35 Tips, Ideas & Inspirations for Kitchen Islands!

Thinking about renovating your kitchen? How about installing that island you've always wanted? If you answered YES, press play for 35 tips and all the makeover advice and guidance you need from dozens of kitchens that we've designed at Sarah Richardson Design over the years, so you can plan the kitchen island of your dreams! From multi-level to single surfaced, compact to oversized, colourful to contrasting, mixed materials to minimal and everything in between - no two kitchen islands are ever the same. This video will show you how to maximize the potential of your island design to make it work for the way you live, cook and entertain!
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About Sarah Richardson's Design Life
You love interior design, right? Me too!! I’m always renovating, building and designing lots of projects all at once, and now I’m sharing them with you in my Design Life video series exclusively on KZbin. It’s REAL LIFE, REAL DESIGN - a fresh, as-it-happens series that you can watch ANY TIME, from ANYWHERE in the world. So be a part of the action as it all unfolds and like, comment and come back for more awesome new design videos. SUBSCRIBE to my KZbin channel so you don't miss a thing!
About Sarah Richardson
An award-winning designer and television personality, Sarah Richardson is the host and co-producer of nine HGTV lifestyle series seen in over 100 countries. Sarah’s practical and inspiring approach to design teaches viewers how to turn ordinary spaces into magazine-worthy rooms! Pick up for her bestselling books: Sarah Style, At Home Sarah Style, and the Collected series, volumes 1-3.

[@gregorycooper7464]

Did anyone else notice the gold cuff Sarah is wearing ? I think it is clear now, that Sarah IS, in fact, WONDER WOMAN ! ........but we all already knew that !

[@jaimesolano1673]

A,a,za,az XQ a

[@ytubechannel997]

That white oak island with white countertops is stunning. Truly one of your best.

[@AlexWilliams-qf3rp]

When I buy my house if I can't have Sarah at least I'll have her genius to work with. Seriously Sarah..what can't you do. Not to overstate it but, you are truly exceptional and innovative.

[@khurddesign]

If you had a design school, I would totally enroll. 🙏🏼 Content request/ideas: 1. could you please talk about hardware? Scale, projection, style, mix ‘n matching. 2. Lighting - again, scale, placement, and your favorite topic - practicality 🙂

[@reneevasconcellos5335]

I just love how brushed gold and that blue looks together.

[@francineh.7825]

I really appreciate that you explain the reasons as to why you made the choices you did! I always learn so much watching your videos.

[@andreahernandeztrigueros7112]

00000000000000⁰00000000

[@pm6613]

After a visit to Paris a couple of decades ago, I was inspired to turn the last leg of my u-shaped kitchen, the peninsula, into a circular dining surface / work surface. I simply slapped a huge round table-top on to it. it is likely the best 'idea' inside my home. It saves space, makes the area intimate, no need for a proper dining room, doubles as a work area. Nice round pot rack shimmering above. I personally detest appliances / sinks in a kitchen island.

[@TheMichelerocks1]

I've been watching you for years, and you never cease to amaze me! I love everything you do and the reasoning behind it. You make so much sense and explain the "why's" so very well. Thank you!

[@maureenedwards2388]

I so agree about the kitchen being in a color(s) that you can live with. I did a partial reno to my townhouse. I kept the white cabinets, white tile - grey grout floor and installed granite countertops (black with grey, a bit of white bits - looks charcoal from a distance) and small rectangular shades of grey and white tiles for the backsplash. I realized that if it was material, I would wear it as clothing. Over 10 years old and it still makes me smile.

[@debbietyler9288]

I never miss an episode. I've been a USA fan for years and I've always wished you lived here! Love the KZbin content. Carry on.... You're the best there is in my book. Debbie Tyler

[@vivienmcnaul109]

Amen. Also living in America. Always loved Sarah from her early days.

[@ReidandShane]

I remember the kitchen remodel of your city house way back on Sarah Richardson Room Service!❤️

[@indigoranch]

Yesssss!!!

[@DCT14]

I love this series! It’s like a best of; which for Sarah is every one of her designs. So I enjoy how she is categorizing these videos. Brilliant!

