19 Kitchen Island Color Ideas for a Striking Accent

kitchen with wooden cabinets and light green island
Photo: Kritsada Panichgul

A kitchen island is comparable to a great piece of furniture. So why not give it a splash of color? These colorful kitchen islands are stunning work spaces for hardworking kitchens.

01 of 19

Contrasting Island Color

blue-gray and white kitchen with island
John Granen

For a no-fail kitchen island color idea, use contrasting shades within the same color family. In this kitchen, the island and the perimeter cabinetry sport shades of blue-gray. The softer color on the island visually lightens the look and ensures the large island doesn't feel too heavy.

02 of 19

Modern Kitchen Island Colors

White + Purple + Black kitchen color scheme
Jeff Herr

A vibrant purple island lends drama to this modern kitchen design. The island's high-gloss paint finish and gold accents reflect light to brighten the room. On the range wall, open shelves provide pretty display space against a wallpapered backsplash.

03 of 19

Kitchen Island Color Scheme

blue nautical kitchen
Julie Soefer Photography

Blue and white is a classic color scheme, but a cobalt blue kitchen island puts a fresh twist on this well-established look. This kitchen island, outfitted with deep drawers and polished brass hardware, is pretty and practical. Framed artwork and bright accessories tie the color scheme together.

04 of 19

Mint Green Kitchen Island

kitchen with wooden cabinets and light green island
Kritsada Panichgul

A mint green island brings a cheery disposition to this kitchen. The colorful island paint color provides a bright spot amid sleek stainless-steel appliances and natural wood cabinetry. Remove all doors and shelves before sanding, priming, and painting the cabinet base for a DIY island paint job.

05 of 19

Neutral Island Color Ideas

farmhouse style kitchen island
Caren Alpert

Anchoring the heart of this open kitchen, the stone-color island, although muted, stands out against the white walls and perimeter cabinets. The island's warm gray paint color is finished with a black glaze that adds timeworn texture. Industrial elements like metal stools, lantern pendant fixtures, and open shelving mingle with the room's traditional design.

06 of 19

Dark Blue Kitchen Island

Kitchen with dark blue and wood island with bar seating
Stacy Zarin Goldberg

A dark blue island adds a note of drama to this farmhouse kitchen, where it offers contrast to the white upper cabinets and subway tile backsplash. The deep blue paint color repeats on a tall pantry cabinet to balance the look, while wood and leather accents introduce warmth and texture.

07 of 19

Complementary Kitchen Island Colors

kitchen with orange and blue accents
Lincoln Barbour

A complementary color scheme of blue and orange creates a lively atmosphere in this sunny kitchen. White cabinetry and a gray tile backsplash allow the soft blue kitchen island to shine. At the same time, bright orange accessories provide vibrant contrast. Try this look in your home to bring a sense of summer into the kitchen year-round.

08 of 19

Red Kitchen Island Design

red kitchen island white cabinets
Werner Straube

In this kitchen, the red island is the obvious star. It stands in dramatic contrast to the white cabinets and darkly stained wood floors. Recessed-panel drawer fronts and polished nickel hardware connect the island with the rest of the cabinetry for a cohesive look.

09 of 19

Gray Kitchen Ideas

charcoal gray kitchen island
Michael Partenio

Combined with white subway tile and barely-there gray cabinetry, this charcoal gray island provides a bold accent. A butcher-block countertop further sets it apart from marble-topped perimeter cabinets. Continuing the palette of grays, stainless-steel appliances and polished metal accessories add an industrial look.

10 of 19

Bright Kitchen Island Colors

orange kitchen island with blue chairs
Emily Followill

Citrus-inspired hues are bold, sassy, and full of energy. Try it as an accent if you love blazing orange but can't commit your entire kitchen. Just don't forget to prime! A separate, high-quality primer is essential when working with bright hues.

11 of 19

Island Focal Point

gray-blue kitchen island with butcher-block top
John Granen

With its custom woodwork and butcher-block top, this green-blue kitchen island provides an eye-catching focal point. Other than a few other pops of color, the rest of the kitchen is white, allowing the island to take center stage. For seating, a set of thrifted stools received a fresh coat of yellow enamel paint. Rubber protectors on each leg prevent scratches on the wood flooring.

12 of 19

Pick the Best Kitchen Island Color

Selecting kitchen island colors can feel like a daunting decision. To get the shade just right, follow these expert tips for finding a paint color you'll love. Our tips and tricks will help you choose the best cabinetry colors for the entire space.

13 of 19

Bold Island Color Ideas

industrial-style kitchen
Kim Cornelison

A slim industrial-style island is a perfect fit in this contemporary space. The bold blue kitchen island combines forces with a bright backsplash to create a vibrant place to cook. Simple metal stools provide seating for six when the island isn't used for prep space.

14 of 19

Unexpected Kitchen Island Color

lime green yellow kitchen island
Ed Gohlich

Liven up an all-white kitchen with an unexpected splash of color on the island. Here, a muted chartreuse island blends the sunny side of yellow with the vibrancy of lime green for a bright, springy look. In addition, the island is conveniently outfitted with a roll-out baking station, painted the same zingy hue.

15 of 19

Jewel-Tone Kitchen

emerald green island
Edmund Barr

White perimeter cabinets and countertops set a clean stage for an emerald green island in this kitchen. Open shelving on one end of the island offers plenty of space for bright cookbooks and large display items. Sapphire blue wallpaper with pretty florals adds another layer of jewel tones, creating a color scheme that's rich yet playful.

16 of 19

Light Blue Kitchen Island

robin's-egg blue island
Werner Straube

A large furniture-style island cloaked in soft, robin's-egg blue welcomes family and guests into this kitchen. Crisp white cabinets and gleaming chrome accents pop against the blue island, providing a light and bright atmosphere. Consider painting the ceiling for a unique look that makes a subtle statement. While it may seem like a dizzying task, a stepladder, a roller, and high-quality paint will help you get the job done fast.

17 of 19

Warm Neutral Kitchen

gray-brown island with marble top
David A Land

A new island color can give your kitchen a fresh update, even if you choose a neutral over brighter tones. Here, a moody, gray-brown island helps ground this open kitchen, which otherwise features lots of white and wood tones. Distressed blue stools and a turquoise-painted door introduce small doses of color to break up the neutral palette.

18 of 19

Yellow Kitchen Island

golden-yellow island
John Gruen

A golden-yellow island gives this kitchen a peppy focal point. The island paint color matches the surrounding cabinets and trim, but a contrasting butcher-block countertop helps the prep space stand out. Black accents and dark soapstone surfaces introduce a modern edge to the soft yellow kitchen.

19 of 19

Calming Kitchen Colors

cornflower-blue island and watery-hue backsplash
Michael Partenio

Give an all-white kitchen a lift with a refreshing blue kitchen island. The result is a classic, pleasing palette with a hint of color. In this kitchen, the island sports a soft blue-green shade that blends harmoniously with the glazed tile backsplash and warm white cabinetry.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles