Expansive High End Kitchen Islands

The kitchen island has become the focal point of many houses with open floor plans. Far from just an extra prep space or eating area, high end kitchen islands make a bold statement with luxury amenities and design.

From materials like marble, quartz, and exotic woods to integrated appliances and custom cabinetry, no expense is spared. These islands expertly blend form and function, providing ample room for cooking while allowing families and friends to gather.

What Are High End Kitchen Islands

High end kitchen islands take this popular kitchen feature to the next level with high quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship. Made from the finest natural stones, woods, and metals, they make a striking aesthetic statement in open concept kitchens.

In addition to looking beautiful, luxury islands also incorporate top-of-the-line fixtures and finishes. This includes details like soft-close drawers, pull-out shelving, and adjustable lighting for convenience and accessibility.

More Countertop Space

By their very nature, kitchen islands provide more usable surface area in the kitchen. High end models maximize every inch, offering expansive countertops made from premium materials like granite, quartzite, marble, and soapstone.

This additional space makes it easier to prep multiple dishes at once, accommodate more than one cook, and tidy up cleanly when mealtime is over.

Enhanced Storage

Between deep drawers, vast shelving, wine racks, and pull-out storage, luxury kitchen islands offer ample room to organize cookware, small appliances, cutlery, and pantry essentials.

Having everything in arm's reach makes cooking more convenient. It also helps keep the rest of the kitchen tidy since there's a designated storage zone for food items and extras.

Improved Workflow

The right kitchen island layout lends itself seamlessly to kitchen tasks and workflows, from chopping vegetables to rolling dough. Multiple seating options provide flexibility depending on the task at hand.

Integrated appliances like sinks, microwave drawers, and undercounter refrigerators allow for smooth food prep, while islands with eating areas transition nicely to casual dining when guests arrive.

Luxury Design Elements

As a kitchen centerpiece, no design detail is overlooked when it comes to high end kitchen islands. Sophisticated choices like marble waterfall edges, high end knobs and pulls, and decorative legs or skirts elevate the look.

Statement lighting fixtures such as crystal chandeliers or elegant pendant lights also contribute to the luxurious aesthetic.

Popular Materials for Luxury Kitchen Islands

In high end kitchen design, expect to see an eclectic mix of rich, artisanal materials that lend one-of-a-kind style. Here are some of the most popular choices.

Granite

With its timeless beauty and natural pattern variation, granite makes an ideal countertop material that withstands daily wear and tear. Available in a striking array of colors from dramatic black to vibrant green, granite brings unmatched depth and dimension.

Marble

For an unmistakably opulent look, marble islands impress with veining patterns that are entirely unique. Soapstone and quartzite offer some practicality too, as alternatives that are less prone to stains and etching than traditional Carrara or Calacatta marble.

Quartz

With the look of natural stone paired with extreme durability, quartz countertops have experienced a surge in popularity. Neutral creamy whites and grays satisfy those favoring understated elegance.

Bold quartz options like vibrant blues and glossy blacks suit transitional spaces with more daring style as well.

Wood

Wood islands infuse rustic warmth and texture into a kitchen. Interesting wood grain patterns and colors add natural beauty. Walnut, oak, cherry, and hickory are welcoming options suited to a variety of design aesthetics.

Design Considerations for Spacious Kitchen Islands

When planning out a luxury kitchen island, there are several factors that impact functionality.

Island Size and Layout

Consider traffic flow when planning island size and placement. Allow ample room for multiple cooks alongside enough space for guests to comfortably sit and eat without congestion.

For smaller kitchens, a mobile cart-style island provides a flexible prep space that moves out of the way when not needed. Larger spaces can accommodate big islands with room to spare.

Seating Capacity

Barstool seating enables guests to comfortably join the cooking festivities. Stylish counter stools come in wood, leather, acrylic, or metal to match any decor. For flexibility, choose adjustable stools.

Curved islands and banquettes sculpt cozy spaces for sitting. Round islands promote fluid social gatherings and conversation.

Integrated Appliances

Integrating appliances into an island checklist may include sinks, dishwasher drawers, warming drawers, wine refrigerators, ice makers, and charging stations.

Other unique inclusions are garbage/recycling center, undercounter microwaves, and stand mixers. Hide the clutter while keeping items handy.

Key Features of Upscale Kitchen Islands

Several distinguishing features set luxury kitchen islands apart from standard islands.

Custom Cabinets

Meticulously built cabinetry ensures everything has its place. Consider clever lidded trash bins, trays for cooking oils/vinegars, drawer dividers for utensils, and pull-out shelves bringing items to the forefront.

Premium Hardware

Drawer glides, knobs, and pulls get an upgrade too. Hand forged iron handles, antique brass finishes, hammered metal knobs infuse character and accentuate quality craftsmanship.

High-End Countertops

Countertops act as the crowning jewel, with luxury islands almost exclusively showcasing premium materials. Beyond stunning natural stone and quartz, reclaimed woods embed history while sleek polished concrete and stainless steel add modern flair.

Sink and Faucet Upgrades

tasks transition seamlessly from prep to cleanup with handy sink inclusion. Specialty sinks like sculptural hammered copper or oversized farmhouse style make washing dishes beautiful. Restaurant sprayers speed up cleanup while stylish bridge faucets with pull-down sprayers add sophistication.

Adding Finishing Touches

It's the thoughtful details that pull the entire high end kitchen island together and really make it shine. Refine with these dazzling finishing design touches.

Pendant Lighting

Draw the eye upward and illuminate task spaces with brilliant pendant lights. Choose from blown glass globes, modern geometric suspended lamps, to antique chandelier-inspired fixtures.

Decorative Molding

Frame islands with crown molding topping provides architectural interest. For easy cleaning, opt for sturdy polyurethane or PVC moldings over fragile plaster.

Tile Backsplashes

Incorporate eye-catching backsplashes to protect walls from splatter while introducing color, shape and texture. Handmade subway tiles, metallic finishes, and natural stone mosaic tiles enhance the island vibe.

Prices for luxury kitchen islands vary widely depending on size, materials, and customization. On the higher end, costs typically range from $4,000 to well over $15,000 or more. The sky's the limit for bespoke designs!

Expect premium price tags for the finest natural stones like exotic granite, marble, and quartzite which can run $100 per square foot or greater. Built-in specialty appliances also bump up costs quickly.