[@jonisutherlin5895]

Yay! New Sarah!

[@juliettetuttobene9260]

I will say this Sarah, you are definitely the best at articulating complex ideas, while still communicating in a very practical way! You are speaking to those of us who love to use our spaces. This is one of my favorites!!

[@mavrick6499]

Well put.

[@taffythegreat1986]

If you designed these kitchens, I’m really impressed. It’s given me loads of ideas. You’re not just a pretty face 😂👍👍👍👍

[@terence4427]

Um, you're the best kitchen designer on KZbin, hands down.

[@marialangley3850]

OMG. what perfect timing. We are rebuilding our home and just finishing up the design work. Working the kitchen design into the layout and thinking about all the things I need to store and use in the kitchen, I found really difficult. This video could not have come at at better time. Thoughts of great ideas and tips and tricks to think about. I live in a rural area that does not have any nearby designers to work with, so am figuring this out on my own and as Sarah has mentioned many times... you need to really think about what you want, where you want it and how to put it all together. Thanks for the inspiration... love all your designs and videos. if I were to hire a designer, it would be you!

[@cheekylibraryon4405]

Sarah, oh my gosh! This was pure gold- so much amazing information packed into one video: The Encyclopedic Sarah.

[@marestar64]

I appreciate that you go into depth with all of the choices as well as the reasonings of your designs. Makes me aware of the things that I would not have thought about.

[@mistertee5000]

I really needed this long video of Sarah just doing her thing. Love it!

[@tristanbohlmann]

I LOVE a good kitchen! I love designing them and I love cooking in them. It's truly the hub of the home! I recently purchased a new condo unit and got to choose my cabinets/colors/counters/etc. and I actually based my kitchen off of the one in the Retro Ranch Rental, because it's SO beautiful! I can't wait to move in and enjoy it!

[@ValeriyaVable]

Восхитительные Дизайны!

[@sakurapink5628]

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 Message from another Sarah from Canada.I want to tell you that I like💖 your idea that before 2020, you had a 12-seater table and a ''belvédere'' with lots of windows.New, but careful ideas.Bravo!

[@lynbuerkett8537]

I’m loving this new content and the frequency of uploads! Yeah!

[@sdggds7288]

I’m thinking of redoing my island, so this was great to see all the different configurations and storage ideas.

[@timcarrington5977]

Thanks for all the inspiration! Looking forward to the Alpine reveal 😍

[@DarrinsDaffs]

Perfect timing!! I just poured a glass of wine!!

[@snoopybluejeans]

Me too just 7 hours later-lol

[@katherinecornette5315]

I love that your designs are beautiful and practical. I was never crazy about having a sink in the island but your kitchen is stunning!

[@alisoneichler4257]

We painted the kitchen cabinets in our first house 30 years ago ... and I can still see them through the window when we drive by. The kitchen is black/white and Chinese red. Super high gloss red on the cabinets, b/w floor and b/w Formica countertops. Two level island - cooktop (remember downdraft grills?) and seating. Loved it!

[@fitunreditgiorgis4184]

I have watched hundred videos none of them are comparable with your beautiful presentation. Thank you so much for dedicated efforts

[@traceyc130]

I literally was thinking I wish Sarah would drop a new video... Yay.

[@martaburnette5862]

Same here

[@annemarievanstone1734]

So so much fabulous info and styles to make the kitchen of my dreams a reality one day. Many thanks Sarah for putting it all together in one place.

[@settakeshishian8561]

Sarah, I’m so pleased to subscribe to your channel. You always remind me how you started first on TV . If I’m not mistaken, it was called “Room Service”. Since then, I knew you were going to make it big! Congratulations for making it thus far and I may say as Canadian designer, you are at the top! If I could afford, I will redesign my entire house with my eyes closed. You are born to be the designer that you are. God bless you and your lovely family!!!

