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15 Kitchen Island Decor Ideas for a Fun Focal Point

kitchen island decor ideas

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The kitchen island is where life happens—morning coffee, late-night snacks, school projects, weekend baking marathons… But beyond being a practical gathering space for your whole crew, it’s also an opportunity to add an extra dose of style and personality to your kitchen. With the best kitchen island decor ideas, you can turn this busy hub into a spot that feels warm, welcoming, and uniquely yours.

Start with the basics: A great pair of bar stools for kitchen islands sets the tone and brings everyone together. Next, layer in a few kitchen decorating ideas that make your space feel warm and lived-in. Think: An elegant glass cloche, a bowl of bright citrus, or a bouquet of flowers or fresh herbs in a colorful pitcher. Whether your space is large or small, these creative kitchen island ideas will help you style the heart of your home in a way that works for your life—and looks great doing it.

01

Tuscan Kitchen Marble Cheeseboard with Glass Cloche

Crate & Barrel

$99.95

What could be better than decor that’s also delicious? This marble cheeseboard and glass cloche set brings plenty of rustic charm to your island—and when you fill it with vibrant fresh fruit, pastries, or cheeses, it becomes both pretty and practical.

02

The Bistro Tile Stoneware Pitcher: Garden Edition

Anthropologie

$48.00

This highly rated stoneware pitcher brings a little taste of Parisian cafe style to your kitchen, with bold mosaic patterns and shimmering gold details. Set it on your island filled with fresh flowers or leave it empty to let the design shine on its own.

03

Julie Peach Sardine Tea Towel

Urban Outfitters

$20.00

It’s officially Sardine Girl Summer, and yes—that applies to your kitchen, too! This hand-printed tea towel is made from soft, absorbent cotton and adds a playful, coastal touch when you drape it over the end of your island or tuck it into a tray.

04

Le Creuset Pepper Mill

Amazon

$36.76

No one does color like Le Creuset. This classic pepper mill comes in several of their signature bold shades and looks right at home styled on your island next to your favorite olive oil or a matching salt mill.

05

Sommer Printed Pleated Empire Shade Ceramic Table Lamp

Anthropologie

$138.60

With its bold patterned shade and colorful glazed base, this charming little ceramic lamp is all about a cozy touch of personality. Set it on the corner of your island to bring in a little extra light—and a whole lot of style.

06

Hampton Bay Talullah Pendant Lighting

The Home Depot

$44.97

Look up! An island isn’t much without its surrounding elements, and pendants are great because they can tie a look together and offer additional task lighting. Hang a few pendants in a row to help define the space and bring in extra light where you need it most.

07

Vynopa Wood Cookbook Stand

Amazon

$22.99

Whether you’re old-school and use physical copies or you look up recipes online, it’s nice to have a place to set your instructions. And when you’re not whipping up something tasty, you can use this stand to display a favorite recipe—it adds a personal touch and pop of color without even trying!

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08

Gracie Oaks Faux Olive Tree Plant

Wayfair

$97.99

Greenery makes a huge difference in any room, but maintenance can be tricky. This set of faux olive trees comes with the pots, so you just have to set them out and enjoy them. Try styling them on top of your favorite cookbooks or next to a cutting board for cozy kitchen style.

09

Alcott Hill Mace Wood Tray

Wayfair

$44.99

The simple tray is a universal household favorite because it makes random odds and ends look thoughtful. As kitchen island décor, use it to hold salt and pepper shakers, napkins, or other items that otherwise look scattered.

10

StyleWell Benfield Biscuit Upholstered Bar Stools

The Home Depot

$169.00

Bar stools can make an island come to life: A statement island can be grounded with a modern, neutral set, and a neutral island can get a fun pop with colorful seating. Line up a few stools to turn your island into a go-to spot for morning coffee or casual meals.

11

Famille Rose Porcelain Utensil Holder

Williams Sonoma

$79.95

You need a place to store your utensils anyway, so you might as well choose something that looks good. A crock like this makes a great kitchen island decorating idea since it’s both chic and useful. Fill it with wooden utensils for added warmth and a touch of natural texture.

12

Zipcode Design Tabletop Hurricane Set

Wayfair

$45.99

A variety of candles can add a ton of ambience to a long kitchen island. If real candles aren’t your thing, you can fill them with flameless options instead. Keep it simple with classic white candles or make a colorful statement with a mix of different hues.

13

Folkulture Wood Fruit Bowl

Amazon

$44.99

A wooden fruit bowl is another piece that’s fun and functional. Set it in the center of your island as is for a simple, everyday centerpiece, or fill it with fresh fruit, veggies, or decorative objects to add a little extra personality.

14

Molimoli Oil and Vinegar Dispenser

Amazon

$40.95

You may not even realize how all those different bottles and branding stickers displayed on the counter can make an island look sloppy. Instead, consider transferring oils and other cooking liquids into uniform containers so they look clean and cohesive with your other decor. Then, arrange them on a small tray to make the whole setup feel more stylish and put-together.

15

NakedWoodWorks Personalized Cutting Board

Amazon

$24.99

A custom touch is always welcome! This personalized cutting board would look lovely set out on an island. Prop it up against the wall when not in use, for easy access when needed as a cutting board or serving board for charcuterie nights.

Frequently Asked Questions


What are some ways to decorate a kitchen island?

There are so many fun and easy ways to make your kitchen island feel more personal and pulled together. You can add a fruit bowl, a pretty tray with colorful salt and pepper shakers, or a vase filled with greenery or dried flowers. Even a couple candles or a cookbook stand can bring in some personality without overtaking the space.

How do you style a small kitchen island?

How can you decorate a kitchen island with a sink?

green and pink glass vase

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Megan Stein

Megan is the Senior Director of Editorial and Content Marketing for DrewandJonathan.com. She has over a decade of experience in the home and lifestyle industry, with previous roles at The Pioneer Woman, Country Living, and People magazine. She loves to inspire readers with beautiful, approachable design ideas, as well tips on how to bring their visions to life. She’s also shopping obsessed, and is dedicated to discovering the best products to make life easier, whether it’s testing a top-rated vacuum or the finding the perfect rug to complete your room.

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