If you’re looking to add something to your kitchen that makes a huge impact, a farmhouse kitchen island should be on your shortlist. These types of islands are my favorite for an abundance of reasons—their unique look, versatility, warmth—but it mainly boils down to them striking the perfect balance between style and function. Sure, most kitchen islands can add extra space for food prep, eating, and storage. But you would be hard-pressed to find one that does it with as much flair as a farmhouse kitchen island!
Kitchen islands add function to the heart of the home while upping the style factor—all in one go. They stand out with textural wood accents, their playful mingling of matte and gloss materials, unusual builds, and signature farmhouse patterns like shiplap and X braces. There are even some that add color with dreamy shades like ocean blue and pastel green.
Whether you’re on the fence about what type of island you want or are looking for fresh farmhouse kitchen island ideas, you don’t want to miss the collection below. For those of you who don’t want to replace your current kitchen island, there are even tips on how to update and accessorize what you have to make it more farmhouse chic.
When it comes to farmhouse kitchen islands—and the collection below—there is something for everyone!
When looking to add farmhouse flair to a space, wood is a go-to material—and that certainly includes kitchen islands. The wood planking adds texture and earthy touch to this bright kitchen, while the white finish ensures it doesn’t clash with the color scheme. The neutral whitewashed wood finish perfectly complements the light and airy color scheme that the rest of the kitchen displays.
While a shiplap kitchen island alone can be captivating, this kitchen kicks the allure up a notch by using ornate corner brackets and a small contrasting barndoor on the side. Altogether, these embellishments give the island a one-of-a-kind feel that makes this kitchen all the more wow-worthy. Renting but want to update your island? Consider applying removable shiplap paneling or wallpaper to the sides.
A couple of corner brackets added to an island is a great way to make it feel like a farmhouse piece. To find authentic vintage brackets, shop antique markets or on sites like eBay and Etsy.
Don’t underestimate what a great pair of legs can do for an island! Repurpose a pair from an old table or have some custom-made for a truly unique look.
To give an existing island a farmhouse makeover, try refinishing the sides with wood planks topped with an X brace. An X brace is commonly found on barn doors, so most people instantly associate it with farmhouse style!
The X brace on this fresh kitchen island undoubtedly gives it a farmhouse edge, but the elements it is surrounded with play an equally important role. In particular, the weathered wood chairs add warmth to the island area, while the spray-painted black pendants add a metal element that provides contrast.
This oversized island is a big presence in this kitchen, so balancing it with airier elements is essential. The open wire pendant lights were wonderful choices—they let the line-of-sight flow through while playing off the farmhouse vibe. Glass pendant lights would have also worked well here.
A soft gray kitchen island is excellent for creating a kitchen that feels tranquil. This one uses shiplap for a contemporary farmhouse look.
The lights you choose for over your island can make all the difference in how the area feels. For instance, these gold metal pendant lights add extra glamour to this cottage kitchen island.
Polished chrome bell pendants have a refined industrial look. Here, they also highlight the gray tones in the island’s countertop.
You can also shake things up by using hanging pots and a pan rack above an island. It adds extra storage and keeps pots and pans at the ready. Additionally, putting copper or cast iron cookware on display can help play up the farmhouse feel of a kitchen.
Incorporating reclaimed or weathered wood into your kitchen island design can give it a rustic edge. Above, a few rough beams frame the island, adding texture and depth to the design.
One of the best and most unique farmhouse kitchen island ideas I’ve come across is repurposed antique furniture. This includes reusing vintage dressers, desks, and card catalogs. As you can see above—and in the next few examples—they create kitchen islands that are one-of-a-kind and absolutely captivating.
The wheels on this miniature stunner not only make it easy to move around the kitchen, but it is perfect to wheel around to serve guests appetizers or use as an after supper coffee bar.
If antique furniture isn’t an option, you can still add some vintage style to your island with accessories. Consider hanging some vintage pots and pans, displaying a few antiques above the cabinets, or repurposing an antique vessel into a vase.
