A kitchen peninsula is similar to a kitchen island, so much so that the terms are often used interchangeably. However, there is one big difference between the two — a kitchen peninsula is connected to a wall on one end while a kitchen island is freestanding.

Kitchen peninsulas have been growing increasingly popular in recent times, used in both larger and smaller kitchen layouts for their ability to function as storage solutions as well as an extra area for preparing food. In the list below, you can find the most amazing kitchen peninsula ideas to help you find inspiration for your next interior design project.

A Kitchen Peninsula That Mimics a Freestanding Island With Marble Countertops

This simple peninsula with a marble countertop is positioned in this layout in a way that allows for more room in the kitchen while hosting a small seating area.

The white backsplash of subway tiles combined with the pendant lights over the peninsula, the built-in wine rack in the corner, and framed print on the wall help to complete this contemporary kitchen style.

via Stadshem

A Sage Green Kitchen With a Small, Matching Peninsula Design

This sleek sage green kitchen makes meal prep a breeze by creating a work triangle without any obstructions. The stainless steel appliances and blend of black and tan accents contrasting with the white walls and countertop flow well.

Additionally, the design helps to mitigate potential traffic jams in this transitional kitchen while residents and guests pass through from one room to another.

via Funkiskök

An Off-White Kitchen Design With a Simple Peninsula Island

Kitchen layouts often need to be creative when working with limited square footage. This design showcases that by creating a peninsula kitchen with ample storage options and just enough counter space for cooking.

The off-white, creamy tone creates a monochromatic effect that results in an altogether airy feel. Overall, what this completely neutral kitchen lacks in space it makes up for in tranquility.

via Himlekök

A Thin Peninsula for Extra Counter Space and Storage Options

Not all peninsula designs have to be the size of a kitchen island. This narrow peninsula makes the perfect divider between the entryway and the kitchen.

The half wall here provides additional surface area for adding decor or hanging coats and hats while making a clear statement as to where each room begins and ends. The overall color palette used here also works very well to create an earthy feel in the space.

Styled by Living Deco, photographed by Jonas Berg for Stadshem

A Long, Granite Kitchen Peninsula Paired With Dark Brown Cabinets and Dining Area

This granite peninsula provides a source of visual interest to this kitchen. The dark brown wood of the cabinets and dining table offer a bold, but not overbearing, contrast for the lighter tones in the room.

Meanwhile, the subtle abstract artwork, black appliances and cookware, double sink design, and brass hardware serve as the perfect finishing touches to this contemporary peninsula kitchen.

Styled by Sundling Kickén, Photographed by Osman Tahir for Nordiska Kök

An L-Shaped Kitchen Layout Combined With a Peninsula to Create a U-Shaped Kitchen

This example merges two kitchen designs to create a new kitchen layout that’s as functional as it is attractive. The base l-shaped layout is enhanced by the addition of the peninsula (making it into a U-shaped kitchen layout), creating more storage space without obstructing the dining room area.

Open shelving, a small chandelier, and a variety of plants help this space to feel even more welcoming and cozy.

via Stadshem

A Small Kitchen Peninsula With Bar Stools for Additional Seating Options

This peninsula includes two low-back bar stools to ensure enough space for guests and residents alike to mingle while cooking or enjoying a casual meal. Edison bulb lights and sleek black appliances combine to create a style that strikes a perfect balance between old and new features.

The built-in cooktop and smooth-fronted cabinets are very understated, blending in with their surrounding to allow other elements to shine.

via Sjöman Frisk

An Underlit Kitchen Peninsula Made of Marble for an Eye-catching Style

This peninsula and matching marble backsplash, as well as other elements in the room, are lightly lit by hidden LED light strips, adding visual interest to this open layout space.

As we’ve seen in a few kitchen designs so far, the peninsula features a built-in cooking surface, something often left out of island design due to the wiring involved. Integrated open shelves add depth to the space while providing quick and easy access to you’re most used items.

via Sjöman Frisk

A Natural Wood and White Cabinets With a Large Matching Peninsula Design

In this kitchen design, a touch of minimalism is mixed with ample space for storage and a peninsula made of the same materials. Light wood countertops tie into the upper cabinets and flooring, creating a simple yet cohesive style.

