Colorful Kitchen Island Add a Splash of Color to Your Kitchen

A kitchen island is often the focal point of the kitchen, so choosing an eye-catching color for it is an easy way to add a big splash of color to your kitchen design. A colorful kitchen island not only livens up the kitchen’s appearance but also reflects your personal style and taste.

Benefits of a Colorful Kitchen Island

Adding a pop of color to your kitchen island offers many benefits:

Brightens up the kitchen

A colorful kitchen island instantly brightens up the entire kitchen and makes it look more lively and inviting. It adds character to an otherwise neutral kitchen. The right color choice introduces visual interest and gives your kitchen decor a playful, fun vibe.

Makes a style statement

Your kitchen island color makes a style statement and shows off your personality. It’s an opportunity to showcase your favorite color or make your island into a work of art with a bold, creative color scheme.

Complements other colors

A colorful island can complement your existing kitchen color scheme. For example, a red island matches well with white or black kitchen cabinets. Or go for contrast with an island in a hue that pops against your current color palette.

Focal point of the kitchen

Since the island is often the star of the kitchen, use color to emphasize its presence. An eye-catching island color draws attention and creates a dynamic look.

Inspires creativity

A colorful island sparks creativity and joy when cooking and entertaining. Surrounding yourself with vibrant colors is uplifting.

Reflects your style

Make your kitchen your own with an island in your favorite color or mix and match several complementing shades. The color options are endless.

Adds value

A colorful, updated island improves your home’s aesthetics. Stylish kitchen updates using color increase a home’s resale value.

Best Colors for Kitchen Islands

Kitchen islands come in a full spectrum of colors and finishes. Here are some top colors to consider:

White

A white kitchen island is a timeless, classic choice. White reflects light, enlarging the space visually. Being a neutral, it offers flexibility for changing up other kitchen elements like accent wall colors down the road.

Black

For a bold, dramatic effect, opt for a deep black island. This makes quite an impact against light cabinets. Use glossy black for a sleek modern look.

Navy blue

From light to dark navy, this versatile hue adds a nautical vibe. Navy plays well with many cabinet colors from white to gray to brown.

Green

Available in light minty hues to deep emerald tones, green injects natural vibrancy. Green energizes the kitchen with its lush garden tones.

Yellow

A bright cheery yellow island creates a sunny, welcoming kitchen. From pastel to deep golden shades, yellow makes for a lively accent color.

Red

A true red island makes a vibrant statement. Both glossy and matte reds pop against white, black or wood cabinets. Red energizes and warms up the kitchen.

Gray

For an island with casually elegant appeal, go for a light dove gray or deeper charcoal shade. Gray is a hugely popular neutral kitchen color.

Brown

Whether in a light caramel, deep chocolate or reddish-brown stain, a brown island brings beautiful warmth. Brown is an earthy, naturalistic color choice.

Purple

In lighter lavender or bold eggplant hues, purple makes for a sophisticated island color. It’s an unexpected choice that adds flair.

Orange

A sunny orange island injects fun and energy into the kitchen. Use vibrant orange as an accent against white, black or neutral cabinets.

Pink

For a playful, feminine touch, consider a pink island. Soft blush pink or bolder hot pink both work well to lighten up the kitchen.

Complementary Color Schemes for Kitchen Islands

When selecting your kitchen island color, also consider the cabinet, wall, backsplash and flooring colors it will be paired with. Some complementary color combinations include:

• White island + blue cabinets
• Black island + white cabinets/white walls
• Wood island + blue walls + brick flooring
• Gray island + white cabinets/wood flooring
• Green island + white cabinets/backsplash
• Red island + black cabinets
• Yellow island + gray cabinets/metal accents
• Navy island + white cabinets + marble counters
• Brown island + green walls + wood flooring

Aim for an island hue that enhances your existing kitchen colors. Tie everything together by repeating a color from the island in the backsplash, lighting fixtures or bar stools.

Kitchen Island Color Ideas

Two-Tone Kitchen Island

For added personality, go for a two-tone look with different base and base cabinet colors. Try a navy blue base with crisp white upper cabinets or vice versa. Or mix materials with a wood base section and painted upper portion in olive green, brick red or another vibrant color.

Ombre Island

An ombre island transitions from light to dark, blending multiple paint colors. Try ombre painting techniques or use separate painted base and upper sections to get this effect.

Patterned Island

Make a statement with a patterned island featuring geometric tile, ornate inserts or a faux marble finish. Patterned contact paper and tile stickers let you easily transform an existing island too.

Shiplap Island

Rustic shiplap offers charming texture and visual interest. Use contrasting colors on the shiplap boards and island base for a dynamic look.

Color Blocking

Color block your island by painting each side a different bright color like red, yellow, green and blue. This eye-catching island works with both light and dark cabinetry.

Hand-painted Island

For one-of-a-kind character, hand paint your island with decorative images like flowers, fruit or landscapes. Hire an artist or try painting it yourself.

Marble Island

Marble countertops provide natural colored veining in white, gray, brown and green tones. Pair marble with crisp white cabinets for a timeless luxe look.

