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

A kitchen with a walnut countertop overlapping a white island. The appliances are built into the walnut cabinetry.

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.

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WELCOME ADDITION

A gray-white-and-black kitchen with high-gloss white cabinetry. A dog lies on the floor looking out floor-to-ceiling windows.

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.

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GATHER ‘ROUND

Light-colored wood and white marble make up the kitchen.

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.

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MATERIAL CONNECTION

kitchen with white walls and cabinetry, wood flooring, a live-edge table connected to the countertop and two sets of counter stools

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.

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SEEING DOUBLE

View of kitchen with double islands and ceramic pendants hanging above each

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.

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SPLIT PERSONALITY

wood kitchen with gray white double islands

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.

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ALL ANGLES

The kitchen features wood with a distinctive grain.

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.

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MAKE ROOM

eclectic white kitchen brown island and counter stools

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.

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TAKE THE BENCH

Kitchen view facing island and long windows

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.

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PERFECT UNION

Kitchen island with adjacent seating at table

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.

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HEART OF THE KITCHEN

Kitchen with leather counter stools, white pendant lights and rich-toned wood cabinetry

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.

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ADJACENT SEATING

Open-format kitchen with modern dining area and pale wood cabinetry

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.

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ULTIMATE KITCHENS

Consider this your go-to kitchen guide. Whether you’re planning a complete overhaul, making minor refreshes, or simply inspo scrolling, Luxe lets you envision your dream kitchen as you discover products, palettes and trends that speak to your personal style.

EXPLORE ALL THINGS KITCHEN

kitchen island ideas

12 Kitchen Island Ideas With Stylish Seating Solutions

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