The large windows allow natural light to fill the room, drawing you into the space. Unlike some of the other peninsula ideas we’ve seen, this example includes a built-in sink with a cooktop along the opposite counter.

via Reform CPH

A Bold, Dramatic Color Scheme With a Square Kitchen Peninsula

For a more intense, one-of-a-kind space, experiment with a dark color palette with a blend of materials. This room places a square-shaped peninsula front and center, boasting a matte black countertop space and cooktop.

Brass-toned hardware echoes the bronzy shades in the wooden upper cabinets, pairing far better than silver hardware likely would. Additionally, the pattern on the cabinets is eye-catching, serving as an instant conversation starter.

Styled by Bon Interior, photographed by Fredrik J Karlsson for Bjurfors

A Muted Color Palette and Open Shelving With a Peninsula for Added Storage Space

These muted earth tones create a warm, inviting space similar to some of the previous kitchen peninsula ideas that we’ve explored so far. However, this kitchen provides a much more “lived-in” appearance that is likely to be more relatable to your current design.

The mix of open shelves, a peg rail, a wine glass rack, and a spice shelf ensures that there’s a place for everything.

Styled by Åsa Copparstad, photographed by Frederic Boucari, for Historiska Hem

A Bold Grass Green, Cream, Tan, and Black Scheme With a Peninsula and Attached Table for Casual Dining

For a peninsula that makes an impact, this bold green kitchen is the way to go. The color scheme of this kitchen is packed with both complementary and contrasting tones, making a unique space that draws the eye. The peninsula here has an attached dining table perfect for quick meals or smaller kitchens.

via Plum Living

A Sleek White Peninsula Design With Round Pendant Lights for a Fresh Look

This bright white kitchen is modern and chic without going overboard. The round lights over the peninsula provide ample lighting while the minimal decor highlights the clean appearance of the space. The lack of wall cabinets here isn’t missed, with the peninsula itself providing adequate storage.

via Reform CPH

White Cabinets and Light Wood Accents for a Faintly Coastal Feel

As one of our more unique kitchen peninsula ideas, this kitchen with its wicker stool seats, reed-covered peninsula sides, plant life, and white backsplash ensures that a tropical island vibe is never far away.

The gold-toned sink pairs well with the light browns in the space while the white countertops enhance the beautiful simplicity.

via Plum Living

A Minimalist Kitchen Design With a Peninsula to Create a U-Shape

This minimalist design mimics that of a standard U-shaped style. The flat grey paint and raw-edged countertops lend themselves to a slightly industrial feel, with a small sink ideal for this size kitchen.

Ample bottom cabinet storage ensures that everything is where it needs to be to maintain the spartan appearance of the room.

via Reform CPH

A Grey Stone Kitchen Peninsula With Dark Wood Cabinets

As one of the larger kitchens on this list, this example demonstrates the dramatic way in which a peninsula can help make a clear line between the kitchen and other rooms in an open-plan space.

The striking grey stone ties into other grey elements in the home while also pairing well with the dark brown cabinets and medium brown flooring.

via Erik Olsson

A Unique Kitchen Peninsula With a Seating Nook in a Small Kitchen

When living in a studio apartment, dividing the kitchen from the living space and other rooms is a must, but an island isn’t always an option. This example uses a peninsula to act as both a divider and a seating area, providing counter space while maximizing the available square footage.

via Alvhem

Bold Black Lower Cabinets and Unfinished Wood Wall Cabinets With a Peninsula for Extra Countertop Space

Similar to previous kitchen peninsula ideas, this example uses a peninsula to create a faux U-shaped kitchen. This bold black, brown, and blue design blends current trends to create its own one-of-a-kind look.

Small appliances help to save space in this galley-like kitchen, allowing for large meals to be prepared with minimal disruption.

via Entrance Makleri

Gray Cabinets in a Short U-Shaped Layout to Create a Peninsula

This small kitchen is set back into a sort of nook, using recessed ceiling lights in addition to the pendant lighting over the peninsula. This is another example where the typical kitchen island would be out of place, but a peninsula serves all of the same purposes without taking away from the space as a whole.

via Bosthlm

An All White Kitchen With Black Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, and a Narrow Peninsula

For the last of our kitchen peninsula ideas, we have a predominantly black and white space with stainless steel appliances and touches of brown and gold. Subtle touches of navy blue would not be out of place here, allowing for more decor options should your preferences change.

