Improve your kitchen functionality with a few simple additions

The workhorse. The dining table. The desk. The prep station. Today, kitchen islands have become more than just a focal point – they’ve become the center of activity. Making prep work, entertaining, and dining easier than ever, the kitchen island provides endless functionality. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice beauty. It can be both functional AND beautiful.

From under-counter storage and housing your appliances to stylish small details like mix and matching hardware, you can take your kitchen island from workable and efficient, to sleek and stunning.

Check out our tips below on how to create a dreamy kitchen island:

It’s All in the Details

Is your style more traditional, modern, minimalist, or transitional? Do you prefer bold accents or subtle charm? No matter what you love, make sure you choose hardware that perfectly complements your style. With knobs, pulls and appliance pulls available in over 25 collections and 30 finish options, choose from endless decorative pieces to help create the ultimate focal point.

The Modern Metro tab pulls shown in Flat Black is a sleek showstopper.

Decorative Hooks and Storage

No one likes a cluttered countertop…right? Consider adding a few well-positioned hooks under your island counter to add a decorative yet purposeful touch, allowing you to hang backpacks, small pots, or other items, all while freeing up counter space.

The Ryland collection of decorative hooks offers added personality and storage to your space in familiar styles that complement some of Top Knobs’ most popular decorative hardware pieces.

Seating

For some homeowners, island seating is an informal area used for quick meals and to connect with whoever is in the kitchen. For others, it’s a more formal area where many meals are shared. No matter how you use your kitchen island seating, we recommend keeping the following in mind whenever choosing new seating: chair height, comfort, and style.

These gold metal bar chairs are the perfect complement to this kitchen island. The bronze finish brings a pop of color to this traditional kitchen and perfectly pairs with Top Knobs’ Honey Bronze hardware that adorns the cabinetry, while the height and spacing leave enough room for guests to sit comfortably.

Storage

Being the central hub, it’s only natural for the kitchen island to become a drop zone for everything from books and laptops, to schoolbags and snacks. Adding additional storage like a small bookshelf or cubby helps keep items neatly stowed away and organized.

Cabinetry

While the options for cabinetry seem to be endless, have fun exploring customization options that help make your island yours. Taking the time to add extra detail to your cabinetry like glass panels and column legs, to bold colors and open shelving creates the perfect opportunity to have your island shine in the kitchen.

One trend we love is incorporating a pop of color – the contrast of the white kitchen cabinets and black kitchen island creates a neutrally cohesive, yet stunning look.

Integrated Appliances

You’ve chosen the perfect countertop, but do you really want to clutter it with appliances? For a real space saver, we recommend integrating appliances like a microwave or wine fridge into your island to maximize space and storage.

And for an easy and stunning upgrade, swap your appliance pulls for a perfectly matched look throughout the kitchen. Our Regents Park and Morris collections offer robust ranges of styles and finishes, allowing you to take customization to the next level.

Mix & Match Hardware

A simple, yet subtle, design choice to elevate your cabinetry even further is to mix and match your decorative hardware. The combination of knobs, bar pulls, and cup pulls, can give your island a slightly different look and feel without straying too far from your kitchen’s overall design.

Our go-to favorite, the Channing Series, offers knobs, pulls, cup pulls, and backplates that can be combined to establish a cohesive look.

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