Perth Kitchen Renovation Ideas: Kitchen Island Ideas

A kitchen island has the potential to completely refresh your kitchen space, helping to uplift your old kitchen of yesteryear into a chic, bespoke space for dining, hosting and cooking.

But there’s a lot to consider when it comes to finding a kitchen island design that suits your kitchen. As leading experts offering kitchen renovations in Perth, we want to help. Seeing thousands of kitchen designs across our decades of business, we know all the ins and outs of kitchen island renovations including their different styles, features, and which design will best suit your home.

1. Types of kitchen islands
2. Popular kitchen island features
3. Advice for large kitchens
4. Advice for small kitchens

Popular Types of Kitchen Islands to Inspire Your Kitchen Renovation

Modern style

The modern kitchen island is perfect for those who are looking to spring their home into the current day with a modern kitchen renovation in Perth that utilises all the latest styles, colour palettes and features. A modern kitchen island can take your kitchen renovation to the next level and leave your guests in awe. Some common features of modern kitchen island renovations include:

• Waterfall countertops – waterfall countertops have the countertop of your kitchen island ‘spill’ over the side, extending down to the floor. This creates a seamless “waterfall” appearance.
• Neutral tones – modern kitchen islands often incorporate neutral tones such as white, black, and wood with occasional pops of colour.
• Clean lines and shapes – it’s all about simplicity, modern kitchen islands are often clearly and sharply defined.
• Minimal ornamentation – leave the bells and whistles behind. Large handles and knobs are often forgone in the simplified kitchen island design.
• Hidden functionality – think smart storage, hidden appliances and power points stored away beneath the counter.

As seen here, the white marble top elegantly spills over the side of this modern kitchen island, complete with luxurious matte black stools.

Country style

Just because your kitchen island renovation is new, doesn’t mean you can’t take inspiration from more traditional styles.

Country-style kitchen islands have plenty to offer in the way of inspiration, even if you’re interested in a more modern style home. Consider adding some, or all, of these country-style kitchen island features to your next Perth kitchen renovation:

• Warm hues – oranges, browns, yellows and creams, the country style is all about adding a touch of warmth to your new kitchen.
• Wood elements – using wood in your kitchen island can provide a dash of rustic, country charm.
• Decorative trim – whether you’re thinking French or Australian country, a decorative trim provides added interest to any kitchen island.
• Visible functionality – shelves under the kitchen island filled with pots and jars, drawers embellished with gold, or an integrated sink, country-style kitchen islands can afford to be extra functional.

This modern home provides a subtle nod to the popular country-style kitchen with a kitchen island featuring a wooden top.

Open-concept kitchen islands

Open-concept kitchen islands make the most of an open kitchen space.

Often acting as a light barricade between the kitchen and the living or dining room, placing a kitchen island into your open-concept home allows for an elegant balance between openness and separation.

If you’re interested in a kitchen renovation in Perth that is going to transform your kitchen into an open space then you may find this concept extra appealing as a way to continue defining the kitchen as a separate area, without compromising on indoor flow.

Here, this open-concept kitchen island takes on a gorgeous mid-century modern style and elegantly divides the two spaces.

Angled Kitchen Islands

Even in the most modern Perth home renovations, angled kitchen islands still have their place.

While not as popular as they were in the 90s and early 2000s, there’s no reason an angled kitchen island can’t be incorporated into your modern kitchen renovation for a finished look that is still elegant and on-trend.

Characterised by sharp, angled corners forming a quarter or semi-circle these islands may resemble honeycomb combs or hexagons, and carry some unique benefits:

• Added visual interest
• Comfortable seating room
• Help you make the most of the available space

A modern angled kitchen island featuring a granite countertop and a blue finish inside a modern renovated kitchen.

Popular Features for Renovated Kitchen Islands

Bar stools and seating

While planning your kitchen island renovation, there’s no doubt you’ve considered adding bar stools or seating. While not necessary, these are almost a must in today’s custom kitchen renovations.

This modern kitchen offers an elegant dining solution with leather bar stools and a glossy white central kitchen island.

