Three years ago, in May 2023, we spotted a uniquely shaped kitchen island in Serena Williams' Miami home – and, at the time, we said it was unlike anything we'd ever seen before. Now, in May 2026, as we welcome the bright, fresh energy of late spring, Reese Witherspoon has given us another reason to get re-excited about this kitchen essential.
Unlike conventional kitchen islands that feature standard rounded or straight rectangular corners, Witherspoon's design – much like Williams' – incorporates a dramatic geometric cut-out that transforms the piece into a striking focal point.
In Williams' home, the patterned cut-out cleverly accommodates a wooden dining table that slots directly into the island. In contrast, the actress's kitchen leaves this cut-out open, creating an unconventional countertop shape that Witherspoon uses as a handy spot for her coffee mug during sunny spring mornings.
@reesewitherspoon ♬ Move Your Feet - Junior Senior
Shop the Marble Kitchen Island Edit
Marble accents instantly bring a sense of elegance to any kitchen. A stylish marble tray placed on an island or countertop can be styled with a candle, a small bud vase, or a decorative olive oil bottle to create a simple yet sophisticated finishing touch.
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Richly veined and elegantly crafted, this marble bowl looks especially beautiful filled with ripe seasonal figs, creating a simple yet striking centerpiece for the table.
It is a look that feels both bespoke and daring, raising the question: will it stand the test of time? While these uniquely shaped islands have been capturing our attention for a few seasons now, designers suggest this movement is only just beginning.
'An unusual or irregular-shaped kitchen island could be a great way to add a unique design to any home. When designed to a specific need and kitchen style layout or the homeowner's needs and wants, an irregular or non-uniform kitchen island stands out from a standard kitchen island design,' comments Arizona-based designer Rasha Rizwan from Mackenzie Collier Interiors.
While the striking aesthetic is undoubtedly its biggest draw, embracing this emerging kitchen trend also offers excellent practical benefits for spring home updates. For Witherspoon, it serves as the perfect coffee cup holder, but the design can be tailored to suit any household requirement.
'An unusual island can be perfect if designed to accommodate any specific functions, such as additional storage, seating, or workspace,' Rizwan says. 'If you don't have a rectangular-shaped kitchen layout, an unusual island helps to optimize the kitchen's layout and make the most out of the available space.'
Beyond the opportunity to introduce extra kitchen storage and countertop space – perfect for preparing fresh seasonal meals and entertaining – Rizwan explains that this feature encourages us to 'get creative' with an unexpected center-piece. If it is good enough for Reese Witherspoon, it is certainly good enough for us.
'An unusually shaped island is unique and visually appealing and is also an immediate focal point of any interior. The regular square or rectangular kitchen islands are safer options, but thinking out of the box and combining functionality and getting creative with a unique island could be a great way to add interest in design,' she says.
'There are several ways to add a unique touch to your kitchen with a non-geometric island design. A rounded-edge island can be an inviting focal point in the kitchen and helps to create separate zones for seating to eat, a surface to prep food, and a cooking area. A multi-tiered floating kitchen island is another irregular island design that creates a unique touch to kitchen design. Each level could be used to create a zone for cooking, eating, or preparing food.'
Ultimately, as late spring paves the way for a vibrant summer of entertaining, rethinking the classic shape of your kitchen island might just be the best way to breathe fresh, modern life into the heart of your home.
