Adding decorative details to your space adds that homey appeal, but interior designers say there are some things you should never put on your kitchen island. Some items aren't at home here, whether they're impractical, potentially hazardous, or just feel out of place.
In most spaces, the kitchen island sits and the center and becomes the obvious focal point in the room. And, you've probably selected a beautiful countertop material, and perhaps a luxurious faucet if your sink is placed on it. So it seems a waste to fill your island with things that feel out of place or unsafe after so much time and thought has gone into creating it.
But what are the things to never put on your kitchen island? From decorative pieces to more functional features, we've asked interior designers for their biggest bugbears and how to solve them.
5 things you should never put on your kitchen island
While your kitchen should be decorated to reflect your style and personality, your island can quickly become cluttered. Too many uses for one space can make it almost dysfunctional, and some items can make the space feel smaller and, in some cases, unsafe. But with these designer tips, this can easily be avoided.
1. Fragile ceramics
While adding large decor pieces – such as a large vase or pot filled with seasonal florals and greenery – might be tempting, it can be a bad idea for a few reasons, both practically and aesthetically.
'I try to avoid putting anything that's easily breakable, or that's super-heavy. Ultimately, your kitchen island needs to be able to serve as a surface for cooking and food prep, so I would advise making sure that any decorative items are easy to move and won't get damaged if they accidentally take a meeting with the kitchen floor,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo.
'Ideally, kitchen island decor pieces should be beautiful and functional at the same time – an artful crock for utensils or a decorative tray to hold containers of spices,' she adds. Rather than looking for pieces that are simply visual, try introducing decorative elements that marry function and style.
A utensil holder is the ideal kitchen island decor, blending style and function. This striped crock has a timeless design with subtle stripe details. Because it's wide and short, it will feel secure left on your island.
A tray always feels right at home on a kitchen island. Something wooden is always the go-to in a kitchen, but this scalloped edge ceramic one is more unexpected, and adds a more elevated feel.
If your sink is on your kitchen island, hand towels are an easy, stylish, and practical way to add a more decorative finish. This one is neutral in color, so will work in many schemes, but the stripe detail adds interest.
2. Too many display pieces
Your island probably has the largest expanse of kitchen countertops in the scheme, so it can be tempting to make it the focus of your decor. However, too many items can quickly begin to look cluttered rather than visually appealing.
'I would not put too many decorative items if you don't have ample space for them. Sometimes people like to display a bowl of fruit, have a floral arrangement, and other items on display that can read the opposite of what is intended. There is nothing like a clean, clutter-free island to say welcome to the kitchen,' says interior designer Patricia Knight.
Instead, choose one or two decor pieces to put on your kitchen island – perhaps it's a small vase of flowers, a fruit bowl, or even candles – to create a small but curated decorative display and keep the island countertops useable and free of clutter.
3. Main appliances
On a more practical level – and something to avoid putting on your island below the countertops rather than on them – are large appliances that you use regularly. Consider whether these are things you want at the heart of your kitchen, or whether they would be better suited to less-seen areas of the kitchen.
'There are always exceptions to the rule, perhaps due to space, but I would never put a full-size refrigerator in or attached to a kitchen island. I also wouldn't suggest putting a cooking range on an island; it gives way too much room for splatters and makes a mess,' says Natalie Rebuck, principal designer at Re: Design Architects.
'Both a refrigerator as well as a range and oven should go on a wall that can better accommodate the height and potential mess. Islands are best used for maximizing storage and adding additional seating,' she adds.
4. Decorative paintwork or wallpaper
Kitchen trends this year have embraced more decorative elements. However, when it comes to your kitchen island, it might be better to keep things simple, rather than adding features that could easily become dirty, or that are perhaps just impractical.
'I would not put decorative paintwork or wallpaper on your kitchen island. The island should add solidity to the kitchen, so simple, clean lines are best to keep in mind when designing,' says Patricia.
While the island isn't the place for it due to its location and uses, there are other areas of the kitchen to embrace these playful elements. 'Fun, more decorative features can go on walls and surrounding areas where they will probably be more visible and therefore make more of a desired impact,' she adds.
5. Tall decor too close to pendant lights
The decor you choose to display on the kitchen island will really depend on your space and style, but some things simply won't work. If you've got low-hanging pendant lights above your island, you'll need to consider how your decor will work in tangent with the fixtures.
Tall decorative items in particular can be a hindrance on the island. Not only do they block the view of the rest of the kitchen, but if they get too close to the pendant lights, it can create an unappealing viewpoint. There can also be some safety issues here too, especially if your lights get quite hot.
Instead, keep taller decorative pieces on countertops or tables near the wall that can't easily be knocked and are far enough away from lights that they won't cause a problem. On the island, stick to smaller items to ensure your space looks great but is still functional. Or, opt for statement pendant lights that become the kitchen island decor.
The kitchen island needs to be functional, so the way you decorate and arrange your space should always consider this first. So, keep oversized, fragile decor off the island in favor of smaller, practical decor, and make sure the different elements of your island work harmoniously.
