating options.
A kitchen island is characterized by its standalone position, allowing access from all sides, and it is often equipped with cabinets, drawers, countertops, and appliances like a sink or cooktop. Kitchen islands offer versatility and functionality, making them a popular feature in modern kitchen designs.
Here are 7 ways to make your island
the focal point of your kitchen:
1) Experiment with a waterfall countertop edge
What is a waterfall countertop edge?
The waterfall countertop edge is a design feature where the end of the countertop forms a 90-degree angle. Rather than having the typical finished edge, the countertop extends smoothly downwards, seamlessly continuing along the side of the cabinet, island, or seating area.
The term “waterfall” is used because the visual effect of this design resembles water gracefully flowing over a cliff. While any slab material can be used to create a waterfall edge, quartz is often favored for achieving this unique and striking look.
Reasons to Choose a Waterfall Edge Countertop:
- Striking Visual Appeal: The vertical continuation of the countertop material creates a sleek and elegant look, instantly capturing attention and becoming a focal point in your kitchen.
- Enhanced Continuity: The waterfall edge design promotes a sense of flow and cohesion by extending the countertop material down the sides, resulting in a connected and harmonious aesthetic.
- Added Durability and Protection: The vertical extension of the countertop material provides extra protection for your cabinetry and island, safeguarding against scratches, dings, and wear over time. It ensures long-lasting durability for your kitchen surfaces
2) Choose a quartz countertop surface
Quartz is a cost-effective and visually stunning material for kitchen countertops.
These unique surfaces are crafted by blending ground quartz with a resilient resin polymer material, resulting in countertops that are not only beautiful but also highly durable.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, quartz countertops offer the advantage of never requiring re-sealing, unlike their granite counterparts. This means you can enjoy the long-lasting beauty of quartz without the hassle of regular maintenance.
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CAMBRIA INVERNESS™ QUARTZ
3) Contrast the kitchen island’s color with your wall cabinets
For a more luxurious appearance, it is recommended to choose a kitchen island that doesn’t match your kitchen wall cabinets. Whether the kitchen island should match the cabinets is subjective, but having an exact match can give a generic and uninspiring feel.
To make your kitchen island stand out, it is advisable to create contrast either in the color of the cabinets, the material of the countertop, or even both. This approach adds personality and prevents the design from appearing mundane or lacking in character.
4) Install a kitchen appliance
By incorporating kitchen appliances such as a sink, range, under-the-counter refrigerator, or dishwasher, your kitchen island can be transformed into an enticing focal point.
These appliances not only enhance functionality but also add visual appeal. Picture the joy of your guests as they observe you effortlessly cooking and preparing meals while staying engaged in conversation. With a kitchen appliance on your island, you create an inviting and dynamic space where cooking and socializing harmoniously come together.
Appliances You Can Add to Your Kitchen Island
6) Match countertop with backsplash
A backsplash not only adds practicality but also brings life to your kitchen walls, protecting them from stains and spills. Cambria offers a range of designs that can be used as a backsplash, allowing you to appreciate the full beauty of the slab’s patterns. Unlike trendy mosaic tile backsplashes, natural stone is a timeless choice that never goes out of style.
For a bold statement, consider matching your countertop with the backsplash, especially if you choose designs from Cambria’s Marble collection like Brittanicca™. Alternatively, you can mix and match different Cambria designs for a personalized touch. To achieve a classic colorblock look, select two solid shades from Cambria’s Desert collection. These designs feature subtle flecks or swirls that add interest without overwhelming the space. Stick to a neutral palette of pastel blues, taupe, brown, beige, and gold shades for a timeless appeal.
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CAMBRIA BRITTANICCA GOLD™
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CAMBRIA WEYBOURNE™
5) Add a stunning pendant lighting
Pendant lights offer versatility in size, style, and material to complement your kitchen’s design. They draw attention to specific areas or objects on the island, like the countertop or sink. Clusters of mini pendant lights create an elegant focal point for modern kitchens, while a single large pendant light adds warmth to rustic or farmhouse-style kitchens.
To achieve optimal lighting, hang pendant lights 30 to 36 inches above the island’s surface. This ensures ample illumination for tasks and a comfortable height for seated individuals.
7) Allot a dining area
Create a welcoming atmosphere by incorporating a dining space within your kitchen island. With additional seating, the kitchen island becomes a versatile spot for casual dining and socializing.
Whether you opt for dining seat height or bar stool height, you have various options to suit your specific needs and preferences. By adding seating to your kitchen island, you encourage people to gather, sit, and enjoy each other’s company in a comfortable and sociable setting.