The stark white peninsula is the perfect divider in this situation, letting the natural path of travel remain while also marking the transition to a new room.

via Entrance Makleri

Kitchen islands are a great way to ensure sufficient space for meal prep and additional storage space in any kitchen layout. They can serve as a breakfast bar, a source of visual interest, a makeshift eating area, and an easy-access storage location among other things.

These are some of the many reasons why they are such a popular feature to include in a kitchen remodel. In the list below, you can find the best kitchen island ideas to give you inspiration for your next kitchen island design.

A Neutral Color Scheme Featuring Granite Countertops and a Matching Kitchen Island

This simple kitchen layout allows the island to double as a console table and prep space without obstruction. The kitchen island features granite on all three sides that matches that of the countertop and pairs well with the neutral, off-white scheme found throughout the room.

Additionally, the counter stools provide an alternative dining area for quick, casual meals or holding conversations while cooking. The unique chandelier adds a slightly modern touch to the room as a whole.

photographed by Henrik Linden, sold at Alvhem

A Greige L-Shaped Design With a Standard-Sized Kitchen Island

This timeless kitchen island design uses an average-sized island to create a visual barrier between the kitchen area and dining table while maintaining an open-plan aesthetic.

The kitchen island here is essentially an extension of the kitchen cabinets, using the same shade of paint and countertop material for a well-blended appearance. The large counter space and its positioning allows for prepping food while remaining a part of the conversation happening at the table.

Styled by Yngfalk interior, photographed by Mia Borgelin for Historiska Hem

A Quaint Cottage-Style Design With an Elevated, Mobile Kitchen Island

This example uses a kitchen island stand in place of a typical island, allowing you to reposition the surface as needed for endless layout options. The kitchen island features the same pattern and material as the cabinets but with a slight variation in panel size to create a simple focal point.

Furthermore, the matching flooring and peg rail along the wall helps to tie the space together even more, completing the cottage-style aesthetic.

via DeVol Kitchens

A Farmhouse Kitchen Design Style With a Wood Island

This kitchen island with open shelving pairs perfectly with the tones of the exposed beams, countertops, flooring, and decor, tying the kitchen layout together in a natural way.

The farmhouse design of the room further enhances the appearance of the kitchen island, allowing it to easily become the centerpiece while displaying a variety of dishes and cooking tools. With a simple brass rod used for dish towels or large utensil storage, this kitchen island exemplifies functionality.

via Nordiska Kök

Dark Greige Cabinetry With a Large Kitchen Island and Matching Marble Countertops

Among the most elegant of the kitchen island ideas on this list, this example provides a large prep space in addition to a built-in sink, counter stools, and glass-front shelving.

The black and white marble countertop and matching backsplash both contrast and blend well with the greige cabinets, creating a cohesive look that carries throughout the kitchen layout. The disguised range hood, gold-toned hardware, and delicate pendant lights further elevate the design.

via DeVol Kitchens

An Airy Off-White Kitchen With Sandstone Countertops and a Matching Island

This all-white kitchen features touches of sandy tones and subtle appliances to create the illusion of more room with the help of ample storage. A mix of shelving and deep drawers is a must-have, providing extra space for things you want to keep out of sight from guests, such as trash cans and various clutter.

By using the same countertop material on both the island, the cabinets, and the backsplash, a subtle path is created that draws you deeper into the room.

via Nordiska Kök

A Dark, Blue-Toned Palette With a Large Island in a Bold Color

Nothing makes a statement quite like a long, blue kitchen island. In this predominantly blue-grey kitchen, this dark blue island sets itself apart in the best possible way. The wall of windows spanning the countertop space along back of the room allows an abundance of natural light to pour in, making it easy to style dark, dramatic tones without fear.

Overall, the size and placement of this kitchen island is perfect for both food prep and serving dishes during family gatherings.

via Kitchen and Beyond

A Wood Island That’s a Combination of a Storage Space and a Seating Area

This sturdy oak island provides more storage as well as a place to rest and enjoy a brief meal. This unique kitchen island design features detailed legs, a recessed area to hang hand towels, and large drawers with an open area to store the stools when not in use.

