Is one of your goals this year is to tackle a kitchen remodel? Then odds are one of the main areas of focus is your kitchen island. These coveted kitchen inclusions provide plenty of extra room for food prep, storage, and entertaining, but they’re also perfect for giving your room an elevated feel.
Ready to bring your dream kitchen to life this year? Here are 7 kitchen island styles experts say are outdated so you know what to avoid in your design.
Meet the Expert
- Andrea DeRosa is the CEO, Co-Founder, and Principal Designer at Avenue Interior Design.
- Stephanie Calderon is the CEO & Principal Designer at Stephanie Calderon Interiors in Charlotte, NC.
Statement Color Islands
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Kitchen islands have always been a great place to add a splash of color for extra personality and design, but according to Andrea DeRosa, the CEO, Co-Founder, and Principal Designer at Avenue Interior Design, this is a kitchen island trend that designers are slowly starting to move away from.
“Instead of a statement color, consider opting for a natural material, like wood, to compliment painted base and upper cabinets along the perimeter of a kitchen,” she says.
By putting these materials in the center of your kitchen, you’ll create a space that feel natural and serene.
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Two-Tiered Islands
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Two-tiered islands had their moment in the 90s and early 2000s, but nowadays, our experts saying goodbye to this outdated design and opting for something more versatile and aesthetically pleasing.
“Two-tiered designs reduce usable countertop space and limit seating to bar-height stools, which aren’t as versatile,” Stephanie Calderon, CEO & Principal Designer at Stephanie Calderon Interiors, says. “A single-level island maximizes prep, entertaining, and dining space while maintaining a clean, modern look.”
Sinks or Oven Built-Ins
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One of the most handy features of kitchen islands has been the inclusion of sinks, cooktops, and ovens. But, according to our experts, this is another trend that’s starting to fade to make your island seem more useful.
“Unless you have a very large island, or a double island, we recommend keeping these functions out of the island,” DeRosa says. “Doing so allows the island to truly be utilized for food prep, entertaining, or other activities,”
Calderon recommends moving these appliances to your perimeter countertops to keep the island spacious and open.
Builder-Grade Granite
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When it comes to the builder-grade granite on your island’s countertop, especially the brown-speckled stone, Calderon says it’s time to think of renovating this area to something more modern and personal.
“Brown-speckled granite has been overused in mass-produced, cookie-cutter homes and lacks individuality,” Calderon says. “While granite is a beautiful natural stone, we recommend more unique options, such as Black Forest Granite, to make a bold statement and elevate the overall design.”
Waterfall Edges
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Waterfall edges have been a fan-favorite for kitchen islands in recent years for the ultra-modern appearance and seamless design. But, similar to the builder-grade granite, DeRosa says this is becoming an overused trend that professionals are starting to veer from.
“Instead, consider adding a rounded edge to one, or both, sides of your island,” she says. “This allows for a more free-flowing, communal atmosphere in the kitchen and softens the otherwise hard edges typical of kitchen islands.”
Islands with Open Shelving
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While open shelves offer plenty of room for storage and kitchen decor, designers are starting to turn to concealed storage for a tidier look, especially for kitchen islands.
“Open shelves on islands often sacrifice functionality,” says Calderon. “They’re better suited for decorative items or curated displays, but they offer limited practical storage. Closed cabinetry or drawers are a more efficient solution, keeping the island streamlined and clutter-free.”
Matching the Island to the Perimeter Cabinets
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We love cohesive looks from time to time but when it comes to designing your kitchen, our experts say more colors and stains make the room feel homey and unique. That’s why Calderon says painting your island the same color as your perimeter cabinets is a trend that’s no longer in style.
“Using the same color and finish for both the island and surrounding cabinetry creates a monotone look, causing everything to blend together,” she says. “Introducing a contrasting island color or finish adds depth, visual interest, and a custom feel.”
