White kitchen islands create a bright and spacious feel that is both stylish and functional. These islands can be used for anything from food prep to entertaining guests or even as a casual dining area.
White kitchen islands can also serve as a focal point in the overall kitchen design and may feature design elements such as quartz countertops, pendant lighting, or unique hardware. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary aesthetic, there are endless ways to incorporate a white kitchen island to create a fresh and inviting space.
When we remodeled our kitchen, I remember having a newfound love for our island! Islands are just so… functional! A kitchen island gives you flexibility for food prep, socializing while cooking, space for hosting guests, and even those long homework sessions. Plus, choosing a white island will add a pop of brightness to the room.
If you are considering a white island in your kitchen, I’ve got some great tips and inspiration for you.
Tips For Choosing a White Kitchen Island
If you’ve been considering a white kitchen island, I have some essential tips to help you get it right.
- Consider the functionality of your kitchen island. Will you need extra cabinets and drawers for storage? Adding a sink? A stove?
- Keep it interesting with a decorative end cap. Try adding shiplap, painted beadboard, or cascading countertop.
- Add personality to your kitchen with a contrasting island countertop, like butcherblock, dark granite, or stainless steel.
- Make cooking more sociable by installing a cooktop on a fixed kitchen island.
- Pops of color and patterns in cabinets, flooring, and backsplashes add visual interest and balance out the bright white kitchen island.
- Consider adding some moody lighting pieces, such as pendant lights or chandeliers.
- Add contrasting design elements such as marble, granite, or wood counters to help them highlight each other.
White Kitchen Island FAQs
Should kitchen island be same color as walls?
When it comes to wall colors and island colors, it boils down to personal preference.
Darker walls will create a warmer atmosphere against the stark white kitchen island, while lighter will keep the space brighter and larger in appearance, but could also cause the space to feel stark and cold if the colors aren’t chosen carefully.
Should island be lighter or darker than cabinets?
Similar to wall colors, there are no specific rules for choosing a kitchen cabinet color. However, choosing the same shade of white for the cabinets and island will prevent colors from clashing or reflecting funky undertones.
That said, the island can be a great place to add some contrast! So if you have darker perimeter cabinetry, a white island can look great…and the converse is also true.
What is the best material for kitchen island countertops?
This comes down to personal style. If you are looking for a classic, durable option, granite never fails. For a more rustic look, butcherblock counters are a great choice.
What is the difference between a breakfast bar and an island?
Breakfast bars always have seating attached and are typically attached to a wall or existing countertop. Kitchen islands are free-standing and are moveable or fixed.
Do kitchen islands need bar or counter stools?
This is strictly optional! If you wish to make your cooking space more sociable, add seating on one side of the island. However, kitchen islands can be reserved strictly for extra storage and prep space, without adding seating for an audience.
Remember that “bar stools” are taller than “counter stools”. Typically bar stools measure between 28-32″ tall, while counter stools are usually in the 24-27″ range. Allow at least 8″ of clearance between the top of your stool and the counter surface.
Wall Paint Color Options with White Kitchen Islands
With a white kitchen island, the sky is the limit when choosing a wall color. However, instead of only considering the white paint color of the island, be sure to factor in the countertops, cabinets, appliances, and lighting, too.
Choosing paint colors can be challenging, so I have a series of paint posts to provide essential information about individual colors. I want to help make selecting colors as stress-free as possible!
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the best color schemes for kitchens with white kitchen islands.
White Walls
White is a timeless paint color, but it comes with some challenges. The white paint color family, including creams and off-whites, is known for pesky undertones – possibly more so than any other shade.
Whites work in any kitchen, but they are especially effective in small kitchens because white walls keep the tight space feeling spacious.
Some white kitchen wall paint color options might be:
- Dove Wing by Benjamin Moore
- Oyster White by Sherwin Williams
- Swiss Coffee by Behr
- Ballet White by Benjamin Moore
- Navajo White by Benjamin Moore
And if you’re wanting to use backsplash on the walls rather than paint, check out 19 beautiful backsplash ideas for white cabinetry.
Gray Walls
Gray paint colors are a classic in the neutral family! Lighter shades of gray help neutralize louder colors and patterns.
If you want to tone down the bright whiteness of the kitchen island, check out some of these popular gray paint colors:
Other Wall Color Options with White Kitchen Islands
If you want to add some pizzazz to your white kitchen, adding a bold color is a great option! Bold greens, blues, and lighter hues add personality and interest against white fixtures in a kitchen.
If you have a smaller kitchen, it’s best to err on the side of a lighter color to avoid the feeling of being closed in. However, vaulted ceilings and larger spaces beg for darker, moodier paint colors.
Bored with beige, white or gray? Check out these other wall color options:
- Evergreen Fog by Sherwin Williams – a deep, rich color for larger kitchens with high ceilings
- Tradewind by Sherwin Williams – a coastal, crisp vibe
- Oyster Bay by Sherwin Williams – a neutral with a trace of color
- Perfect Greige by Sherwin Williams – a classic neutral that works well throughout the home
- Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore – a rich blue, moody hue that adds lots of personality.
Want the cliff notes for choosing the perfect color every time? Grab a FREE copy of my guide to help you avoid the paint color picking mistakes most people make!
7 White Kitchen Island Ideas
There is more than one way to create the perfect kitchen island! Here are seven styles for your inspiration.
1. White Kitchen Island with Contrasting Counter Top
A beautiful white kitchen island with a butcherblock countertop adds a farmhouse flair to your kitchen. I love how this marries well with the adjacent marble counters.
2. White Kitchen Island with Sink
Functionality at its best! This second sink on the kitchen island provides extra space for washing up.
3. White Kitchen Island with Storage
Kitchen islands are storage masters! This example keeps kitchen necessities out of sight for a minimalist look.
4. White Kitchen Island with a Breakfast Bar
Craving Some Creativity has this double-decker island working double-duty! The seating area is great for small children to do homework or eat breakfast, while the island provides extra prep and cooking space for mom.
5. Irregular Shaped White Kitchen Island
The irregular shape of this kitchen island is multi-purpose. It serves as a divider between the kitchen and adjacent living space and a comfortable place for guests to sit.
6. White Kitchen Island with Towel Holder
R & R At Home added additional functionality to their kitchen island with a towel bar. This could be used to hang seasonal decor and frequently used kitchen tools. It could also work at on the side of a non-island kitchen cabinet that’s blank and begging for some more functionality
7. Mobile Kitchen Island
For smaller kitchens, shifting around a kitchen island is super helpful! This rolling kitchen island can be situated for serving, prep, or as additional storage. Plans for this lovely kitchen cart are available at Tidbits and Company.
White kitchen islands are undoubtedly an excellent addition to any modern kitchen. With their clean and elegant look, they create a perfect centerpiece that adds a functional and comfortable space to your kitchen.
Whether you prefer a minimalist or traditional style, there are many ways to incorporate a white kitchen island into your interior design.
It doesn’t matter whether the you can fit a large kitchen island, or just a small rolling cart…islands of any size will add functional space that’s always appreciated when it comes to meal prep.
So, if you are planning to renovate your kitchen or looking for some inspiration, consider incorporating a white kitchen island in your design and turn your cooking space into a dreamy and inviting area that meets all your culinary needs.
On the hunt for more simple home improvement ideas, and DIY home decorating inspiration? Be sure to check out these articles, too!
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