Integrated appliances

A kitchen island can be more than just extra seating and countertops, it can be a full extension of the functionality of your kitchen. With the opportunity to add ovens, dishwashers or other appliances to your kitchen island, the kitchen island can help make all your kitchen renovation ideas come true.

Additional Cabinets and Hidden Storage

Hoping for a butler’s pantry but didn’t quite have enough room?

Kitchen islands can offer you the next best thing. The right kitchen island renovation will be able to help you store everything you need with a range of storage options available such as:

• Custom plate racks
• Built-in shelving
• Produce drawers
• Cabinetry
• Hidden appliances
• Column storage
• Pullout storage

Butcher Block Countertops

You don’t need a country-style kitchen island to enjoy the butcher block.

A butcher block can be a great addition to any modern kitchen island renovation, adding some unique interest to the kitchen island while bringing some welcomed functionality.

Considerations for Your Kitchen Island Renovation

Large kitchen renovations

Kitchen island renovation ideas

When you are embarking on a large kitchen renovation, your opportunities for modern, value-adding kitchen islands are endless.

But one thing you will want to avoid doing is selecting a kitchen island that doesn’t make the most of your space, that is awkwardly small or makes your kitchen appear more cramped than it really is.

Here’s some kitchen island renovation ideas specifically suited to large kitchens:

• Multi-purpose oversized single island – If you want to do a single large island ensure that it has plenty of zones to add interest this can include a section for washing and cutting, a section for sitting, and one for working.
• Double kitchen islands – reserved for the largest, most bespoke kitchens, adding two kitchen islands can help you break out your central space.
• T or L-shaped kitchens – make the most of your large kitchen space with a T or L-shaped kitchen divided into prep and dining areas.
• Curved or circular island – improve flow and interest with a large, curved island, an ultimate large kitchen luxury to add interest to your space.

Kitchen island renovation advice for large kitchens

When designing your dream kitchen island ensure that it has enough interest and variation to suit a large kitchen style. Overly simple kitchen islands, lacking in interest or functionality, risk appearing as awkward or “wasted space” in large kitchens.

To avoid this mistake, we always recommend speaking with a kitchen renovation expert like the team at QN Kitchens. With decades of experience providing WA homeowners with leading kitchen renovations in Perth, we can carefully advise you on all the do’s and don’ts for your new kitchen.

Small kitchen renovations

Kitchen island renovation ideas

When you’re starting a small kitchen renovation, it all becomes about utilising space effectively to maximise the amount of space and flow in the kitchen. Even if your kitchen is small, it doesn’t have to feel small.

Here’s some kitchen island renovation ideas to make your kitchen feel bigger:

• Extendable island – kitchen island with pullout and fold-out elements are perfect for making the most of your space.
• Smart storage – with a small kitchen your kitchen island should be nothing less than functional, with the ability to add in appliances, shelving and drawers, don’t waste this space!
• Narrow designs – a narrow kitchen island may not be able to double as a dining area but it can make a welcomed aesthetic addition and be a great spot for appliances and storage
• Small square island – a classic design, the small square island typically offers enough space for two bar stools and a bit of extra working room to provide the best of both worlds without infringing on the kitchen space.

Looking for inspiration on how to maximise your small kitchen space? We have more inspiration available on our small kitchen renovations page.

Despite its size, this sleek modern kitchen appears fresh and roomy with a small kitchen island positioned against its wall.

Kitchen island renovation advice for small kitchens

When planning a kitchen island in a small kitchen, measurement and careful consideration are everything. Ensure that you work with a professional who can carefully advise on the placement of your island to ensure it doesn’t constrict the functionality or flow of your small kitchen.

Bring Your Kitchen Island Renovation to Life

A kitchen island can make or break your new custom kitchen renovation, that’s why you want the experts on your side.

Our team at QN Kitchens have designed and installed an extensive range of premium kitchen islands across Perth. Working across different styles, aesthetics, budgets and kitchen sizes, we’ve seen it all, so we can provide you with the perfect kitchen island that we know you’ll love.

If you’re thinking of renovating your kitchen and looking for a kitchen island that will make your home shine, reach out to our friendly team to see how we can help.