18 Ways to Choose a Kitchen Island With Storage: Buyer’s Guide

Recently updated on April 4th, 2024 at 12:59 pm

Kitchen Islands With Storage

So you’ve taken the plunge and are now in the market for a kitchen island and want it to furnish extra storage space? Smart move. Kitchen islands are often the workhorses of any kitchen, and finding one with ample storage will make your life much more convenient. Puzzled with how to choose? What direction to take? Don’t worry and stay calm, we’re here to lessen the burden and provide the right guidance.

We rummaged through dozens of kitchen island ideas to find 21 leading designs with storage, catering to a broad spectrum of budgets, from basic to luxury. It could be storage space for pots & pans, small appliances, or just general clutter. Either way, a design and suited approach is just waiting to be discovered. Strap in, prepare for a flurry of inspiration, and let’s hunt for the perfect kitchen island to organize your space.

Small Kitchen Island With Storage

Photo by Sidekix Media from Unsplash

White kitchen cabinets make for a modern aesthetic in this kitchen. The brick slip styled backsplash brings a rustic aura, contrasting the overall modern feel. A small kitchen island ideal for meal prep sits centrally with an open-shelf storage unit. Shine from steel appliances reflects off the glossy storage shelf illuminating light around the space. The wood island countertop along with the wood flooring, marries the backsplash for a relaxed and neutral tone.

Related Article: Small but Mighty: 18 Clever Small Kitchen Island Designs

Wood & Chrome Kitchen Island With Storage

Photo by Sidekix Media from Unsplash

A seamless countertop displaying clean lines for a minimal look rests atop a grainy, textured dark wood body of the kitchen island with storage. Chrome hardware makes the handles for the three large internal storage units, with the end section dedicated to fridge storage. The chrome accents are followed throughout the interior, including all appliances and the sink faucet. The wooden aesthetic is also consistent throughout; featuring the flooring and interior doors.

Gain Insight: 18 Ways to Choose a Kitchen Island With Storage: Buyer’s Guide

White Kitchen Island With Storage

Photo by Sidekix Media from Unsplash

A mixture of different-sized cabinets, drawers, & cupboards, also a kitchen island with storage, provide storage in this kitchen. Such variety accommodates all types of kitchen gadgets, tools, and cookware. A drink fridge with chrome handles and a glass front matches the chrome hardware, and the kitchen appliances, and provides additional storage for beverages. The white finish furnishes a clean look, while the floor tiles and kitchen backsplash add a glimmer and shine to the space.

Read More: 18 Ways to Choose a Kitchen Island With Storage: Buyer’s Guide

Kitchen Island with Mahogony Cabinets and drawers

Photo by Sidekix Media from Unsplash

This kitchen features a waterfall large kitchen island concept, considered the ‘in’ thing for luxe island design. The modern aesthetic is met with mahogany interior drawers and cabinets that have a glossed finish, extending the modern feel. Strip lighting along the drawers (above the countertops), and the pedant light style, follow the clean and distinctive lines set out by the interior’s design. This is continued subtly through the lines on the wood floor, consistent with the pattern.

Continue Reading: 19 Large Kitchen Island Design Inspirations for Your Home

Insight  – Choose Drawers & Cabinets Wisely: Drawers are ideal for storing flatware, cookware, and small kitchen appliances. You can introduce custom storage by including adjustable shelves for taller items like pots and pans.

Multipurpose Kitchen Island with Storage

Photo by Randy Fath from Unsplash

A multipurpose design has an array of advantages. Here, the wheels give the island mobility allowing you to position it wherever is convenient at any given time. Additionally, open-shelf storage beneath the countertop of the rustic kitchen island can be used to display decor items and store cookware or dinner plates. Due to the mobile design, sturdy items would be better suited to the island’s storage. The mix of different wood tones, coupled with the stone backsplash, gives a relaxed and calm aura.