The color of the wood contrasts beautifully with the lightness of the flooring and walls, while the use of the same countertop material and hardware helps to tie it back into the rest of the kitchen.

via Nordiska Kök

An Off-White and Light Tan Color Palette With a Large Kitchen Island

This more traditional kitchen island offers plenty of space for food prep, featuring a built-in sink and cooktop. The size and positioning of this island lend itself well to completing a standard work triangle while the use of two different countertop materials in this room provides subtle contrast.

Overall, the light, sandy tones of this color palette help to reflect and magnify the limited natural light, making the kitchen feel larger than it is.

via Cupboard and Goods

A Warm, Modern Kitchen With a Split-Level Island Countertop

This split-level kitchen island creates a more clear eating space with a lower surface, perfect for homes with children. Meals can be quickly served and cleaned up without ever leaving the kitchen. The warm wood in this particular kitchen provides those who enter a sense of welcome and coziness.

By utilizing different flooring patterns, you can also create a visual indication of the borders of a room, especially useful in open-plan spaces.

via Nordiska Kök

A Wide Natural Wood Kitchen Island in a More Traditional Kitchen Design

Prepping food is a breeze in this spacious kitchen. The wide kitchen island provides an abundance of surface area as well as storage. Kitchen island designs such as this make the most sense in rooms that have a bit of floor space to spare, as it also makes up for a lack of cabinetry along the walls.

The blend of modern design elements and more traditional ceiling detailing all work together to create a kitchen design that is timeless by nature.

Styled by Bon Interior, photographed by Maria Sahlander, for sale via Bjurfors

A Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Island With Matching Cabinets and Black Marble Countertops

This reclaimed, natural wood kitchen island design combines modernity with rustic touches for a warm, inviting kitchen. The eye-catching wood textures in the cabinetry and flooring provide enough detailing to create interest while the black marble on the countertops helps to transition the eye into the lightly detailed walls.

Track lighting around the ceiling ensures that light is always exactly where it’s needed, which makes sense with the dark tones of the materials used in the room.

via Nordiska Kök

A Semi-open Kitchen Island With a Stovetop and Seating

In this light sage green kitchen, the island is placed between the dining area and the main kitchen module. The side of the kitchen island opposite the sink includes the stovetop, allowing for a good working triangle with the sink and fridge.

The other sides of the island include bar stools and open storage for keeping wine and decor pieces for the dining table.

Styled by Clindholm Design, photographed by Jocke Ono for Historiska Hem

A Custom Island Made Entirely of Carrara Marble

A Carrara marble countertop is a popular choice for any room, but especially when designing a kitchen island. This large kitchen boasts a huge amount of room for meal prepping with light wood cabinetry and grey stone floors.

The kitchen island hosts a built-in sink, the second in the room, perfect for those who enjoy a two or more-person cooking style. A large picture window allows sunlight to pour in throughout the day, creating a relaxing environment.

via Nordiska Kök

A Multicolored Kitchen Island for an Exciting Pop in a Small Kitchen

This kitchen island is bursting with personality. With small appliances and a limited work area, this kitchen is the standard size in many apartments where full-scale remodels are far less common.

This budget-friendly style is a great way to make your kitchen your own, with bright color blocks all around the island and other cabinetry. This one kitchen island showcases a fun and carefree style that’s sure to be a conversation starter.

via Sjöman Frisk

A Small, White Island for Extra Counter Space in a Small Kitchen

This kitchen island is an important element of this kitchen. The style of kitchen here is very simple and compact, with the island countertop including a cooking surface and a single stool.

The off-white and beige tones with dark accents create a timeless style that will last a lifetime. Overall, this kitchen island furthers the concept that an island can be a simple, blended addition to the kitchen, not just a statement piece

via Stadshem

A Dark-Toned L-Shaped Design With a Matching Kitchen Island

This deep, muted green kitchen features a stunning marble backsplash and countertop with a matching island and stainless steel appliances. The result is a contemporary, earthy style that exemplifies simple elegance.

Though this design doesn’t include counter stools, there is a slight overhang on the kitchen island that would allow for them to be added when needed. Additionally, the placement of the island once again creates a more clear visual separation between the kitchen area and the rest of the open-plan room.

