HomeBeautiful
  • Open Homes
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor
  • Decorate
  • Hamptons
  • Podcasts
  • Beach House
  • hacks
HomeBeautiful
  • Open Homes
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor
  • Decorate
  • Hamptons
  • Podcasts
  • Beach House
  • hacks
Subscribe
Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
Watch 2:03

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right

{headline}

{headline}

How to nail your kitchen island

How to nail your kitchen island

8 genius kitchen islands that steal the show

8 genius kitchen islands that steal the show

The one place you haven’t thought of for open shelving in your kitchen

The one place you haven’t thought of for open shelving in your kitchen

11 best bar stools to elevate your kitchen

11 best bar stools to elevate your kitchen

{headline}

{headline}

5 essential planning tips to renovate your kitchen right

5 essential planning tips to renovate your kitchen right

Bec and Chris Judd have sold their lavish Brighton home

Bec and Chris Judd have sold their lavish Brighton home

3 amazing op shop furniture makeovers

3 amazing op shop furniture makeovers

{headline}

{headline}

5 ways to create a happier kitchen you love

5 ways to create a happier kitchen you love

2020 Dulux Colour Awards Finalists Announced

2020 Dulux Colour Awards Finalists Announced

Peek inside reno queen Cherie Barber's incredible converted warehouse

Peek inside reno queen Cherie Barber's incredible converted warehouse

10 hacks to totally transform your kitchen

10 hacks to totally transform your kitchen

Start your own windowsill herb garden

Start your own windowsill herb garden

This renovated desert shack broke the internet

This renovated desert shack broke the internet

10 quick ways to update your kitchen

10 quick ways to update your kitchen

  1. Home
  2. Kitchen Benches

8 new trends to try on your kitchen island

Take this practical space from zero to hero - by Laura Barry
  • 04 Mar 2019
8 new trends to try on your kitchen island
Martina Gemmola for GIA Kitchens

The kitchen island is one of the most popular features added to a kitchen during a new build or renovation. It can have multiple functions, from providing extra workspace to standing in for a dining table, but the best part about kitchen islands is that you can be a little bit more experimental with the colour palette and design.

“The kitchen island has, and will continue to be, a strong element in the contemporary kitchen,” says interior designer Jasmine McClelland. It’s a versatile and practical space that can cater to entertaining guests and helping the kids while they do their homework. It’s a real necessity to a contemporary kitchen space, and provides an opportunity to do some really interesting designs while simultaneously maximising storage.”

As a working interior designer, Jasmine has plenty of experience when it comes to identifying trends. Here, she outlines eight of her favourite kitchen island design trends and her take on them.

1. Black

“Black is still very much trending in kitchen island design. It looks fabulous on its own but equally compliments many colours and surfaces. It does mark easily, so make sure you choose the right finish.”

2. Colour

“For those who aren’t scared of colour, the strong, moody and muted colours are definitely trending. Greys and greens are still strong but are easy on the eye, and these colours can set the tone for your home.”

8 new trends to try on your kitchen island
Three Birds

3. Matt

“Matt finishes will be even more popular this year as clients are craving natural finishes that compliment timber grains and stone.”

4. Go Natural

“Natural colours and textures are also popular in kitchens this year. Clients are seeking calm in their crazy busy schedules, and nothing is as tactile and soothing to the eye as natural colours, materials and textures. Another idea is using timber as a feature on the back panel of the kitchen island to create a lovely textural element. It’s a great way to introduce those natural colours into your kitchen.”

5. Cut outs

“Side cuts outs to bench tops that create interesting shapes and patterns are gaining traction. Ensure that they complement the feel and style of the house.”

8 new trends to try on your kitchen island
Shania Shegedyn

6. Tiles

“Using tiles on the back panel to create a really solid, strong but beautiful effect on the kitchen island adds texture and creates a really interesting point of difference in the kitchen.” 

7. Lighting

“Feature lighting over island benches is still trending and it can really define your space. There is so much great lighting out there, but you need to choose one that complements the style of your home. And don’t forget to put the lights on a dimmer!”

8. Less is more

“In terms of style, minimalism is still king but will blend itself with the existing style of the house. I anticipate crossovers; for example in an industrial style home or a mid-century home with different design elements and choices. Clients want to conceal their clutter but showcase their style and character through really interesting and considered finishes, textures, colour, lighting, shelving space and decorative elements.”

8 new trends to try on your kitchen island
Brigid Arnott

This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.

You might also like:

8 genius kitchen islands that steal the show

5 reasons terrazzo is the next big comeback in kitchens

How you can get Australia’s most beautiful kitchen

  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen Benches
  • Kitchen Cabinets
  • Kitchen Renovations
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

by Royal Albert, when you subscribe

Subscribe Now
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

by Royal Albert, when you subscribe

Subscribe Now
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug

Recommended to you

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
Watch 2:03

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right

{headline}

{headline}

How to nail your kitchen island

How to nail your kitchen island

8 genius kitchen islands that steal the show

8 genius kitchen islands that steal the show

The one place you haven’t thought of for open shelving in your kitchen

The one place you haven’t thought of for open shelving in your kitchen

11 best bar stools to elevate your kitchen

11 best bar stools to elevate your kitchen

{headline}

{headline}

5 essential planning tips to renovate your kitchen right

5 essential planning tips to renovate your kitchen right

Bec and Chris Judd have sold their lavish Brighton home

Bec and Chris Judd have sold their lavish Brighton home

3 amazing op shop furniture makeovers

3 amazing op shop furniture makeovers

{headline}

{headline}

5 ways to create a happier kitchen you love

5 ways to create a happier kitchen you love

2020 Dulux Colour Awards Finalists Announced

2020 Dulux Colour Awards Finalists Announced

Peek inside reno queen Cherie Barber's incredible converted warehouse

Peek inside reno queen Cherie Barber's incredible converted warehouse

10 hacks to totally transform your kitchen

10 hacks to totally transform your kitchen

Start your own windowsill herb garden

Start your own windowsill herb garden

This renovated desert shack broke the internet

This renovated desert shack broke the internet

10 quick ways to update your kitchen

10 quick ways to update your kitchen

HomeBeautiful
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
HomeBeautiful Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Instyle
  • marie claire
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • All Recipes
  • Practical Parenting
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Health Engine
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • Airtasker
  • Society One
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

Shop This Offer
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug