12 Kitchen Island Ideas With Stylish Seating Solutions
When it comes to gathering in the kitchen, the notion is always “the more, the merrier.” Whether you need extra space for special occasions, or simply more elbow room for day-to-day, these kitchen island ideas showcase how to incorporate expanded seating in a stylish—and seamless—way.
EXTENSION, PLEASE
Photo: Laura Moss
A clean-lined bulthaup kitchen designed by principal Robert Moric featuring a walnut countertop and cabinetry wall allows the room’s sculptural objects to shine, from leather-and-brass counter stools by Spanish atelier Jover+Valls (a 1stdibs find) and Gervasoni’s Brass 96 suspension lamp to a collection of vintage African cooking spoons, Greek icons, and mortars and pestles from around the world.
WELCOME ADDITION
Photo: Aimee Mazzenga
The custom mirror-polished hood in the kitchen reflects its surroundings, while the high-gloss white wall of Armazem cabinetry is flanked by a textured plaster surround. Black-stained oak cabinets, also by Armazem, make the appliances recede so that the focus is on the Caste light fixture and the Powell & Bonnell barstools upholstered in an overscale houndstooth from James Malone Fabrics. The owners’ dog, Otis, enjoys the view.
GATHER ‘ROUND
Photo: Aaron Leitz
The architects designed the kitchen with an almost modular feel. The cabinetry, crafted by Smith & Vallee, is topped with Carrara marble at the island. The cooktop and wall ovens are by Wolf, and the mirrored backsplash tile is by Ann Sacks. The pendant lights are from Design Within Reach and the counter stools are from Suite NY.
MATERIAL CONNECTION
Photo: Robert Radifera for Stylish Productions
Palecek’s Pratt and Vero counter stools surround the kitchen’s live-edge elm dining table, which has a stripe of white epoxy resin and is connected to the island. Richelieu faucets and hardware accent the cabinets by Mouser Cabinetry as well as the Cambria countertops and backsplash.
SEEING DOUBLE
Photo: Stephen Busken
Andrews warmed up the kitchen with a more organic moment—a custom light fixture comprising multiple stoneware pendants by Heather Levine Ceramics. He accented one of the twin islands with a custom wood extension; the woven-leather counter seating is by Thomas Hayes Studio.
SPLIT PERSONALITY
Photo: Ryann Ford
Natalie Page pendants light two kitchen islands: one with a butcher block top by Brooks Custom in Mount Kisco, New York, and the other capped with quartzite from Architectural Tile & Stone and lined with Caste counter stools from Holly Hunt. The Smallbone cabinetry is fashioned from pickled crown-cut white oak.
ALL ANGLES
Photo: David Patterson
With raw concrete Caesarstone counters, the kitchen evokes a Brooklyn loft. Erlenmeyer Mini Pendants by Hubbardton Forge hang over the island, where six Charleston Forge stools with cushions upholstered in Edelman’s Sueded Buffalo Bull leather provide seating. The faucet is by Kraus.
MAKE ROOM
Photo: Molly Culver
RiverCity Cabinets fabricated the kitchen cabinetry; the Absolute Black granite on the island and the White Macaubas quartzite on the perimeter countertops and backsplash are all from Architectural Tile & Stone. Desiron counter stools provide casual and durable seating for the busy family. Expressions Home Gallery fabricated the Vent-A-Hood’s custom surround.
TAKE THE BENCH
Photo: Ryan Garvin
Custom benches in a Perennials fabric from David Sutherland make for comfy kitchen seating. Farrow & Ball’s Railings coats the island, which is topped with quartz; the stone on the perimeter counters is petite granite. The cabinet hardware as well as the zinc-finished pendants that cast a glow above are custom made. The faucets are by Waterworks; the Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances are from Pirch. Thoemmes Cabinet Makers fabricated the casework.
PERFECT UNION
Photo: Meghan Beierle-O’Brien
The kitchen’s island unites bar seating with a dining-height table and is furnished with chairs in a Kravet mohair and stools from Design Within Reach. The cabinetry is rift-cut white oak. California Faucets supplied the faucet.
HEART OF THE KITCHEN
Photo: Emily Followill
Slabs of Calacatta Gold marble form a focal point in the kitchen, contrasting the stainless steel vent hood and custom sapele wood cabinetry by J.A.W.S. Enterprises of Georgia. Equipped with a duo of Galley Tap faucets, the hyper-functional space has provided “an opportunity to find my inner chef,” Gale says. Her namesake white-glass pendants, through Circa Lighting, cast a glow upon Room & Board’s Cora counter stools in supple Lecco Pewter leather.
ADJACENT SEATING
Photo: Michael Blevins
Caesarstone counters, Calacatta Delicate Gold marble from Harkey Tile & Stone and rift-sawn white oak sound a modern note in the kitchen. The Agnes pendants over the island and the Graphic Grande chandelier in the adjoining dining area are both by Aerin for Visual Comfort & Co. Carl Hansen & Søn wishbone chairs sourced from Design Within Reach surround the clients’ own dining table. The wall ovens are by Thermador.