Kitchen Island Back Panel Ideas. Every home has a kitchen as a focal point. Families come together to cook, eat, and talk about their lives in this room.
When you don’t know what to do with the kitchen island end panels, a kitchen island is a fantastic way to maximize your space, but it might be overwhelming.
Since there don’t seem to be many options for end panels, they’re often overlooked.
They may, nevertheless, prove to be a wonderful addition to your kitchen if you take some time and prepare appropriately. They may assist you produce a stunning and efficient design.
Maximize efficiency and style with these kitchen island end panel ideas.
Add faux cabinet doors
That’s something you probably didn’t know, that the smaller cabinet doors on kitchen islands’ rear walls don’t open most of the time.
Add a little molding and a couple of knobs to the back panel of your island, add paint, and the empty space seems to be more useful, much like this arrangement by Shea from Studio McGee.
CREATE ISLAND SEATING WITH A WRAPAROUND COUNTERTOP
According to Smith, islands offer numerous functional benefits in the kitchen, but they may also contribute to a design’s character. ‘Large format materials like granite and quartz work particularly well with contemporary kitchen islands,’ he says.
Why not go on to the rest of the kitchen? If you’ve fallen in love with your countertop material, why not? The material will be brought down the sides of the island by installing a wraparound countertop, giving the kitchen a sleek, contemporary feel.
This may be used as a space for your island seating if you leave the perpendicular side open, as seen in this instance.
WATERFALL
For a long time, this has been a hit. The countertop slab that turns to the floor gives off a sleek, modern effect, which I still adore.
A kitchen island with waterfall sides has a more elegant look. This kind of treatment is best done with stone or quartz with some movement and veining.
This huge kitchen has waterfall sides that provide a sleek look.
THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WALKAROUND SPACE
Consider the area you’ll need beyond the island size when determining its size.
Smith adds, “Islands are an attention-grabbing feature in a kitchen, but they may consume up a lot of room.”
It’s crucial to take into account the available area and circulation region surrounding the island while contemplating adding one into design.
For a design that invites an easy flow, typically 48in (1200mm) between the cabinetry and the island is required.
The island space is utilized to its fullest extent in this small kitchen, yet users can move freely around the sides without crowding.
Blue Kitchen Island End Panel Cabinet
On a white kitchen island with cabinets and brass pulls, a sink with a brass gooseneck faucet is installed. A matching blue cabinet and pilasters adorn the kitchen island end panel.
TRY A T-SHAPED ISLAND FOR AN INTERESTING SPIN
One of the most common kitchen island mistakes is to go too small in a big space and lose the chance to host a variety of activities in the center of the space. A T-shaped island may help you avoid this.
Different countertop materials make the elements distinct, and this design creates clearly defined work and dining zones.
If you choose to keep this component at the same height as the rest of the island and employ barstools instead, pick between a classic table height with chairs for seating in the eating space or an island layout.
Upholstered barstools with backs are the most comfortable alternative if you choose the latter option.
Or, keep it real.
The kitchen island back panel concept from Roundhouse Design is so clever because it includes some extra storage.
They chose sliding doors with a lengthy open shelf to display ceramic dinnerware and favorite cookbooks in lieu of covering the rear with fake cabinet doors.
You’ve got a few feet of useful storage now, rather than an vacant area that serves as a backdrop for counter stools.
INCORPORATE SHOWSTOPPING FIXTURES AND HARDWARE
Consider every aspect when designing a functional kitchen island. ‘Islands often become the cooking theater, with the cook in the middle of the design,’ according to Graeme Smith.
Every aspect of the island, from the breakfast bar to smaller elements like the kitchen island lighting ideas, must be well-considered design-wise when all attention is on it at meal times.
A showstopping apron-front sink becomes a key feature in this kitchen, emphasizing the rustic roots of the design’s contemporary take on farmhouse style, as designed by Amanda Evans(opens in new tab).
PANELED SIDES
Paneling, as opposed to a waterfall side panel, is a more traditional method of decorating the sides of an island. On the side, where space is usually plentiful, outlets may be blended to match the finish very well.
Remember that, regardless of how tiny the island is, it must have an outlet.
On this kitchen island, a shaker-style panel sits between the sturdy legs.
GO BOLD WITH THE CHOICE OF MATERIALS
Materials may be approached in a daring way, resulting in amazing outcomes. This concrete island is a standout element in an otherwise understated kitchen, and was formed and cast on-site by Kote London(opens in new tab).
We wanted it to look like a work of art in the room,’ says Stephen Nash, the company’s founder. (opens in new tab)
He adds, “Rounding off all the corners improves functionality and flow while also helping to soften the appearance of a large and very practical island.”
Tile it
By placing a one-of-a-kind tile on the back of your island, you can help it stand out as a feature piece. A tile in a cool pattern adds visual appeal to the rear of the island, perfect for kitchens due to its easy-to-clean durability.
The colorful floral tile here will draw attention to the plain white subway backsplash.
THINK BEYOND A CONVENTIONAL RECTANGULAR SHAPE
When creating a kitchen island with a dynamic form that is totally unique, think outside the box.
It’s a bold move to go beyond traditional rectangular designs, but the reward might be immense in terms of visual impact.
