How To Decorate A Kitchen Island With Vibrant Colors

Pick a color, any color, and then search for it in blenders, tea kettles, toasters, lampshades, knickknacks, oven mitts, dish towels, pots and pans, utensils, knife holders, large appliances, and, oh yes, of course, crockery and flatware. Or, if you're one of those homeowners who knows why white kitchens will always be in style (or gray ones or brown ones, too), you can skip the endless purchases to get pops of color and instead go big against a near-blank canvas with a colorful kitchen island.

Islands are now considered a major part of the kitchen, per the National Kitchen and Bath Association's 2024 Design Trends report, which may be why some are now likening the freestanding cabinet to a special piece of furniture in the home. Bringing in color can add a vibrant vibe, making it a kitchen island that will transform your home. Imagine the possible combinations of color and design. Think contrast, drama, elegance, or attitude. There are many beautiful paint colors that are perfect for your kitchen island, making the seemingly limitless possibilities of this project somewhere you can search deep within the soul of your inner interior designer. Best of all: You can do this yourself!

You can buy a kitchen island in a choice of colors if you're ordering from a mass retailer, but the options may be limited. If you're custom ordering, you can pick the color of your choice, but it's likely to be more expensive.

That's why it's become popular to paint an existing island. If you DIY, clean the surfaces very well first. It's important to then sand and prime. Sanding and priming provide maximum painting adhesion. Choose paint specifically made for doors, cabinets, and other island components. Colors can be based on the kitchen's aesthetic, but they can also be chosen to celebrate a memory. Picking Valspar's Thai Basil, TikToker ournestonpowell says she loved tying her project to a trip to Peru by using colors inspired by the journey. Some suggest using a paint sprayer. Others like using paint brushes or paint rollers. In the process, you can add a texture to the island before you paint with stick-on tiles, accents made of wood, beadboard, board and batten, or shiplap to create more visual interest. Whatever you use, make sure to read all primer and paint directions on cans to ensure the best results.