41 Easy Styling Tips to Decorate a Kitchen Island
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the kitchen island is the definitely the focal point. It takes center stage in our house when we have parties and a lot of people are gathered around it for food and conversation. No matter what style kitchen you have and what type of island, it’s not just food prep space, it’s an opportunity to show off your decorating style. Here are 41 easy styling tips to decorate a kitchen island like a boss.
We were fortunate to be able to do a DIY kitchen makeover a few years ago to create our dream kitchen. For us, we use our island all day, every day. It’s a landing place for when we bring in the groceries, a place to do homework, food prep, casual family dinners like pizza or taco night and a makeshift office for me to do work at just to name a few things. Not to mention it makes a great place for the buffet at parties.
Whether you have a small kitchen island or a large island, it is usually the focal point no matter what style your kitchen is. The possibilities for the shape, size and material of an island you can have is endless. There is the classic island made from base cabinets like we have…
to a beautiful, long farmhouse table like this one. This is definitely one of my favorites.
You can also choose a big square wooden one like this. I LOVE this style and the patina of the wood! Open and beautiful, but still a lot of storage. The best of both worlds.
I would love to have something like this replica of an old shop counter to use as a kitchen island. So much character here and that is the epitome of storage.
Or what about using this vintage piece of furniture built into on the island? This is just so creative! I have never seen anything like it.
Smaller islands can add just as much character.
Here they used a small dresser as the island. It’s narrow shape fit’s perfectly in the space and it’e on wheels so you can move it out of the way if you need to or closer the the sink or prep area on the counter. It’s the perfect addition to this farmhouse kitchen.
This cute little one in wood is a nice contrast to the white cabinets.
This butcher block is just so classic and is just the right size and shape for this cute space.
What do all of these different size and style kitchen islands have in common? They are all decorated with different accessories to create a kitchen island centerpiece that adds character and personality to each space.
How to decorate your kitchen island?
First, what do you decorate a kitchen island with?
1. Fresh flowers.
One of my favorite ways to spruce up any space is to add fresh flowers. They don’t have to be expensive. One of our local grocery stores has 3 big bunches for only $15 so it’s a great way to add some color and a fresh feel especially when it’s cold outside and you’re trying to beat the winter blues.
If you really don’t want to spend the money and you have a great place to store them, faux or dried flowers work well, too.
2. Decorate with fruit.
Faux or seasonal fruit can add a great pop of color to the center of your island. Place the pieces in a bowl or on a tray by them selves or mixed in with other pieces for a more layered look.
3. A Wood tray or other Decorative trays.
Trays of any kind are a great option regardless of your design style because they are easy to pick up and move when you need the counter for extra prep space. You can find them at home stores or at thrift stores in different shapes and sizes as well as different materials to match any decor such as wood, metal or ceramic.
This silver trays pops against the warm wood tone.
4. Use Baskets.
These are my go to for just about every space. The different shades of brown are great for adding warmth especially in a white or light kitchen. If you’re using a large table as an island, add baskets underneath for extra storage and to fill in the space. You can usually find these for a bargain at thrift stores.
I really love this layered look with the flowers and books.
5. Cutting boards.
Use a wooden cutting board as a base to layer on other pieces. These are also easy to move when you need to use the space.
6. Bowls.
For a minimal look, use one large bowl, whether ceramic or wood, with some fresh fruit or vegetables.
You can also layer in different pieces like this. So pretty!
7. Add a cake stand.
Use a pretty cake stand to display treats or some other decorative pieces.
I love how they have mixed the modern cake stand and plates here with what looks like an antique cutting board and vintage candlestick holder.
8. White pitchers
Other neutral white vessels like vintage pitchers are also a simple way to display flowers or you can use them for smaller rolling pins, or utensils.
So simple and so pretty.
9. Try a dough bowl.
If you have a long island, a wooden vessel like a dough bowl is a great way to add some warmth to the stone countertop.
10. Use a table runner.
A fabric table runner can make a great foundation for a kitchen island centerpiece. This one adds a bit of color as well.
This one looks like they used a folded tablecloth to create the runner. It dresses the space up and also adds a pretty color next to the wood top.
11. Silver tray.
Silver trays can be used anywhere in the home to decorate and they are perfect for a more vintage feel for your kitchen island decor.
13. Pottery.
This is one of my new favorites. You can find these fairly cheap at home stores or thrift stores. You can also create your own like I did here with this easy DIY textured pottery project using plaster of Paris.
