Kitchen islands have transitioned into a “prominent feature in renovated kitchens” according to Houzz in the most recent 2020 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. Large and loaded with upgrades, the kitchen island has become a style element as well as a functioning element of kitchen design. By choosing different finishes such as cabinet door styles, countertops and color for intentional contrast to the supporting cabinetry, the island has become the “crown jewel” of the kitchen (a name given by Houzz).

Almost 40 percent of those surveyed chose a cabinet color that contrasted with their main cabinets. In case you’re wondering what the most popular contrast colors were, the choices were led by gray (26 percent), blue (19 percent) and black (11 percent).

Contrasting countertop colors were also found to be a popular choice for kitchen updates with 23 percent choosing white and 21 percent choosing medium wood. As for contrasting countertop materials butcher block tops the list at 41 percent!

Kitchen islands have evolved to the point that they are expected to include storage features, built-in appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves, cooktops, garbage disposals and beverage refrigerators. Homeowners are spending more with a “median spend on major kitchen remodels* completed in mid-2019 was up 17 percent at $35,000, according to Houzz.

Islands have indeed become the crown jewel of kitchen renovations and they make a great statement in current and popular transitional kitchen styles.

Keep these kitchen island trends in mind when planning your renovation project!

*A major kitchen remodel refers to a remodel in which at least all the cabinets and appliances are replaced.