6 Ways to Spruce Up Your Kitchen Island

We’ve said it before, the key to maximizing the kitchen lies in having a clutter-free space where your essentials are neatly stored and organized, enabling you to work efficiently and get tasks done. To spice things up a bit, many homeowners paint the cabinets for a pop of color and there are a few who’ve set up vignettes on the counter, too.

If you have the luxury of space and you have a kitchen island at home, this extra work area can be an essential part of your décor. Experiment with different styling ideas, mix-and-match your accessories, and have fun adding sweet touches to your cooking nook with these ideas as your guide:

1. Start simple with a classic combo.

How many times have you seen a bowl of fruits coupled with a vase filled with flowers on top of the counter or island in the kitchen? It's safe to assume that you've seen it more than thrice. Differentiate the look of your island by choosing clear bowls and vases. These will appear almost invisible, making these top picks for kitchens with a bright palette.

RL Tip: Make it extra cohesive by working with a color theme. Green is refreshing and pleasing to the eyes—how about displaying a bowl of green mangoes and apples? Pair it with a vase filled with Baby's Breath. Choose a tall vase to achieve height and keep your decor from looking flat.

Look for vases and bowls you can use when you visit the 4th floor of The Landmark, Palm Drive, Makati City.

2. Create a table setup for two.

Do you often have meals in the kitchen while working? Add barstools and use the kitchen island as an extra dining nook. Start with a table runner in the middle, follow it up with chic placemats, and choose plates and bowls that follow your kitchen's color scheme. If you have mostly wooden pieces, touches of yellow and green would look pleasing and give your space a country vibe.

3. Turn it into a makeshift library.

Instead of having an ordinary kitchen island, you can have it customized to have shelves and compartments underneath. Use these to store bottles of ingredients and recipe books! Choose titles with colorful covers and spines to liven up your kitchen island. Thinking about what you can do on the surface on top? Use a wooden chopping board as receptacle for the accessories and pieces you will display. Work with a mix of mason jars, fruits, and bowls for a homey look.

4. Work with trays.

Since all of us want to keep the kitchen island clean and clutter-free for the work that needs to be done, you may want to contain your decor and accessories in a tray. A white or wooden piece would stand out on your island and serve as backdrop for your vignette.

For your vignette, you have the option of showcasing herbs, succulents, a jar of sweet treats, or even a scented candle that can neutralize funky odors.

5. Work with a theme in mind.

Having a hard time picking accessories and decor pieces? Try working with a theme in mind. You have the option of staying true to your home's overall theme or go with a new one just for your kitchen. For a farmhouse-inspired vibe, combine woven and wooden pieces with muted tones; for an industrial feel, try to inject metallic accessories; and for a Shabby chic setup, choose trays and receptacles with distressed finish.

Make your woven bowl stand out by displaying fruits in vibrant colors like lemons, oranges, mangoes, and apples.

6. Use the lighting fixture as the center of attraction.

With the island taking center stage in the kitchen, how can you best highlight it? By pairing it with an equally captivating lighting fixture, of course! Like a spotlight, you can place it directly above your kitchen island. Consider working with chandeliers, a geometric-inspired piece, or a set of pendant lamps.

If you're looking for different lighting options, you can visit Habitat at the 3rd level of Abenson (beside Ascott BGC Hotel), 28th Street and 4th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City.