Dream Home : The Best Guide to Styling your Kitchen Island

Kitchen Islands are my favorite. There are so many ways you can add style and character to your kitchen island.When it comes to kitchen design, one area that often gets overlooked is the countertop.

While most of us focus on appliances, cabinets, and backsplashes, your kitchen counter is the perfect spot to inject personality and style into your space.

Styling your kitchen counter is a great way to elevate the overall look of your kitchen without needing a full remodel.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step strategies on how to style your kitchen counters like a pro.

Use a Dramatic Marble or Quartzite

If you know me, I am a natural stone lover. If you want to really create a one of a kind Kitchen island, go for a dramatic marble or quartzite. Italian marble like Calacatta Monet, Calacatta Capri or Calacatta Extra could be a good option.

When it comes to quartzite, you have greens, blues, burgundy, golds or grey with very dramatic vein that will create the perfect uniquely styled kitchen.

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Bar Stools

Depending on what style of kitchen you have, there are so many options of barstools from wicker to leather to fabric to metal. Literally the options are endless. You can opt for bar stools that either co-ordinate with your kitchen island or are a contrast to the kitchen island.

Baskets or Trays

Place a few baskets or trays on your kitchen island to hold small items like decorative pieces, salt, pepper shakers, or even fresh fruit. This can add a touch of texture, color and interest to the surface of the island.

Plants or Flowers

Add a pop of color and life to your kitchen island by placing a small potted plant or a small vase of flowers on the surface.

Displaying plants or flowers on your kitchen island is a great way to add a touch of natural beauty and life to the space. Not only do they add visual interest, but they can also help to improve the air quality in your kitchen by purifying the air.

Candle Holders

Place a couple of candle holders or lanterns on the island to add a warm, inviting ambiance to the space.

This is a great way to add a warm and inviting ambiance to the space.

They can be used to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, especially during the evening hours.

When choosing candle holders or lanterns, consider the style of your kitchen island and home.

For example, if you have a more traditional or rustic kitchen island, choose candle holders or lanterns made of wood or metal.

If you have a more modern or minimalist kitchen island, you may want to choose holders or lanterns made of glass or sleek metal.

Large Vases

Use large vases as a decor element on your kitchen island.

It helps to add visual interest and style to the space.

A large vase can also be used to hold fresh flowers or branches. The vase adds a pop of color and natural beauty to the space.

A great way to bring the outside in, is by using flowers and twigs or fresh herbs.

You can change the flowers depending on the season to keep the kitchen island looking fresh and inviting.

Another option would be to use large vases to hold dried flowers or branches. It will give a nice contrast to the space and the natural elements will last for a long time.

Additionally, you can use large vases as an opportunity to incorporate more sculptural elements into the kitchen island. If you have a minimalist or modern space, consider a vase that has a unique shape or geometric design.

For a traditional or rustic space, consider a ceramic or stoneware vase that has an interesting texture or glaze.

Large vases are a simple yet effective way to enhance the style and ambiance of your kitchen island .

They make it a more inviting and pleasant space.

Decorative Soap Dispensers

Add decorative soap dispensers to your kitchen island to add a cohesive and polished look.

When choosing decorative soap dispensers, consider the existing style and colors of your kitchen island and home.

You can use the dispensers with similar aesthetic, like a vintage, rustic or modern look.

You can select dispensers that are made of different materials, like glass, stainless steel, or ceramic,

And, if you are going for a functional and sustainable approach, you could also look for refillable dispensers. This way, you can also avoid the constant waste of disposable packaging.

Kitchen Counter Styling Ideas for Every Kitchen Style

No matter your kitchen style—whether modern, farmhouse, or industrial—there’s a countertop look that will work for you.

Let’s take a look at some ideas for styling your kitchen counter based on different design aesthetics.

Modern Kitchen Counter Styling

For a modern kitchen, opt for a clean, minimalistic approach. Think sleek, polished surfaces and organized spaces.

Key Tips:

• Use monochromatic colors like black, white, or gray to create a minimalist aesthetic.
• Invest in contemporary appliances with clean lines.
• Display a single, large statement piece like a vase or an elegant sculpture.
• Keep counter items to a minimum—less is more.

Farmhouse Kitchen Counter Styling

Farmhouse kitchens embrace warmth, charm, and a touch of rustic appeal. To style your kitchen counter in this way, focus on natural materials and vintage finds.

Key Tips:

• Incorporate wooden elements like a wooden cutting board, bowls, or crates.
• Add vintage-style kitchenware such as enamel containers or a classic teapot.
• Use a patterned dish towel or a woven runner for texture.
• Fresh flowers or a mason jar with wildflowers fit perfectly here.

Boho Kitchen Counter Styling

A bohemian kitchen is all about eclectic style, where colors, patterns, and textures come together in a free-spirited way.

Key Tips:

• Layer various textiles like bright, patterned dish towels and table runners.
• Incorporate woven baskets or macrame plant hangers.
• Display a mix of ceramic and wooden bowls, vintage containers, or artisan mugs.
• Fresh greenery or hanging plants will add depth and vibrancy.