YES, TO CREATE IMPACT IN A LARGER SPACE
When considering kitchen layout ideas, it's not always clear what are the best design decisions. However, as the saying goes, if you don't know what to do, do something.
NO, IF YOUR KITCHEN IS SMALL
This is the obvious choice for a kitchen where space is tight, as designer Gary McBournie explains: 'A smaller kitchen may appear larger if island and cabinets are the same, and the color should be on the lighter side.'
NO, IF YOU PICK A DIFFERENT FINISH FOR YOUR ISLAND
It's not all about color – there are other ways to set an island apart, as Tancred Vilucchi, founder of Maison Vilucchi explains. 'My advice would be to have the kitchen island fabricated with a different type of material than the cabinets, rather than being darker or lighter.
NO, IF YOU CHOOSE DIFFERENT COUNTERTOPS FOR ISLANDS AND CABINETS
For kitchens where you prefer to keep the cabinetry and island finish the same, add a note of differentiation by mixing and matching the countertops. The choice for the best countertop will depend on what purpose the island serves, perhaps introducing a stainless steel countertop if there's an inbuilt hob or sink. If the island is more of a food prep area, a natural wood countertop might serve you well for pastry or bread making and prove the best kitchen countertop for cooking.
NO, IF YOUR KITCHEN ISLAND IS FREESTANDING
Borrowing from European style, one kitchen island trend that seems here to stay is to incorporate a piece of freestanding furniture as an island. Freestanding kitchen ideas work well when they include a vintage piece, such as an old farmhouse table, shop counter, or haberdasher's display cabinet. These may be dark wood or painted so might provide a color and material contrast, and bring with them all the interest and patina of their previous lives.