Kitchen interior by Of Architecture. Photo by Lorenzo Zandri.
The kitchen island has evolved well beyond its utilitarian beginnings. Today, it anchors family life and social gatherings, serving as a space for food preparation, casual dining and even remote working.
Modern kitchen islands are true multi-purpose hubs, integrating appliances, storage and seating to maximise both practicality and sociability. Architects are also experimenting with materials such as concrete, stainless steel, terrazzo and plywood, creating designs that are as visually striking as they are functional.
Below, you’ll find 50 inspiring designs by UK architects, spanning a wide range of styles and scales – perfect inspiration for your next project.
Photo by French+Tye.
Stainless steel is a staple in professional kitchens thanks to its durability, resistance to corrosion and heat, and hygienic, easy-to-clean surface. This island unit by Archmongers demonstrates the material’s industrial strength and timeless appeal, softened for the home with timber-fronted units and a brick floor.
Photo by Megan Taylor.
In this design by Nimtim Architects, tiles have been used not only to form the worktop but also to line the sink and clad the sides of the kitchen island. Birch plywood balances the look, with open shelving at the rear and flush, concealed doors at the front.
Photo by Yellow Cloud Studio.
This kitchen island by Yellow Cloud Studio is formed from dark terrazzo with large coloured flecks, adding visual dynamism to an otherwise pared-back interior. An induction hob with integrated downdraught sits flush within the worktop, illuminated by statement opal and brass pendant lights.
Photo by Lorenzo Zandri.
Architecture for London chose honed natural stone over polished concrete throughout this interior, achieving the desired aesthetic with a far lower carbon impact. The stone forms the kitchen island –including sides, sink and worktop – as well as the floor and window seat. Veneered oak plywood fronts and wall panelling complement the stone, adding warmth and tactility.
Photo by Ståle Eriksen.
In Sky Lantern House, Proctor & Shaw Architects used a restrained palette centred on marble. The kitchen island, formed almost entirely in polished Carrara, ties into light microcement floors and white-painted walls, its veining adding both luxury and subtle contrast.
Photo by Nicholas Worley.
A longstanding favourite with architects, plywood is highly versatile, offering both strength and aesthetic warmth – making it an excellent choice for kitchens. This island by SUPRBLK uses high-grade birch plywood for the cabinets and shelving, and worktop.
Photo by Jim Stephenson.
Designed as a modern interpretation of a Victorian home, this renovation incorporates stained oak, concrete and plaster throughout. The kitchen by VATRAA features a robust island with a thick concrete worktop and sides, paired with flush stained-oak door fronts for a refined, contemporary finish.
Photo by Andy Stagg.
For this renovation, R2 Studio Architects breathed new life into a 19th-century home with bursts of colour. The kitchen island features blue and yellow laminated-plywood cabinets, complemented by bold red bar stools to create a joyful focal point.
Photo by Nick Guttridge.
At this residence by McLaren Excell, an in-situ cast concrete island is configured as a sculptural block, with stepped surfaces for prep and seating alongside an angled recess to accommodate a bench.
Photo by Tim Crocker.
Inspired by Philip Johnson’s Four Seasons Restaurant, Studio McW used stained oak for the kitchen cabinets and wall panelling in the extension and refurbishment of this Victorian semi-detached house. The timber contrasts with the polished concrete floor and stone worktops, balancing environmental responsibility with a sense of warmth and character.
Photo by Nick Kane.
In this sustainable retrofit, Roar Architects crafted the monolithic island from salvaged London plane wood felled by the council. Other details include Douglas fir joinery and recycled plastic worktops, highlighting reused and locally sourced materials.
Photo by Agnese Sanvito.
Studio 30 Architects used reclaimed objects in this new extension. The kitchen features an old carpenter’s bench repurposed as an island, providing a visual contrast to the pared-back white interior and terrazzo flooring.
Photo by Jacob Milligan.
At Michael Collins Architects’ Jewellery Box extension, the kitchen celebrates material and colour contrasts. Inchyra Blue cabinetry and brass splashbacks define the main kitchen runs, while the island comprises of a honed turquoise stone worktop and characterful timber fronts.
Photo by French+Tye.
In The Judd, Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects used three‑dimensional tiles not only as a decorative element on the central spine wall but also to wrap around the kitchen island, making it a textural focal point in the open‑plan space. The island is further distinguished by a brass worktop, which contrasts with terrazzo surfaces on the main kitchen run to enhance visual interest.