Styled by Åsa Copparstad, photographed by Frederic Boukari for Historiska Hem

A Terrazzo Backsplash and Matching Countertop With Island

For the last of the kitchen island designs on the list, we have a unique terrazzo countertop and backsplash. This pattern paired with the checkerboard wood flooring and creamy tan cabinetry results in an understated yet exciting style.

By having the kitchen island be covered in all of the same material, both the material and the island itself are highlighted. Overall, this style strikes a perfect balance between contemporary and traditional kitchen island ideas.

via Nordiska Kök

U-shaped kitchens are a popular design due to their ability to easily facilitate clutter-free countertops while providing a natural movement path between everything you need. A U-shaped layout can also give you extra floor space without sacrificing storage space and making food prep a breeze.

From galley kitchens to open plan kitchens and everything in between, u-shaped kitchens can come in a wide range of designs, sizes, and color palettes, giving you a wealth of options to explore. Below, you can find the most inspiring U-shaped kitchen ideas and design tips to help you find inspiration for your next remodel and kitchen layout planning.

A Crisp White U-Shaped Kitchen

A simple, timeless kitchen design, this u-shaped layout showcases a perfect balance between counter space and storage space. The white subway tiles serve as both a backsplash and a full wall protection from greases and other damaging substances while also serving as a source of visual interest.

The black and stainless steel appliances add just a touch of contrast, while the brass-toned hardware provides a sense of sophistication.

Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Fredrik J Karlsson for Alvhem

A Dark, Dramatic U-Shaped Kitchen

This dramatic black kitchen uses black cabinets and walls in combination with dark wood flooring and white countertops to create an intense, showstopping look. The integrated range hood with gentle lighting helps to add depth to the space, while the white ceiling works to reflect light back down into the room and prevent it from being too dark.

Since this kitchen space is fairly monochromatic, the addition of a geometric patterned rug introduces a fun visual element without straying far from the overall design.

Photographed by Erika Weiland/Apelöga, styled by Johanna Wikstrand Moresco for Kulladal

A Classic Olive Green U-Shaped Kitchen

Anyone searching for a comforting farmhouse aesthetic is sure to love this U-shaped kitchen layout. The olive green tone and timeless black and white flooring paired with the mahogany brown island unit result in a slightly rustic, old-world feel.

A large farmhouse sink perfectly complements this effect, providing more than enough space to handle a variety of pots, pans, and dishes. The window seating offers a welcoming air for both family and friends alike.

via Cupboard and Goods

A Narrow U-Shaped Kitchen in a Dark Color Palette

This compact U-shaped design uses only two walls for the main kitchen area with the third side lightly separated by an entryway. This third wall is comprised of an array of storage options and a hidden refrigerator to create an uninterrupted flow from the main counter space.

The dark palette used for the lower cabinets pairs well with the neutral wood tones of the floor and built-in wine rack. Meanwhile, the lighter tones found in the upper half of the space provide the needed brightness in the space.

via Himlekök

Maximize the Utility of a Space with a U-Shaped Design

Sloped ceilings and limited space can make designing a functional kitchen a challenge. However, many U-shaped kitchen ideas can help you overcome the hurdle presented by the layout of the house or apartment.

This kitchen leans into the unique layout by working with it instead of against it. Placing the sink in front of the window ensures adequate space for handling dishes while placing taller items, like the refrigerator and wall units at the other end, echoing the angle of the roof.

Styled by JosefssonLjung, photographed by Alen Cordic for Nya Kvadrat

Open Shelving in a U-Shaped Kitchen Layout

This u-shaped kitchen works to solve a common issue in smaller homes: ensuring there is enough room for food preparation and storage. The floor-to-ceiling cabinets on the left provide the needed space for a variety of items.

Plus, the open storage shelving on the back wall serves multiple purposes, such as a place for decorative items, a place to store commonly used items, and an illusion of extra space in a cramped area. Small appliances also help to increase the usable areas in this small space.

via Historiska Hem

A Bold Blue and White U-Shaped Kitchen

This u-shaped kitchen has a distinctly vintage vibe that won’t soon go out of style. The intricate tile work covering the range hood adds a bit of visual texture. Glass front cabinets provide a more modern touch while the vertical shiplap around the window balances everything out.