Metal Island

A stainless steel, copper or brushed metal island lends beautiful industrial flair. The sheen plays off the kitchen lighting for dimension and depth.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Island Color

Selecting the perfect color for your kitchen island involves considering several factors:

• Existing kitchen colors – Choose an island color that complements your current color scheme.
• Lighting – Lighter island colors help brighten a space with limited natural light. Darker island colors make a statement in bright, sunlit rooms.
• Kitchen size – Bold island colors are ideal for larger kitchens. Smaller kitchens look best with light or medium color saturation.
• Kitchen style – Contemporary kitchens suit sleek colors like black, white and gray. For traditional kitchens, consider warm wood stains and softer shades like blue, green and cream.
• Furnishings – Match metal finishes on lighting and appliances to cooler grays, silvers and metallics on the island. For rustic kitchens with wood furnishings, a warm brown island color ties everything together.
• Countertops – Contrasting island and countertop colors lend visual separation. Complementary hues help the space flow.
• Personal taste – Most importantly, pick a color you’ll love living with. Decorating with your favorite color is uplifting.

How Much Does a Colorful Kitchen Island Cost?

The cost of adding a colorful kitchen island depends on factors like:

• Island size – Larger islands cost more. Standard 3 x 5 foot islands may run $1,000-$2,500.
• Materials – Stone islands are most expensive, followed by solid wood, laminates, and painting existing islands.
• Custom design – Fully customized islands with storage features and built-in appliances cost $5,000-$15,000 or more.
• DIY painting – Just painting your current island can update it for $50-$100.
• Prefab island – Affordable prefab islands from home stores run $500-$1,500.

With some creatively painted details or a fresh coat of color, it’s possible to transform an island on nearly any budget.

Tips for Painting Your Kitchen Island

If your current kitchen island has seen better days, painting it is an easy DIY option to give it new colorful life. Follow these tips for best results:

• Clean the island thoroughly and sand to rough up the existing finish.
• Prime with a bonding primer/sealer so the paint adheres properly.
• For a smooth finish, spray paint the island. Or use a brush and small foam roller for thinner coverage.
• Apply 2-3 thin coats of cabinet-grade enamel paint for durability and low odor.
• Use painter’s tape for crisp edges along walls, ceiling and floors.
• Remove hardware and reattach after painting. Fill any holes with caulk for a seamless look.
• Consider using different sheens on base cabinets (semi-gloss) and uppers (satin) for visual definition.
• Add protective clear polyurethane over the finished paint for easier cleaning.

With these simple painting tips, you can easily update your existing island on a budget.

Inspiring Colorful Kitchen Island Ideas

Here are some eye-catching ways to use color on your kitchen island:

Vibrant Blue Kitchen Island

A glossy royal blue island makes a brilliant contrast against bright white cabinets and walls. Add matching blue bar stools for a cohesive look.

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Image via The Spruce

Two-Tone Island

This kitchen features a navy and white two-tone island that picks up the colors from the window trim and ceiling beams. The look is cohesive yet unique.

Image via Houzz

Black and White Striped Island

For drama, paint your island with thick black and white stripes. Pair with red bar stools for a whimsical diner vibe.

Image via Houzz

Sage Green Island

An elegant sage green island injects soft color against the marble backsplash and white cabinetry in this kitchen. The brass accents tie everything together beautifully.

Image via Houzz

Red Kitchen Island

For major visual impact, opt for a bright cherry red island. It energizes the all-white kitchen while matching the red open shelving.

Image via Houzz

Shiplap Island

This coastal kitchen features a light blue shiplap island that matches the backsplash tile. Golden hardware and pendant lights accent it beautifully.

Image via Houzz

FAQs About Colorful Kitchen Islands

What color kitchen island is most popular?

White and gray islands are currently the most popular choices. They’re versatile neutrals that suit a wide range of kitchen designs from modern to classic. Wood stain islands are also widely used for their natural, warm appeal.

What is the easiest way to change kitchen island color?

Simply painting your existing island with cabinet enamel paint is the easiest and most budget-friendly route to a fresh new island color. Just clean, lightly sand and prime the island before painting it in your desired hue.

Should island and cabinets be the same color?

It’s common for islands and cabinets to sport the same stain or color for a uniform look. However, choosing a contrasting or complementary island color helps it stand out as the focal point.

How do I choose the right island color?

Consider the existing kitchen color scheme, style, lighting and your personal taste. Pick an island color that brightens up the space, complements other finishes and makes you smile.

Does a colorful island work with neutral cabinets?

Absolutely! A colorful island pairs beautifully against a backdrop of white, black, gray or wood cabinets. The color contrast helps the island pop.

Conclusion

A colorful kitchen island is an easy yet dramatic upgrade that introduces vibrancy, creativity and personality into your kitchen design. From sleek modern black islands to cheerful lemon yellow accents, the possibilities are endless. Consider your current color scheme, kitchen style and decor preferences when selecting an island hue. For maximum visual impact at minimal cost, a simple DIY paint job can give your existing island colorful new life. With an eye-catching island as your kitchen’s focal point, this space is sure to put a smile on your face.