A kitchen island is a popular design feature in many kitchens. If your current kitchen doesn’t have one or you’re looking to update your kitchen island, you may be looking for design inspiration. Here are a few kitchen island trends of 2025 to consider:

1. Mix Materials for a Unique Design

One popular kitchen island trend is to blend or mix materials for some contrast. Making sure you have some contrast is a small kitchen detail that makes a difference and mixing materials is a great way to achieve that effect. It’s also a great way to combine style and practicality.

One way to do this is to mix a wood such as a butcher block with a natural stone such as quartz on the same countertop. These two slabs could run parallel with each other or there could be a section for the butcher block, essentially creating a built-in cutting board.

Another option is an island with a raised bar. This feature is great for mixing materials because each level can have its separate material, while trim and hardware can tie the two levels together. Your lower level can be stainless steel or butcher block; perfect for food prep. Your upper level can be quartz or granite, perfect for setting out food and drinks for entertaining.

If you choose an island with a raised bar, you may have a larger kitchen island. However, a larger island is a kitchen remodeling trend because it will give you much more space for entertaining, food prep, and places for your family to gather.

2. Pay Attention to Small Details

Paying attention to the details is another kitchen island trend. Details like countertop edges may seem insignificant, but they do add to your kitchen island’s design. This kitchen countertop trend is an especially great style choice if you want your island countertop to make a statement. Fluted edges add sophistication while a natural edge offers a rustic touch.

3. Prioritize Storage

A kitchen island offers a lot of benefits, like extra storage. Not planning for enough storage is a common kitchen remodeling mistake to avoid so be sure to prioritize space. Features like deep cabinets offer a lot of storage but can make access difficult. To get the most out of this space and have better organization, add pull-out shelves.

Other storage features like spice drawers, appliance garages, book shelving, or under-island cabinets are other ways to maximize storage with your kitchen island. These built-in features are popular kitchen cabinet trends that help you stay organized, giving you a better kitchen experience.

4. Make it a Versatile Space

Kitchens are the hub of the home, so make sure your kitchen island is functional and versatile. When designing your kitchen island, think about all the functions you need it for. Do you need a casual eating spot or breakfast bar? Make sure you have space and seating for that. Prioritize storage if you want better organization.

If you need more food prep areas, be sure your island is big enough to accommodate that task. You can even install a sink and cooktop on your kitchen island if that creates a better flow for your kitchen. Prioritizing functionality is an important kitchen remodeling tip and can make your kitchen work for you, not against you.

5. Make a Statement With a Waterfall Countertop

Waterfall countertops are a great way to add some dramatic flair to your kitchen. This popular countertop trend is one of the best ways to update your kitchen because it creates a cohesive look.

Waterfall countertops can come in a variety of materials, so it’s easy to pick exactly the right aesthetic you’re looking for. Marble, quartz, and granite are popular materials, but butcher block and stainless steel can be practical, especially for food prepping.

These are just a few kitchen island trends of 2025 to inspire you if you’re thinking about remodeling or updating your kitchen. If you’re ready for a kitchen remodeling project or have any questions, give Zephyr Thomas a call at (717) 399-4708 to start the conversation and get a free quote for your project!