This island, and everything around it, is just gorgeous. The pottery with the simple greens is so pretty, I really like the clean lines and the brass pulls of the island and the light fixtures are amazing!
14. Use books.
Vintage books have my heart but I love using books of all kinds to decorate with. They are great for adding color and for using to layer and add height to vignettes.
These small cookbooks are the perfect addition for balance in this vignette.
You could also use home interior books like the ones used here.
15. Decorate the whole space.
Don’t forget to have fun with unique kitchen island lighting by adding interesting pendant fixtures above as well as the extra seating with the interesting bar/counter stools.
This color combination is so pretty with the gray-blue and wood tones. The round stools with the black base are perfect with the backsplash add just the right contrast to the wood. All you need here is a simple white bowl.
You can also decorate the ends of the islands as well as the tops. It’s the perfect place to add decor items that are actually functional but also add visual interest.
It’s a great opportunity to change it up for the seasons as well. You can find many of these pieces at the thrift store.
16. Jar candles.
Candles are always a must in our kitchen. You can find all types of colors and styles of pretty jars to match your decor and I always love it when our kids come home and say the house smells so good. 🙂
This is so pretty with the matches and candle-snuffer.
17. Candlestick holders.
Whether you use vintage or new, candlestick holders are always easy to add in any space. There are so many styles and colors to choose from.
I find these vintage brass candlestick holders at thrift stores and flea markets usually for under $10 each.
18. Use crocks for a more vintage feel.
I like the way these are layered together here in different shapes and heights. Add in some vintage kitchen gadgets or rolling pins.
19. Add a bit of glass.
Glass vases are classic and you can pick these up pretty cheap at thrift stores. It makes the space a bit more light and airy. Try tying a ribbon around to match the seasonal colors.
20. Placemats.
A placemat also makes a nice foundation for a display.
21. Add in vintage Silverware.
Vintage silverware, even just a few pieces, is a nice touch to styling a kitchen island.
22. Cloth napkins or kitchen towels.
These are easy enough to lay over a tray or fold stacked together.
23. Vintage Kitchen utensils/vessels.
Here they included a vintage colander. The texture and color of the metal is a nice contrast with the wood. You could add in some fresh or faux fruit like pears or vegetables for a bit of color.
24. Plants.
If you have a green thumb, plants are always something that adds life to the space.
25. Tiered trays.
Adding a tiered tray is a great way to add some personality because there are so many different ways to decorate it. It’s also easily removed if you need the space.
26. Add a cloche.
These are great for adding that light and airy feel of the glass and you can be creative with what you put under them.
27. Stacked plates.
This is an easy way to add a bit of height to your display.
28. White platter.
We all have white platters for serving so why not break them out and use them for decor. Easy enough to move if you need to and since they are neutral, you can add anything to them to create a centerpiece.
29. Mugs.
Have your coffee mugs at the ready with this cute little rack.
30. Metal basket
Adding in some metal gives it a bit of an industrial feel.
You may also like:
21 of the best ways to decorate kitchen walls on a budget
13 ways to display cutting boards in your kitchen
How do you decorate a kitchen island?
31. Use layers.
Layering items adds visual interest.
32. use odd numbers.
This goes for really all vignettes. I can’t explain why, it just looks better.
33. Have a color scheme.
Whether you go all out with color to match your kitchen or keep it more modern with a monochromatic look, you can create a beautiful kitchen island centerpiece.
34. Use one statement piece.
Keep it simple by using one larger item in the middle of the kitchen island. It’s easy to move it you need to use the island for foot prep or serving.
35. Use different textures.
I love the combination of the woven basket and the dimpled pottery.
36. Use varying heights.
Having different heights in any display makes it just a bit more interesting.
Great Kitchen decor ideas Ideas for the seasons.
Why not change things up for the seasons? It gives the kitchen a fresh feel and it’s easy enough to change out.
37. Spring.
38. Summer.
39. Fall.
40. Decorate for winter.
Add in some faux greenery and pinecones or real flowers with winter colors.
This is one of my favorite kitchens from Liz Marie Blog. It’s such a beautiful, calming space with the white, brown and green mixed together. I love all of the creative layers she uses.
41. Kitchen island Christmas decor ideas
What a simple but beautiful Christmas decoration for the kitchen island.
Add a pop of red.
PIN IT for later!
The best part is, there are so many different ways to decorate the kitchen island to get that unique kitchen feel you are looking for. I hope you find inspiration with these kitchen island decor ideas. Let me know in the comments which is your favorite way to decorate your kitchen island.
Happy Decorating!
Col
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