With our kitchen island upgrade ideas, you can transform your kitchen into a more functional, practical, and pretty space. The best thing – you don’t have to throw away your existing kitchen island, the extensions will provide more workspace without having to invest in the new and expensive island.
#1 Breakfast Bar Extension
Consider expanding the kitchen island for additional seating with a convenient breakfast bar on the longer side of your island. These bars are becoming more popular as a convenient spot for quick meals, with various design options. You can try a foldable bar or a fixed one, but ensure to use durable and easy-to-maintain materials.
What’s more, because the breakfast bar is lower than the kitchen insulin countertop, consider adding an extra light fixture to provide a cozy and casual dining atmosphere. Don’t forget to add extra stools for seating.
#2 Built-In Seating
One of the best kitchen island extensions for making the entire kitchen more functional and using every inch of the space to its full potential is installing built-in seating with your kitchen island. When installing built-in seating with your original island, ensure the seating is comfortable and easily accessible from all sides.
While it doesn’t actually change your kitchen island size or make the counter space larger, the built-in seating, such as a banquette or bench has many benefits:
- Space is used efficiently.
- The dining area is integrated into the kitchen for a more modern look and is perfect for small apartments
- Cozy atmosphere with an almost retro vibe
- Limitless design options and decorative additions with comfortable cushions and different material combinations
#3 Additional Counter Space
Do you find yourself always in need of an extra several inches of usable counter space during meal prep? Install additional board on the narrow side of your kitchen island, ensuring it is sturdy enough to hold your groceries during meal preparation.
Find matching materials for the extensions to make sure the aesthetic isn’t compromised. If you prefer bold design options, you can add contrasting colors or materials and prioritize functionality and durability.
In addition, there are several ways to make the additional counter space even more practical:
- Incorporate cutting board
- Install prep sink
- Consider installing a drawer beneath the board for extra storage
#4 Integrated Storage Solutions
If you don’t want to know how to extend kitchen island for seating, but for storage, the answer is integrated cabinets. You can choose between:
- Built-in cabinets on the sides of the island
- Open shelves
- Custom-made drawers
- Crockery shelves
- Cupboards on the sides with sliding doors
- Towel rail for hanging towels, pots and pans
- Wine and spice racks
With additional storage kitchen island extensions, you can keep all your kitchen essentials organized without clutter. These incorporated storage ideas also give you options to experiment with various decorative items and create a fully functional and beautiful area in your kitchen.
#5 Multi-Level Island
Innovative kitchen island extension ideas include multi-level kitchen islands, which allow for great freedom in design, and potential for maximizing storage space and separating different functions.
For example, when you include different add-ons to your kitchen island you can separate cooking, eating, and working areas.
That way, the entire kitchen island is more useful, easier to maintain, and looks gorgeous in every kitchen.
If you want to improve visual interest, combine different materials and colors to highlight each function of the countertop. For example, use quartz or similar stone for the cooking area, try wood for the workspace and you can add a glass surface for the eating space.
#6 Extended Dining Table
Table extension for kitchen island is a practical way to host more people for dinner without having to spend money on a new dining table. The easiest way to transform your kitchen for a growing family is to attach an extended table to your kitchen island.
It is an excellent idea for large families and gatherings and establishes a seamless dining experience.
Here are a few design tips to keep in mind to maximize the benefits of kitchen island extension:
- The extension should match the table height precisely
- Pick sturdy materials to avoid accidents
- Consider extendable features for extra flexibility
- Ensure stability
#7 Portable Island Extensions
You may not always need to extend the kitchen space, but for special occasions such as family gatherings, celebrations, and holidays, an extra inch of the space is always welcome.
The good idea is to have a custom-made portable, foldable, or movable island extension you can use as needed. For example, if you need extra counter space, bring the movable extension when you need to prepare a large turkey for Thanksgiving, or if you are having a bunch of friends for dinner, attach the table extension.
Benefits of this extension include flexibility and versatility to address your needs.
If you opt for movable attachment, pick lightweight and sturdy materials with wheels for simple transport.
Lastly, don’t forget the aesthetic and pick the attachment that complements your existing kitchen island.
#8 Incorporating Appliances
In some cases, a kitchen is too small for extensions, so attachments of different-level cabinets to add on your kitchen islands. If that is the case with you, the alternative is to transform your kitchen island to include built-in appliances, such as a cooktop, oven, wine cooler, sink, etc.
That way, you release other space in the kitchen and use the kitchen island to its full potential.
The entire kitchen will become more functional, but this approach requires professional work for ventilation and electrical wiring.
To make the cooking area even more efficient, pick energy-efficient appliances.
#9 Decorative Elements
Some people don’t have an issue with the functionality of their kitchen island, but they may be bored with the same look and effect it has in the kitchen. If that sounds like you, start exploring different decorative elements to bring visual interest to your kitchen island.
The most beautiful decorative options for your kitchen island include:
- Waterfall edges
- Playing with contrasting materials for sides and countertop
- Adding various lighting fixtures to create a unique atmosphere in the kitchen
- Redoing the finish and adding side decorative and storage solutions
- Adding attachments for a stylish look and improved functionality
#10 Outdoor Kitchen Island Extensions
Outdoor cooking areas are often places for fun family memories and delicious meals. For a growing family and upcoming big events and family celebrations, consider extending your outdoor kitchen island to create an al fresco cooking and dining experience.
Outside, you aren’t that limited with the space like indoors, but you have to pay attention to the materials you use. Focus on water-resistant materials and outdoor appliances that will withstand different weather conditions.
You can also keep an extension outside, and bring your indoor kitchen inside as needed to maximize the use and make it practical and efficient.
Moreover, when you navigate between outdoor and indoor kitchen island and extensions, you’ll ensure a seamless transition for different occasions and events.
Conclusion
Learning how to make your kitchen island bigger gives you plenty of options to improve your kitchen area in every aspect – functionality, storage solutions, and aesthetics. You don’t have to invest in cutting-edge kitchen islands to achieve that effect, a few practical and smart additions, such as removable attachment, built-in seating, or side open shelves will do the trick.
If you prefer more dramatic change, include different level additions to maximize the usability of your island or add contrasting side extensions for an extra cooking space.
FAQ
Is it expensive to extend an existing kitchen island?
The total cost of kitchen island extensions depends on the size, material, and design complexity. Smaller and simpler kitchen island extensions may cost you a couple of hundred dollars if you are ready to install them yourself. Complex extensions made from premium materials, and installed by professionals can cost up to several thousand of dollars.
Is building kitchen island extensions an easy DIY project?
You can extend the kitchen island if you have the tools, skills, and knowledge to do it properly, and if your extension doesn’t include electrical or plumbing work. For such kitchen island upgrade ideas, you should better call professionals.
How practical is a multi-level kitchen island and what are its advantages?
A multi-level kitchen island consists of several smaller islands of different heights which make one compact structure. Each little island is designed to be used for different functions – eating, cooking, working, and decoration. The multi-level kitchen island is excellent for improving functionality and looks great in all kitchens, maximizing the usability of the kitchen elements in an unconventional way.