[@brendasanchez-ic2ld]

Sarah, this episode gave me great tips- ideas for my kitchen island. I'm searching for a paint color for my kitchen island. My kitchen cabinets are white and I just painted the walls white (previously yellow). I'm also searching for bar stools which I was recently educated (from your Kitchen Island episode) regarding bar stools-counter versus bar height. I made the mistake of purchasing from a store that was going out of business, bar height bar stools, whereas, I should have purchased counter height (lesson learned). I enjoy all of your design episodes. You are my favorite designer and when I win the Lotto, I'm going to request you design (one could only dream) my home. Thank you for sharing

[@barbarasidel9012]

Sara, I just found you on KZbin!! I’m so excited. This kitchen show is wonderful. Thank you.

[@gladyslivingstone421]

Love your tips. Surely they come in hand when thinking about what you want and need for your space. Thank you.

[@theresacampo3493]

Another fabulous video! I love your design style...always elegant and will stand the test of time.

[@ewabluenineczka3927]

Dear Sarah, thank you for so many ispiration, to say more - just in time for me!

[@graceclermont2592]

Fabulous I am so glad I use same of you ideas for my kitchen is known 9 years and still love it is all with. 💞💞💞💞

[@yvonnecusmano7971]

Enjoyed revisiting some of your masterpieces! I LOVE the brushed gold/brass detail at Starlight Farm. Design envy😍

[@tinalynch3260]

Another fantastic video! You gave me so much to think about.. I love your videos.. I learn so much 😊

[@nicoleleaper7553]

Great ideas. I would love to see an episode on small kitchens.

[@jeanniealford4234]

I love your work. GENIUS Sarah!

[@flowiet360]

thanks for the lesson on Kitchen island! I have a 2 level island with a table height level adjacent to the counter height sink island. the table height level functions as our eat in area. I do wish I had this lesson before I designed my island. But it's never too late! Thank you Sarah.

[@jeanninef2110]

Thanks Sarah!! This is a great video! Gave me stuff to think about. We did our kitchen almost 10 years ago now...and I still love it...AND I see that I can change some things: like a small cook book shelf unit under the overhang of our small island. Now we have 2 benches which we rarely use! Hmmmmmmm....Also one of the kitchens looks like the one my daughter designed for her home recently...but with an amazing twist that I will show her. (The black and white near the end of the video with a coffee space to the left of the fridge!) She has full pantry cupboards....but this could be a good upgrade eventually! Thanks again. I love your videos! Looking forward to seeing that other kitchen and rest of the house!!!

[@AmailRaif]

Всегда воохищаюсь вашим дизайном! В них много свежести и воздуха!

[@janettekenos3674]

Sarah, your ideas are so beautifully practical and so similar to mine, it would definitely be a dream come true to have you design my kitchen one day !💕

[@norbey372]

Although I'm not into blue but I loved the blue kitchen and the island. The golden brassed chaires ans handles were my favorite along with the greyish backslash and the island countertop edges..

[@CCCreations48]

Thank you for showing so many options, lived them all 💜

[@marlanebraun5635]

i have rented for more years than i want to think about! my kitchens have always had the colors yellow, red, black and white. they are there in one way or another. once i had a very small kitchen and put a narrow plank of ply wood on the wall for storage. you could see it from the liv. room/bedroom. it looked quite nice stained dark against "builder beige". my favorite would be your mustard kitchen. love these shows!!!!!

[@l.faraday8767]

I love all your designs. They are timeless.

[@stephanietyson41]

Love the way you show different way to do your kitchens with a island...I have a small kitchen as soon as you open my front door there's my kitchen..I want a island ..I might can get a 3 sheat or two but you show me a way that it might work ...thank you

[@irmayorke9075]

Love all your designs, great inspiration 👏

[@elizabethkelly6188]

Love your videos! Can’t wait to see one on countertops and back splashes!

[@dianejohnson7235]

Beautiful kitchens! Thank you so much for all those great features!

[@ginacota9724]

So inspirational! Love all of those kitchens! 🤍Starlight Farm 🤍 is my favorite 🤍

[@lorraineophoff4984]

So many good ideas!

[@mistimuscat8223]

Fantastic content. Great use of Ikea cabinets.

