How to Create Your Dream Kitchen Island

Do you see a new kitchen island in your future? We do, too! At Ceramic Tile Center, we love a good island, so we're here for you as you embark on your kitchen design journey in Santa Rosa. We've been the area's go-to source for expertise and design materials since 1976. There's a reason why customers continue to trust us with their projects. We truly love what we do and treasure the positive impact we have on our customers' everyday lives. We hope you'll trust us to help with your kitchen island design.



You probably have many ideas about what you envision your island to look like. Our design experts are available every step of the way to guide your brainstorming process and offer a fresh perspective if you need one. With so many components of a kitchen island to think about, some of the details might get lost in the flow. We've gathered all of those pieces into one place to help you tackle your design. Here are eight things to keep in mind as you're daydreaming.

1. Design Aesthetic

Does your kitchen already have a specific look or are you starting from scratch? Before you start dreaming up your ideal design, you should narrow down the design aesthetic you hope to achieve with your island addition. Popular design styles include modern, farmhouse, mid-century modern, industrial, boho, Scandinavian and shabby-chic. Once you have a goal in mind, you can move forward with brainstorming your ideas.

2. Color

Color is one of the most important factors affecting kitchen island design. It can make or break a kitchen design, so think hard and don't be afraid to think outside of the box. Current color trends include white, gray, greige, pale sage green and rich blues.

3. Seating

An island is as functional as you make it. It's important to know what your plans for using the island are before it is designed and installed because several design factors will affect its functionality. For example, if you would like to use the island for seating, the countertop should have a sufficient overhang to accommodate bar stools.

4. Hardware

Often an underappreciated, last-minute decision for some, hardware can make a significant impact on the overall look of your kitchen island. Keeping with your preferred design aesthetic, be mindful of drawer pulls and knobs, and browse options with the color of your lighting and faucet fixtures in mind. Don't let this important feature be an afterthought!

5. Countertop Material

The countertop is one of the most visible pieces of your island's construction, so choosing the right material to achieve your desired look is an essential piece of your Santa Rosa kitchen design puzzle. Some popular countertop material options include granite, marble, quartz, porcelain, soapstone, ceramic tile, laminate, butcher block and concrete.

6. Storage

A kitchen island without storage isn't much more than a table. Take advantage of the practicality offered by an island by incorporating ample storage in the design. Be creative when dreaming up storage possibilities and don't be afraid to push for as much storage as you can, utilizing cabinets, drawers and cubbies.

7. Cabinet Door Design

Cabinet door design is another feature to pair with your overall design aesthetic goals. For example, you wouldn't choose a cabinet with a more vintage feel for an ultra-modern kitchen design, just as you would not choose a sleek modern door for a farmhouse kitchen. Some main cabinet design categories include solid, shaker, traditional raised square, raised arch, cathedral raised arch, beadboard, mullion, open-frame with glass inset and louvered. If you need help deciding which cabinet type fits best with your kitchen's design, our experts can help. After all, we do this for a living!

8. Versatility

Try to dream up some uncommon features to add to your kitchen island to increase its versatility. For example, working a microwave or drink refrigerator into your island design can save space and put your island to good use. Incorporating unique accessories like coordinated metal storage hooks or a foot rail can add to the visual appeal and functionality of the island and, if you have pets, you may even consider adding a designated pet space for their food and water bowls, leashes and the like. It's even possible to have a water bowl filler plumbed into the island!

Are your design wheels spinning yet? At Ceramic Tile Center, we have all you need to make your kitchen island plans a success. From countertop materials to tile to cabinetry to expert advice and everything in between, we can help you pull off your next Santa Rosa kitchen design. Give us a call at (707) 578-1350 for more information or to get started. We can also be conveniently reached online when you fill out our contact form. We can't wait to help you create the kitchen island of your dreams!