Bringing fresh energy and enviable style, the latest kitchen island trends are guaranteed to create an impressive focal point. Have you ever seen inspirational kitchen ideas without a stunning kitchen island centre-stage?
‘More than ever, we are seeing customers being increasingly daring with requests for kitchen islands that make a serious style statement,’ says Melissa Klink, creative director, Harvey Jones. ‘Colour choices are becoming braver, and there’s more call for split levels, unusual shapes and eye-catching materials.
Like all kitchen trends, these new design approaches aren’t just about looks. There are also a few functional moves that are set to make kitchen islands even more desirable this year. Whether you decide to try out a more practical design trend or go all-out with a sensational style makeover, one thing is for sure; 2025 is the humble kitchen island’s time to shine.
Kitchen island trends
While kitchen island ideas reflect the latest design trends, they still need to be timeless. Like any kitchen trend, your kitchen island has to last, and retain their appeal, for many years. That’s why our experts have highlighted liveable trends that will boost the impact of your next kitchen island, without falling for fast-fashion or blowing the budget!
1. Statement surfaces
A kitchen island has the potential to make a statement in the centre of a cooking space that is loved and used by all of the family, so why not take it one step further with a statement stone surface?
Throughout 2024, and continuing into 2025, we have seen dramatic stone backsplashes (matching kitchen worktops) rise in popularity, turning a veined surface into practical wall decor.
‘Customers are embracing bold surfaces to add character to their kitchens. Marble decors across stone worktops with intricate veining have seen of 25% Year-on-year rise in volume sales, while feature splashbacks in bronze and antique mirrors are becoming focal points in high-end kitchens,’ explains Jen Nash, head of design at Magnet.
This trend offers a personalisation appeal too – depending on your kitchen colour scheme you can choose a vein that either contrasts or complements the design.
2. Curved corners
Square or rectangular kitchen islands are certainly not going anywhere, but there is a new trend on the block: curved cabinetry. Kitchen islands are often the focal point in the room and so by opting for rounded edges, it softens the overall scheme and creates a cosy and welcoming spot to gather around.
“Curved kitchen islands are redefining luxury in kitchen design, introducing a sense of fluidity and elegance that contrasts with the sharp corners of traditional layouts. This playfulness is a common theme we’re seeing emerging in kitchen design as some owners move toward circles and rounded edges to add bespoke touches and improved comfort,’ explains Stacey Cobley, senior designer at Harvey Jones.
‘These shapes facilitate interaction and create more opportunities for customised seating and entertainment, keeping the eye moving and allowing lines to blend into one another. Paired with handcrafted joinery and stone worktops, they offer ultimate sophistication by seamlessly blending structured lines with organic forms to create a standout feature that elevates both style and functionality.’
3. Organic materials
A big kitchen island trend for 2025 is all about going back to basics. Our kitchens are increasingly used as a hub for every activity, so they need to feel homely, welcoming and down to earth. Whether it’s through wood or stone, adding in organic materials will take your kitchen island to the next level.
‘Look to nature for inspiration by incorporating organic material such as wood and natural stone into the design, and also bring in texture such as wool, linen and rattan to soften the scheme. Colours are neutral and earthy to create a sense of calm. Perfect for those who love the clean look of modern design but feel it could look too sterile, modern organic may just be the look you are seeking,’ adds Chris Spink, founder at Hush Kitchens.
4. Prep tables
Kitchen islands aren’t going anywhere, but if you want a slightly different style then a prep table might be for you. With wheels on the feet and a slightly more rustic appearance, it’s a great choice for traditional kitchen ideas or for those who want more versatility.
‘We all love an Island, or a prep table or a butcher’s block, they just make a kitchen more sociable and create areas for seating, prepping or simply hanging out. Back when deVOL began we were very much in favour of butcher’s blocks, you could always squeeze one into most kitchens, even if you didn’t have the room for an island or prep table. We put chunky castors on the legs so you could wheel these little prep tables around the kitchen,’ explains Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL.