For More Info: 16 Rustic Kitchen Island Ideas to Create a Cozy Ambiance

Grand Interior with Open-Shelving Storage

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy from Pexels

High-gloss surfaces, large floor tiles, and gold accents concoct a grand and elegant vibe. The narrow kitchen island with bar includes an open shelving unit supported by gold, rounded legs, which due to its design, would be best for displaying items of decor or greenery. Plus, the worktop overhang and stool seating provide an informal table ideal for morning coffee or breakfast.

Discover More:10 Kitchen Island With Bar Designs Superior for Every Kitchen

Gray & Wood Minimal Interior

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy from Pexels

Gray combined with wood makes for a modern, minimal interior. Storage comes in open shelves for displaying decor, books, or kitchen-related items. The dining table extends the design of the kitchen island with seating for informal and formal occasions, with an innovative light fixture positioned above. Additional shelving and cabinets feature above the countertop with seamless drawers below it for ample storage solutions.

Related Article: Kitchen Island With Seating: 20 Admirable Ideas for Your Home

Wood Paneling and Open-Shelves

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy from Pexels

A dark wood kitchen island idea with open shelving and an overhang sit centrally in this kitchen. Two pendant lights hang above the island, coupling with the back interior wall creating texture. Wood paneling makes up the interior cabinetry, with the neutral tones uniting with the light-shade color. Chrome accents come through via the sink faucet and appliances, which pair well with the muted mood of the gray flooring.

Gain Insight: 20 Inspiring Kitchen Island Ideas for a Sensational Interior

Insight  – Install Soft-Closing Hardware: Soft-closing hinges and drawer guides keep everything neatly in place and prevent slamming cabinets. They’re an easy and affordable upgrade.

Wood Interior With Colorful Accents

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy from Pexels

This design isn’t short of character, boasting a modern and colorful interior design. The kitchen island with stove is split down the middle, one half including drawers for storage with an induction stovetop above it. The other half is table-focused with a bar style, promoting casual meal times and congregating. The light fixtures add color to the space in yellow and pink, marrying in harmony with the interior chairs and sofa. Wood cabinetry and kitchen fittings contradict the bold colors bringing a feeling of calm and balance.

Read More: 19 Cutting-Edge Kitchen Island With Stove-Top Ideas

Wood Kitchen With Biophilic Accents

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy from Pexels

This two-piece design comprises a main kitchen island idea with an induction stovetop and open shelving units for storage. Its counterpart is a wooden dining table, sitting raised but fitting flush with the island’s worktop; the two sections have clear, separate purposes. Mid-back stools contribute to the seating arrangement, a splendid fit for the kitchen style. Vases and plant decor add color to the interior while complementing the wood approach, embracing biophilia.

Continue Reading: 20 Inspiring Kitchen Island Ideas for a Sensational Interior

Marble Floors & Wood Paneling

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy from Pexels

Pristine marble floors set the tone for this upscale kitchen, partnered well with chandelier lighting for a grand atmosphere. The large kitchen island includes a marble worktop above a gray-paneled body. The integrated storage comprises two large drawers, a single-end cabinet, and a stainless steel drinks fridge. White paneling is the choice for the remainder of the interior cabinets and cupboards.

For More Info: 19 Large Kitchen Island Design Inspirations for Your Home

Pillar Island Design With Storage

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy from Pexels

Precision-perfect detailing is showcased with this style through the pillar effect on the small kitchen island‘s end and throughout the interior. Open shelving units feature the island’s storage, with additional drawers and cabinets spread throughout the space. Violet seating with white legs and gold feet unifies with the neutral mood of the cabinetry. Gray wood flooring provides contrast to the design completing the look.

Discover More: Small but Mighty: 18 Clever Small Kitchen Island Designs

Insight – Add Baskets: Dividing your cabinets and drawers with baskets will help keep small items organized and easy to find. Label the baskets to make them even more functional.

Modern Futuristic Concept 

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy from Pexels

Intelligent architecture paves the way for the futuristic concept of this kitchen island with bar. The aggressive overhang makes space for seating arrangements, perfect for small gatherings or everyday meals. Flush handleless cabinets sit within the island’s body, with a single open shelf above. Clean, consistent lines ooze a minimal ambiance, with the wood accents softening the mood.

Related Article: 10 Kitchen Island With Bar Designs Superior for Every Kitchen

White Base With Chrome Accents

Photo by John Max Rahubovskiy from Pexels

We can see from the number of spotlights in the ceiling just how spacious this interior is. A white base with chrome accents paves the way for the modern, airy feel of the kitchen. Six interior drawers sit evening, taking up the island’s length for utilized storage space. The kitchen island with stove features a waterfall concept with a splashback effect, adding character. Its purpose can be focused solely on kitchen-related tasks, as two additional dining areas also feature.

Gain Insight: 19 Cutting-Edge Kitchen Island With Stove-Top Ideas

Two Tier Island with Storage

Photo by Curtis Adams from Pexels

This design follows a two-tier style colorful kitchen island with wood panels painted aquamarine resting beneath the brown worktops. The higher tier island is clutter and appliance-free, fitting for morning breakfast or casual family get-togethers, accompanied by two stools for seating. The smaller island section has minimal surface area but has open shelves, perfect for storing general or kitchen-related items. White cabinetry fills the remainder of the space with dark wood flooring running through the open plan.

Read More: From Bold to Subtle: 24 Captivating Colorful Kitchen Island Ideas

White Design With Herringbone Floor

Photo by Optical Shades-Media Sangroha from Unsplash

Symmetrical drawers sit in columns of three within the marble kitchen island while glimmering pendant lights hang above it. The Herringbone floor provides bold contrast with its eye-catching pattern to the otherwise consistent white interior. White marble countertops carry a splashback effect, continued through the kitchen backsplash. The higher-level cabinetry appears flush and handleless, while the hardware is included for the island and lower drawers.

Continue Reading: 18 Elegant Marble Kitchen Island Upgrades to Revamp Your Home

Insight – Install Outlets: Install one or two outlets on the underside of your island to power small appliances like stand mixers, blenders, and coffee makers while you cook.

Minimal & Rustic Combo

Photo by Jai Hill from Unsplash

This design has an integrated two-tier bookshelf, which could also be utilized to feature decor or indoor plants. The kitchen island with storage also includes table space, created by the overhand and completed with stool seating. White interior cabinetry exudes a minimal interior, yet the wooden features give it a rustic and reclaimed aura for the optimal balance between old and new.

For More Info: 18 Ways to Choose a Kitchen Island With Storage: Buyer’s Guide

Nature Inspired Kitchen Island with Storage

Photo by Eddy Lee from Unsplash

Here we have a butcher block-style countertop with open shelving and a rustic kitchen island overhang. The reclaimed wood emits a natural feeling bolstered by the ever-prominent greenery and indoor plants. Natural aspects carry through to the interior walls, which appear in original brick, painted white. Additionally, the interior wall to the far side of the space marries harmoniously with the wood tones painted terracotta.

Discover More: 16 Rustic Kitchen Island Ideas to Create a Cozy Ambiance

Final  Thoughts

Celebrate the small wins; you’ve come a long way! You started by measuring your kitchen and thinking about how much storage and prep space you need, and now you have a list of 18 sublime kitchen island ideas to choose from. Any of our included styles would make a fantastic, functional addition to your home.

Browsing done, now the tricky part… Picking out your favorite. Think about which styles resonate with you the most, and consider features in order of importance. Ensure that your chosen option fits within your allocated budget, but don’t be afraid to splurge on a show-stopper if you find one you love. Remember a kitchen island is an investment; you will use it daily, creating a soaring ROI. Happy shopping and bon appetit – your new kitchen island will be serving up meals and memories in no time!

To explore more about kitchen islands and related topics, don’t miss these informative articles:

• Kitchen Island With Sink
• Moveable Kitchen Island
• Kitchen Island With Cabinet