By extending the countertop past the cabinets, a bar seating area is created with unique bar stools that play into the vintage appeal of the room.

via Cupboard and Goods

Unique Storage Space to Create a U-Shape

Kitchen storage space is abundant in this design. This u-shaped kitchen blends a range of different shelving, cabinet, and drawer options to help reduce visual clutter without needing a larger space.

The black appliances, light fixtures, and backsplash work to maintain the muted tones in the room. For a unique talking point, the cabinet space along the far wall showcases a narrow strip of small shelves directly in the middle that is the perfect place to keep knickknacks, cutting boards, and baking sheets.

via Nordiska Kök

A Modern Grey U-Shaped Kitchen

This example melds together ideals from multiple kitchen layouts to create a modern, functional design. The main area follows an L-shaped kitchen design while a small, breakfast bar area sits just off to the right.

There is plenty of moving around space, a small section of open shelves, and a dining area within easy walking distance from the main food prep area. The parallel stainless steel features of the stove, gray backsplash area and refrigerator provide structure and balance that creates a relaxing environment.

Styled by Studio Rydman, photographed by Frederic Boukari for Historiska Hem

A Bold Black U-Shaped Kitchen with Abundant Natural Light

This more open-plan space takes advantage of the bright light streaming through the windows to use minimal light fixtures with dark paint.

The white tile accent wall also serves to reflect any light, acting as both a focal point and a source of brightness. The light wood flooring is another source of balance while the recessed breakfast bar provides a breakpoint within the abundant wall units.

via Ballingslōv

A U-Shaped Kitchen Made With Unfinished Wood

This small u-shaped kitchen features a wealth of natural materials for a style that is equal parts industrial and rustic. The pendant lights over the cooking and sink area help ensure that there’s the appropriate amount of light where you need it most.

A blend of materials and open shelving further enforce the overall kitchen design. This example also incorporates a short wall on the left with a glass partition to create a faux open-plan space, something not commonly seen in U-shaped kitchens.

via Historiska Hem

A Black, White, and Tan U-Shaped Kitchen

Other than most designs on the list of U-shaped kitchen ideas, this kitchen uses a peninsula unit as one of the three walls in the U-shape. Pendant lighting over this feature allows it to function as a kitchen island or dining area while separating the kitchen and living areas.

The black, white, and tan color palette creates an almost neutral space that blends well within any home where other kitchen designs may stand out more. The addition of soapstone countertops could add a subtle element of luxury as well.

via Alvhem

Blended Materials for a Variety of Textures in a U-Shape

This kitchen features a one-of-a-kind design. Natural, unfinished wood cabinets span the vertical space of just one wall while two-tone paint covers the rest. Meanwhile, bold black cabinets sport a brown granite countertop, and the U-shaped layout is momentarily interrupted by a small section of one wall.

This allows a section of cabinets to act as a sort of kitchen island typically reserved for large spaces. The opposite banks are somewhat close-set, however, this leads the eye directly to the cabinets, further cementing their place as the focal point of this u-shaped design.

via Entrance Makleri

Calming Grey and Bright White in a U-Shaped Layout

In a similar fashion to other U-shaped kitchens on this list, this kitchen features white tile stretching from the countertops to the ceiling. This creates a clean, airy feeling in the room that is accented beautifully by the touches of brown around the room.

Smooth, light gray cabinets with soft leather handles instead of hard metal add to the overall sense of calm. For those who want a more prominent break point between the wall and countertops, a light gray backsplash might do the trick.

Via Planete Deco

Eclectic Design Ideals for a Unique U-Shaped Kitchen

Like previous U-shaped kitchens on this list, this kitchen’s main area is an L-shaped design with an extra auxiliary countertop area off to the side.

This choice paired with the small fireplace and unique wall art come together to create one of the more fun, eclectic kitchen designs we’ve seen. The round dining table on the right is the perfect distance from the work triangle, making meals a breeze.

via Historiska Hem

Traditional Design in a Small U-Shaped Kitchen

Finally, we have a kitchen that is more traditional in terms of coloring and styling. Medium wood floors, matching countertops, and beige cabinets create a simple, easy-to-achieve style. The beautifully set dining table is also set at just the right distance and angle from the main kitchen area.

Styled by Grey Deco, photograph by Anders Bergstedt for Alvhem