The island was designed to resemble a lovely piece of furniture here. According to Jane Powell, designer, Roundhouse(opens in new tab), it captures the owners’ adventurous personality while also aiding in the zoning of the open-plan area and defining a clear separation between cooking and leisure.
Wraparound Kitchen Island
The main island of The Lodge is made up of butcher block and concrete.
I’m not sure why… it’s so industrial, yet so elemental at the same time, Ree adds. “I’ve always, always been in love with the look of plain concrete.”
It’s also useful. It’s solid and will last you a lifetime if you seal and care for it properly.
USE FLUID SHAPES TO ADD MOVEMENT AND INTEREST
The elongated island is given movement and dynamism by fluid shapes. The worktop overhangs at one end to offer breakfast bar seating, and it is sculpted to aid easy passage through an open-plan home.
This island is made of Australian hardwood and has a durable oiled finish, as designed by Auhaus Architecture in Australia.
The wood construction rises out from the wooden flooring below, formed from vertical planks rather than bending wood, which is more cost-effective.
Kitchen Island End Panel with Open Shelving
A black kitchen island with open shelving in the end panel stands out against a backdrop of tan floor tiles and white cabinets.
On the island’s white countertop, nickel and glass pendant lights dangle, flanked by black backless stools.
USE MIXED MATERIALS FOR AN INTERESTING FINISH
Consider the effect on the countertop installation when determining what size island is appropriate.
On island units that are centrally positioned and designed to be seen, joints may be quite apparent,’ says Graeme Smith, head of retail design at Life Kitchens(opens in new tab).
‘Mixing materials while disguising joints is a good way to blend materials, especially on islands longer than 11.5ft (3.5m), which usually need two slabs of stone or quartz,’ he adds.
BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
Summer Thornton created a Chicago residence that we can’t stop staring at the beautiful kitchen island.
She chose stone with swirls of violet and green instead of a workaday Carrara slab. Want to add color to your kitchen? Try this pro tip.
Artichokes, citrus, and tiny melons are some of the most vivid (and long-lasting) fruits you can use to style your island.
SHOW OFF AN ISLAND WITH STATEMENT LIGHTING
Use well-designed light fittings that score highly on both design and functionality to put a statement island in the foreground.
Richard Atkins, design director of DesignSpace London(opens in new tab), advises, ‘Characterful, statement lighting should enhance the drama in the kitchen – not steal the show.’
While swerving conventional pendant lineups in favor of off-set placements is a simple change with spectacular effects as part of breakfast bar concepts, iconic forms with respected design heritage are more likely to outlast trendy fittings.
Have Fun with Fruit
While a fruit bowl is an indispensable kitchen island piece, there are alternatives. A creative yet functional piece of kitchen island decor is created with a vintage scale serving as a repurposed fruit bowl.
Flea market decorations bring modern kitchens a touch of charm and coziness. To avoid an overcrowded worktop, reduce the number of decorative items to a bare minimum.
That way, your creative fruit table isn’t in the way (or taking up space).
USE A FLOATING EFFECT FOR EXTRA WOW FACTOR
The 5m long island designed by Forbes Rix Design(opens in new tab) has a cantilevered bar made of solid walnut adding to the wow.
A steel box frame structure was installed beneath the countertop and between the cabinets behind the cabinet, then fastened to the concrete floor,’ Andrew Hall, director of Woodstock Furniture(opens in new tab), explains.
It not only promises to amaze, but it also exposes more flooring, giving the room a greater sense of space.’
TIMBER BATTENS
For a long time, timber battens have been a crucial part in the building process. We believe this is a one-of-a-kind kitchen island bench design that will gain popularity again.
They are distinguished by narrow strips of wood put side-by-side, typically in a vertical orientation with a little space between each piece.
The stark contrast between each plank is emphasized by the wood’s warmth, which creates a fantastic visual experience.
If you’re trying for an island bench design to make your kitchen stand out, wood battens may be the answer. They’re eye-catching and forceful.
SUPERSIZE COUNTERTOPS AND HANDLES FOR IMPACT
To make sure it doesn’t seem lost in the space, a generously sized kitchen necessitates an island with generous proportions.
For an eye-catching island that packs a powerful punch, Chiselwood(opens in new tab) used chunky countertops and outsized handles.
Mitering deep strips around the edge of the countertop was used to achieve thickness.’
According to design director Martin Holliday, ‘You get excellent depth without the weight on the cabinetry underneath it.
Light Stained Wood Kitchen Island
A white shiplap ceiling with wood beams overhead a light stained wood kitchen island holds brushed brass pendant lights from a white shiplap ceiling.
A black pull on the drawers and a brass gooseneck faucet on the sink characterize the island’s design.
USE A WATERFALL EDGE FOR A SEAMLESS LOOK
A waterfall edge is a popular design element that adds drama to any island unit, by seamlessly continuing the countertop from horizontal to vertical.
This process is especially effective with deeply veined marbles, especially if you obtain a slab wide enough for the veins to run right down to the floor,’ claims Oana Sandu, lead designer, Blakes London(opens in new tab).
It’s vital to consider the flooring, which will match your worktop in style, typically a contrast is best.