‘Tis the season when experts weigh in on home design trends, as well as predict what will be hotter than ever in the coming year.

Realtors have noted one feature that home buyers have shown increasing interest in: kitchen islands. Why the sudden boom in chasing after a feature that’s so standard? Well, it’s because the new kitchen island is anything but basic.

Why is the kitchen island coming back? 

Interest in kitchen islands arguably plateaued not so long ago. This time last year, people were even discussing what to replace them with–harvest tables and rolling carts being two major candidates.

But now, potential buyers are seeing the new kitchen island as a family hub. Casual seating perfect for after-school snacks, smarter storage, larger sizing, and tech integrations are making them stand out from other spaces.

The new kitchen island: Features we want in 2026

Today’s islands have homeowners creating wish lists of styles and functions appropriate for their kitchens and lifestyles. Some combination of the following features is present in 2026 remodeling plans, with the outlook suggesting they’ll continue to rise.

Improved seating (and the size to match).

Breakfast, homework, cocktail hour, holiday baking–it’s all happening on an island in the coming year.

Double-wide islands that can fit the whole fam are outpacing traditional dining furniture. Not only does it make stove-to-table serving easier than ever, but it also creates space for other trending features.

Tech integrations and outlets.

Everyone is connecting with built-in Bluetooth, smart displays, and charging stations on the new kitchen island. It’s also a premium spot to plug in the small appliances we don’t want to clutter up our counters.

The above photo happens to display another feature some people are after: multilevel counters. Separate areas for prepping and serving can be a huge benefit for busy families and those who like to entertain. 

Expanded, discreet storage.

Custom pull-outs, tiered drawers, and stalls for trash bins can all coexist on the larger new islands. However, remodelers are installing more hidden drawers and specialized storage that one wouldn’t normally expect.

Many cabinet styles for island storage are growing low-profile. To carry on with the clean look, some opt to fully integrate their smart appliances there as well.  

Improving the kitchen triangle.

Not every kitchen layout lends itself to optimal function. Instead of investing in a costly layout change, homeowners are putting that cash into better kitchen islands that contain the wet zone. 

The benefits extend beyond having your back to the room while cleaning up and prepping. It frees up more main counter space and improves overall efficiency.

Materials and design that are outstanding, but also stand out.

Aesthetics still matter, and the new kitchen island is a fresh take on your existing design. Many are choosing colors and materials that complement, but do not match, the rest of their kitchens.

Some are also going all-out with high-end materials here, especially if it wasn’t an option for the whole kitchen. The best countertops, custom cabinetry, and fetching light fixtures find their way to the island.

Get custom kitchen island upgrades at The Designery 

Designing a new island or fixing up the one you have? Let The Designery bring you up to date. From custom storage and cabinetry to smart appliances and premier countertops, you’ll find it all under one roof. Plus, your experience begins and ends with a professional designer dedicated to your vision. 

Book a complementary consultation to learn more. 

Kitchen island FAQ

 

Is it cheaper to buy or build a kitchen island?

It’s cheaper to buy a prefabricated island. However, it may not have all of the features you want. It’s also unlikely you’ll be able to make alterations like adding a sink.

 

What is the new island style?

The new wave in kitchen islands isn’t just about supersizing, tech features, and luxury materials. Small kitchens are including more hatch islands. These are essentially serving windows or pass-throughs from a small kitchen to the next room. However, it also creates an opportunity to get more light into a cramped space and add more countertop.

 

Do islands increase home value?

Yes, a well-designed kitchen island can add value by including more features buyers like to see. This adds to the fact that kitchen remodels are one of the highest-ROI interior projects.

The catch is that the island must be proportional to the kitchen. No one is attracted by a piece that is too big for the kitchen, impeding traffic and overwhelming the space.

 

What is the best shape for a kitchen island?

Most kitchen islands are rectangular for a good reason. Round islands don’t improve workflow, and boxy square islands have inconvenient dimensions, eating up floorspace without doing much for seating. 

If you’re looking to add interest to the shape of a rectangular island, focus on the countertop edge. These can be styled to include a round protrusion on one side or soften the corners a bit. 

 

What are the disadvantages of a kitchen island?

Lack of space and poor planning/design can make an island less than ideal. We weigh the pros and cons of kitchen islands here in more detail. You can also just book that free meeting with a pro to help figure out what’s best.