‘Over the years butcher’s blocks have often been replaced with small islands and we are so pleased to see them making a comeback. There is something really quite pleasing about a moveable piece of furniture, it gives you options, different options depending on the situation. Pull your butcher’s block to the end of your table for big gatherings where you need extra space to lay out your platters of food. Then there is the possibility if small enough, to wheel your trusty moveable cupboard into the garden, right up next to the barbeque for lazy summer lunches.’
5. Fancy fluting
Fluted surfaces are set to stay a strong kitchen island trend in 2024, and the benefits are bountiful – especially when pitched on a striking island unit, like this one by Sheraton Interiors. ‘On an island, artfully executed fluting can produce the most beautiful curves, creating a soft contrast against the hard surfaces of a kitchen,’ says Shehryar Khan, owner of Sheraton Interiors. ‘An island with curved ends is also safer to navigate around, without knocking hips or young heads on sharp corners.’
The width and spacing of fluting can provide very different results. Go for tight fluting for a more masculine, ribbed effect that looks like pinstripes from afar, or opt for wider, lozenge-like flutes like these for a softer aesthetic that emphasises the curves.
Another spin on this look is the kitchen panelling trend using thin strips of wood. It doesn’t have the same curved look, but still delivers a lovely textured finish that will lift everything from white kitchen ideas to dark kitchen ideas.
6. Flexible displays
A mix of open shelving and glass cabinets will offer flexible kitchen storage ideas on the front of your island. It is easier to access items on shallow shelves than closed cupboards when reaching under a breakfast bar – recipe books can make for a colourful display.
Where access is easier, solid or glazed doors are more practical for keeping the dust out. ‘Reeded glass doors add a beautiful design element and will diffuse the contents inside, so you won’t need to be militant about keeping everything tidy,’ says William Durrant, owner, Herringbone Kitchens.
7. Style-led sinks
Installing a kitchen island sink idea is a sociable option that allows you to look out into the room – and garden beyond – while you cook and wash up. As it will be in the spotlight, centre-stage, the emphasis is increasingly on style-led installations.
An undermounted sink is the sleek way to execute this trend and will provide an easy-clean seamless surface around the sink area. Add a boiling water tap for speedy brews and quick pasta. ‘Complement your tap finish with other metal tones in your kitchen for a considered aesthetic,’ suggests Stefan Gesing, CEO of Dornbracht.
8. Waterfall worktops
The No. 1 fashion-forward way to elevate the luxury levels in your kitchen is to install an island unit with a stylish waterfall edge. This simple technique sees the horizontal worktop carried seamlessly down to the floor, like water flowing down a waterfall, and it’s a brilliant way to show-off a statement stone.
‘Maximise the impact by choosing a surface with veining, which can be carefully aligned where the horizontal and vertical slabs meet to enhance the flowing effect,’ advises kitchen designer, Jasper Middleton, of Middleton.
You can fit a waterfall edge on both sides of an island, creating a striking modular effect, but it’s only a smart investment if they can both be appreciated. As the island here faces a wall at one end, Middleton focused on the waterfall moment where it would be most visible; and it’s the first thing guests appreciate when entering the room.
FAQ
Are kitchen islands still trending?
Kitchen islands are absolutely still trending and continue to top the wish-lists of home renovators, especially those planning large extensions with open-plan living. It is unlikely they will ever fall our of favour. Islands are just so sociable but also provide a zoning role, that helps to define and separate the kitchen in a bigger space.
However, you don’t need a big kitchen to accommodate an island unit. With so many designs, shapes and sizes to choose from, it’s now possible to incorporate an island into most kitchens and, given the chance, most homeowners will leap at the opportunity.
Should kitchen islands be lighter or darker?
If you are planning a two-tone kitchen, it is generally considered best to go for a darker colour on the island, and lighter on surrounding cabinetry. This will allow the island to stand in stronger contrast against the pale backdrop, establishing it as the clear focal point.
‘It’s also wise to keep darker shades below eye-level, on an island rather than tall cabinets, if you’re colour shy. You’re much less likely to tire of the colour and the darker shade won’t overpower the space,’ adds Sam Hart, from Roundhouse.
Which kitchen island trend will you be embracing this year?
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