Photo by Gilbert McCarragher.
A minimalist island clad in timber panelling echoes the treatment of the wall units in this interior by John Pawson. Appearing more like a crafted piece of furniture than a functional kitchen, its only giveaway is the slim tap punctuating the surface.
Photo by James Retief.
This kitchen extension by Michael Henriksen utilises ribbed timber for the island cabinetry, paired with smooth concrete worktops. Clay block walls, cork flooring and a timber ceiling layer natural warmth and texture over a contemporary base palette.
Photo by Schnepp Renou.
Gianni Botsford Architects employed corrugated island fronts and crisp white tops to complement the pared-back, industrial aesthetic of a Norman Foster-designed house, where exposed structure and detailing shape the interiors.
Photo by James Brittain.
In a Somerset wool hall renovation, Tuckey Design Studio introduced a delicate island that "touches the space lightly". The slim metal frame supports stained-plywood units and a white solid-surface top with extended oak seating, mediating between historic and new fabric.
Photo by Nick Dearden.
31/44 Architects reinforced material continuity in this scheme by constructing the island’s sides in exposed painted brickwork to match the surrounding walls. The effect is one of robustness and cohesion across the interior.
Photo by Philippa Langley.
Kitchen islands need not match the rest of the cabinetry. In many cases they are designed to stand apart, but in this project by Sonn, the island looks understated and continuous with the room’s palette, while the main run of units is treated with bold colours and patterned finishes.
Photo by Megan Taylor.
In this rear kitchen extension by London studio District, the clients asked for a space filled with joy and colour. The architects paired a simple white kitchen with a peninsula finished in a bold primary yellow, while accents of blue – seen in the tiled splashback grout and the rooflight surround – add playful contrast.
Photo by Tim Crocker.
For larger kitchens with generous circulation, an oversized island can use space effectively. In this project by Tsuruta Architects, the depth accommodates double rows of units: standard-depth cabinetry facing the main run, extra-deep units behind, and an overhanging worktop for bench seating.
Photo by Charles Hosea.
A linear island can help structure a rectangular room. Here, Threefold Architects created a long unit of white marble and oak that provides prep space, seating and a visual link to the dining zone.
Photo by Ståle Eriksen.
For tighter plans a slim island adds functionality without compromising circulation. In this project by Ebba Architects, a narrow unit spans between tall storage and the primary worktop, ensuring every metre of space is used efficiently.
Photo by Steve Lancefield.
In barn conversions and large spaces, an oversized island is well suited to the scale. This example by David Nossiter Architects demonstrates how a generously proportioned island, with space to circulate all around, balances the grandeur of the setting.
Photo by 4S Architecture.
For a constrained space, 4S Architecture shaped a slim island with a curved, overhanging end to smooth circulation. Small-format tiles clad the base and curve, offset by a clean white worktop.
Photo by French+Tye.
Departing from the conventional rectangle, Office S&M angled this island to improve circulation between zones. A curved overhang provides informal seating while pendant lighting defines the shape and accentuates functionality.
Photo by Lorenzo Zandri.
At a listed building where layouts could not be altered, Type devised a circular island as the central solution. Freestanding, it allows circulation to flow equally on all sides while centralising preparation and storage.
Photo by Lorenzo Zandri.
Most islands run parallel for efficiency, but some spaces favour perpendicular orientation. In this conversion by Studio McW, the island’s 90-degree placement enhances sociability: bench seating faces a large window, while the cook faces the dining table, encouraging interaction.
Photo by Ellen Christina Hancock.
For a new infill home, Open Practice Architecture with Kinder Design placed the kitchen island adjacent to large sliding doors, connecting preparation space directly with the courtyard garden and outdoor dining area.
Photo by Nick Kane.
Niall McLaughlin Architects designed this grand Hampshire home with expansive kitchen runs on either side. The island sits centrally between, anchored by long pendant lighting in a tall double-height space, bringing balance and clarity.
Photo by Ioana Marinescu.
This peninsula island by Rural Office in a Grade II‑listed barn conversion comprises of a pared‑back run of deep blue‑grey cabinetry along the front and open shelving at the rear, offering display space for cookbooks and objects. The arrangement, set on traditional brick flooring, combines modern farmhouse character with practical, accessible storage.
