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Keep Kitchen Design Afloat With These Top Suggestions For Styling Your Kitchen Island

two white bar stools next to a large kitchen island

Your kitchen is a crucial area in your home. This is where you create, come together, and generally thrive. And, you can do all of that with even more ease if you consider incorporating design elements like a kitchen island. 

This key kitchen addition is at the top of most design trend lists this year, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you want more storage, fancy an iconic kitchen focal point, or love the idea of somewhere else to sit, contacting a company like FH Home Improvements for a kitchen renovation that comes complete with an island is sure to transform how you enjoy this space. 

To make the most of your island, however, you’ll also want to spare a thought for styling. Keep on reading for our top tips.

# 1 – Opt for Open Storage

Opting for open shelving units, storage baskets, and even hanging rails right above your island is a great way to add interest and depth to this kitchen addition. Adding open storage can also make this space all the more functional, ensuring that you can easily move around your kitchen, even with an island in the center. 

Top items to display across open island storage might include dinnerware sets, pans, or even your spices. It is, however, worth avoiding putting items like utensils or appliances on display, as they could lead to a muddled appearance that’s not quite what you’re aiming for! 

# 2 – Incorporate Seating

Interior design of a beautiful kitchen with a large island in a modern new England colonial home
Interior design of a beautiful kitchen with a large island in a modern new England colonial home

Incorporating seating around your kitchen island is a great option for both improving appearances and enhancing usability. Simply opt for a bespoke island with space for seating underneath. Then, you’ll have a ready-made seating area that’s fantastic for quick family meals. Seating can also transform this into a fantastic entertainment space where you can share coffee or even light bites with friends without needing to lay out an entire table every time. 

There are no set rules about the right ‘style’ of seating to get for this purpose. Stools, benches, and simple high-legged chairs could all look great. You could invest in sets or, if you’re opting for a more rustic country-style kitchen design, you could choose mismatched seating that becomes a feature in itself. 

# 3 – Let Pendant Lighting Hang Loose

Playing with different levels can be incredibly effective when it comes to kitchen island design, and never is that more evident than with pendant lighting. After all, while stark kitchen spotlights might be useful elsewhere in this space, you probably want a slightly cozier vibe for your island. 

Pendant lighting which hangs a lot lower than spotlights can cast a more effective island glow. This addition will also help to draw the eye to this brand new design feature as soon as guests walk in, ensuring that it truly is the star of your kitchen show. 

Whether you’re stuck for styling ideas on an existing kitchen island, or are prepping for a brand new installation, these top tips are sure to help you get that addition looking how you like it. 

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Karen LeBlanc

Karen LeBlanc is a travel host and writer with a popular travel show, The Design Tourist, and a companion lifestyle blog. As a widely published travel journalist and content creator, Karen is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association. She also serves as the Design and Travel editor of the national lifestyle magazine, LaPalme. Karen believes that every destination has a story to tell through its local art, architecture, culture, and craft. This immersive creative exploration begins with authentic accommodations where the narrative of place unfolds through art, accessories, accouterments, furnishings, fixtures, and food. 

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