A wood countertop is another option that you may want to consider for a farmhouse kitchen. As you can see, they not only add a ton of warmth and character but they can be stained any color.
Choosing an island with a countertop that differs from the rest of your kitchen can help you create a focal point. However, remember that the countertop still needs to match some elements, or it will look disjointed from the rest of the design. Here we see the wood repeated in areas like the stools, vinyl flooring, and shelving.
White oak cabinetry topped with a sleek white countertop is a winning combo for this kitchen. While the white countertop adds a layer of elegance to the kitchen, the wood cabinetry brings a natural touch to the space while providing a ton of storage. The vintage-style pendant lights are also worth a mention here as they add a metallic element that creates extra intrigue while tying in the sink hardware.
Sometimes a handful of strategically placed wood elements are all it takes to elevate a farmhouse kitchen! Minimal wood drawers on the island and wood ceiling beams undoubtedly take this modern kitchen to the next level for both style and coziness.
If you don’t want to change your kitchen island, you can still make it feel more akin to farmhouse style by using wood accessories. Think cutting boards, trays, and utensils—in my opinion, the best accessories are also functional!
Beyond using wood, you can also add extra farmhouse style to an existing island with some greenery. Try a farmhouse vase full of fresh flowers or a potted plant.
Additionally, you can decorate a farmhouse kitchen island for the holidays with boughs of holly and other greenery in the form of garland and wreaths. It looks fresh and minimal, aligning with a modern farmhouse aesthetic.
Woven baskets are a year-round accessory that works well with farmhouse kitchen islands. They are a cottage classic full of texture that can add some hidden storage to open shelving. Plus, they come in a vast assortment of shapes and sizes. For example, these cylindrical baskets make great use of the bottom island shelf. They’re great for stashing away extra kitchen linens or collecting dirty dishtowels.
In this chic cottage kitchen, I particularly love the mix of matte elements (cabinets, wood beams, baskets) and shiny finishes (glass pendant lights, polished countertops, glass tile). It takes the contrast to the next level. I also spy two smaller baskets tucked under the island, which are great to keep everything from utensils to a stash of printed recipes in reach.
No room for woven baskets? Try tucking a few woven farmhouse barstools under your island or peninsula. In this example, the brown hue effortlessly ties into the kitchen thanks to the planked rangehood, which offers a rustic touch to the space.
An easy way to cultivate a coastal feel in a kitchen is to use a blue island. The soft blue used here offers a pop of color, along with a calm aesthetic. I love the subtle details like the planking and the metal barstools that meld with the stainless-steel appliances.
For a playful feel and a bold look, consider using a darker blue island. This eye-catching island paint color is Distance by Sherwin Williams.
Green is another color that works well on a farmhouse island. A medium shade, like shown above, feels fresh and earthy, while brighter tones like lime green are youthful and energetic. Want to make a green island look elegant? Try emerald green cabinets paired with white or black countertops.
Pairing green accents with wood elements can help bring the look of nature into your kitchen and home. It is one of the easiest ways to embrace farmhouse style.
Don’t want to commit to painting your kitchen island a bold color? Try painting wooden barstools instead. I can’t get enough of how this kitchen uses vintage green glassware to spread the vibrant shade throughout the space. It is eclectic and fun, without looking cluttery or overdone.
Black and white is a classic duo that never goes out of style! This kitchen uses a bold black kitchen island to add dynamic contrast to the space. Gold accents make it feel all the more luxurious, while plants and wood offer some nature-inspired goodness.
For a kitchen island that packs a punch of contrast but doesn’t look bulky, one with an open black metal frame is an excellent option. Especially when you top it with a gorgeous chandelier as this kitchen did!
When embracing a neutral color scheme with minimal contrast, try creating intrigue with unusual shapes, as this kitchen did. The unique shape of this island takes the design to a whole new level!
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Written by We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. See our full disclosures here. Your kitchen hardware may not be something you think about often, but it plays into the look of your kitchen and if your hardware is outdated
