Large islands have become the prominent feature in kitchens. Home remodelers are realizing its importance and have made it the focus area of their projects. In a survey of nearly 2,600 homeowners(link is external), a third said they added an island during renovations, and nearly a quarter said they upgraded their current one.
Go Big
Photo credit: Rachel Loewen © 2019 Houzz
Supersizing the island is one big trend, the Houzz survey finds. A third of remodelers had kitchen islands that measured seven feet long; another 39% had one that was six to seven feet long.
Contrasting Colors
Photo credit: Darlene Halaby Photography © 2019 Houzz
Two in five renovating homeowners added or upgraded their island cabinets with a contrasting shade to the main fixture. Gray was the most popular choice at 26%, followed by blue (19%) and black (11%).
Using contrasting colors on the island countertop was also common among remodelers. The most popular choices for contrasting the island was white (23%) and medium wood (21%).
Shiny Pendants
Photo credit: Jessica Cain © 2018 Houzz
Turn the spotlight on the island: 92% of homeowners who upgraded their kitchen island also chose to install new lighting. Try something bold in brass or chrome.
Melissa Dittmann Tracey is a contributing editor for REALTOR® Magazine, editor of the Styled, Staged & Sold blog, and produces a segment called “Hot or Not?” in home design that airs on NAR’s Real Estate Today radio show. Follow Melissa on Instagram and Twitter at @housingmuse.