Small Kitchens with Islands Designs

When kitchen space is at a premium, sometimes the built-in look can be overwhelming - but kitchen islands don't have to be huge to be hardworking. A small island design with open storage below will give your kitchen a spacious feel, while still providing a work area and space to stow cooking essentials. Try mounting a towel bar on the side of a small island for towels and dishrags or hang hooks to keep utensils on hand. Bonus: A petite island lets you pack a punch with luxurious materials and creative storage solutions for a fraction of the cost.

No matter the size or shape of your kitchen, additional work space is always a bonus. A vintage table can be a good small-space island alternative. When using repurposed furniture, make sure the material is durable enough to double as prep and dining space. Butcher block is a popular small-island material, but you can also replace an original tabletop with a slab of solid-surface countertop.

In lieu of a fixed-in-place kitchen island, try a mobile island. A rolling cart is a good design option for small kitchens because it can be moved anywhere for an instant work space and can be simply tucked away when it's not in use. Look for a small cart with locking rubber wheels so it will stay in place during meal prep.

Make the most of limited kitchen space with a hardworking island design. A small bi-level island is an excellent permanent design option that offers both prep space and seating within the kitchen. A bi-level island also offers a convenient buffet area for casual dining and entertaining.