Photo by Lorenzo Zandri.
When you require practical storage but still want display space, positioning shelves at the ends of the island is an efficient solution. In this design by Of Architecture, old floorboards were repurposed to form the island and side shelving, paired with white cabinet fronts and a stainless-steel worktop.
Photo by Chris Wharton.
In this light-filled extension by Benjamin Wilkes, the kitchen and dining area are organised around a central freestanding island with integrated banquette seating below a line of rooflights. The movable island allows the arrangement to adapt easily for larger gatherings.
Photo by Taran Wilkhu.
Emil Eve Architects remodelled this Art Deco apartment with colour and natural materials. The kitchen combines deep green marble worktops and splashbacks with a bespoke slim-framed island featuring fully open shelving. The island doubles as both prep area and informal seating.
Photo by Elisa Franceschi.
Thiss Studio maximised storage in this modest extension by incorporating banks of deep drawers back-to-back within the island. Dark grey fronts and a flush metal worktop with downdraught induction hob establish a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
Photo by Andrew Meredith.
In this contemporary kitchen by Gundry & Ducker, a generous island forms the main workspace, integrating both hob and sink. Opposite, full-height cabinetry accommodates appliances and abundant storage, ensuring the kitchen is functional.
Photo by Ståle Eriksen.
In a Victorian side-return extension, O’Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects designed a long, narrow island to resemble a freestanding piece of furniture. With an oak timber frame and a green stone worktop, it integrates seamlessly with the wider interior scheme.
Photo by French+Tye.
Known for bold palettes, Office S&M designed this irregular, compact island with terrazzo-effect top, pastel lilac fronts and yellow timber panelling. It forms a playful social heart that addresses both garden and dining zones.
Photo by James Retief.
DHaus reconfigured this ground and lower ground maisonette into a more spacious, open-plan living area overlooking the garden. Oak wall panelling establishes a datum line around the interior and extends outside, with both base units and kitchen island designed to integrate seamlessly into this unifying design element.
Photo by Nick Dearden.
In an east London terrace renovation, Bindloss Dawes Architects created a long, simple island with slim side panels and a single row of units. The pared-back structure maximises space for generous bench seating.
Photo by Pierce Scourfield.
Polysmiths drew on Spanish and Moorish influences when reimagining this London terrace, introducing arches and lime-plastered walls. At the heart stands a minimalist red travertine island that serves as both sculptural focal point and convivial gathering space.
Photo by Lorenzo Zandri.
Flexibility can be introduced by placing the island on castors. In this design by Unknown Works, the freestanding mobile island allows the space to be reconfigured for entertaining, provided plumbing and electrics remain elsewhere.
Photo by Will Scott.
In a converted Victorian schoolhouse, Mary Arnold Forster Architects designed a robust Caithness-stone island incorporating an oak upstand to discreetly hide dishes while strengthening the separation between kitchen and open-plan living areas.
Photo by Gilbert McCarragher.
Bureau de Change Architects softened circulation by rounding the island’s end. Terrazzo detailing in red, white and black highlights the curve and adds pattern to an otherwise white kitchen.
Photo by Helen Cathcart.
For this compact holiday home, Hutch Design kept the kitchen minimal, using a freestanding island as the solitary work surface. Wall-mounted and ceiling-hung storage supplemented the open plan, lightening the scheme.
Photo by Johan Dehlin.
In repurposing a 17th-century parchment factory, Will Gamble Architects introduced sleek stainless steel and dark grey flat-fronted joinery. The precision of the island is set deliberately against the irregular timber frame and masonry, spotlighting the beauty of contrast.
Photo by French+Tye.
Alexander Owen Architecture created a strikingly minimal scheme with an island of stainless steel, extending to seating. Timber furniture and birch-plywood ceiling panels counterbalance the raw materiality.
Photo by Zac and Zac.
Luke McClelland Architecture configured this island in Edinburgh by layering stone and timber at dual levels. A thick stone surface at standing height houses the hob, while a veneered oak table extension provides dining and working space.
Photo by Lorenzo Zandri.
Fine detailing matters alongside big gestures. In a post-war home by Nikjoo, working with developer Flawk, curved countertop edges were introduced for a soft, tactile presence – one of many “unexpected” details humanising the modern scheme.
About the Author
Aron Coates is an architect with over two decades of experience, working on projects ranging from historic building restoration to contemporary home design.