[@berniedennehy8157]

So insightful as always. I just love all your tips and tricks- thank you🇮🇪

[@diesellove]

i haven't see her in year ..love her designs

[@nadiajan7535]

Love you Sarah always so much informative thank you 😊😘

[@suzanneliazuk3891]

Sarah has inspired me again! So beautiful, can’t wait to see Alpine farm house.

[@EvyJo2624]

Love the unique incorporation of corbels and variety of kitchen islands. First visit to this web but not my last. I need to redo an apartment galley kitchen. Hope Sarah something on that subject.

[@dyanalayng5507]

Still love the srainless steel IKEA island that tied my 9' x 11' basement kitchen all together some years ago. My right handed kitchen! 💖💕 Now looking for an island for outside my 5' x 7' apartment kitchen. More IKEA to the rescue.

[@jeannebrinkman8889]

Great timing ❤️ Renovation of Kitchen/ Dining Room…it too will be met with both Fireplace family room and a sitting room. Glad to hear you say “ Take down that wall !!! Do you know of a great designer for Kitchens? Michigan isn’t …. that far☺️☺️☺️ Again great help today ❤️❤️❤️

[@baileymoose9068]

Love the mug! And some really terrific ideas. I have dark lowers and light uppers. ❤️

[@missi9802]

So ahead of the curve! Talented!!!

[@mikeyedmund]

Thanks for all the information.

[@jenniferbai6043]

Thank you for the tips! I am struggling with refitting an island in an existing kitchen to create a better flow.

[@solecurious1448]

Wow talk about transformation. Almost didn’t recognise Sarah. She was dorky and unpolished when she started. Now a sophisticated, well put together woman 👩 befitting her profession. She really leveled up. Good and clever kitchen ideas and even greater explanation how to make everything work.

[@shlaz2740]

Those hexagon shaped stools in the modern kitchen are fab.

[@gwenwade6059]

The best video I have ever watched. Thank you.

[@GetrealwithSteve7]

Beautiful as always. I love you and your talent.

[@loveyrosado5686]

I liked the blue so much better! Looked cozy . white is kind of blah!

[@denysebean6298]

Love all of your designs and your good sense of humor! I have been watching the old Design, Inc., Sarah 101, and Room Service shows on Dabl and just discovered your KZbin channel a couple of months ago! I think I have watched almost all the episodes! I can't wait to see the rest of the Alpine Farmhouse! Any idea when that may be? I would also love to see the "pandemic" redecorating of your city house with the new lounge:)

[@ziolapolo266]

Beautiful

[@guychou3082]

Très beau travail superbe design

[@alisedelacey7138]

All great ideas and beautiful👏🏻😊

[@michelleliquoriross3790]

Fabulous video! Thank you.

[@anajackson5390]

Sarah I love your country house is so beautiful I wish one day you could do my house.

[@juliemartell1071]

This was so informative. I have a small long house and it goes from the kitchen/dining/living room to sliding glass door to deck. Trying to figure out how to do a peninsula with dining attached on side since small area.

[@nesifisher9916]

WOW !!!!! Great , Awesome Information !!!!!! LOVE IT !!!

[@generationsmadeinamerica]

WOW!!! Great information...and plenty of it!!!!

[@kbechtel33]

Great information 👍

[@katherineblue4931]

Amazing content and to drool over kitchens. (Eww maybe a poor choice of words 😆). One thing I have found with LARGE surface areas - it is very challenging to reach far enough to wipe it down.

[@Calgary27]

Ah-mazing

[@polishchick42]

Great information, looking to see if an island will work in our kitchen

[@cartinemwanafunzi2584]

This is a very helpful video thank you so much ❤

[@FGIII83]

Another great episode! Regards and admiration from Chile

[@michelegrigsby]

I see the city house has changed a lot. It would be great to see how it looks now. 😃

[@lisatague305]

Very helpful Sarah❤️

[@PAOLINAG]

I agree floating overhang counter edges don't look good!💕

[@kariejennings4497]

I want to get a big, beautiful antique sideboard and put stone on the top to use as island. Not forgetting to dress the back of the sideboard.

[@pf5658]

You mom look like your twin. 😂 They’re all beautiful. I’m currently in the demo and planning stages of renovating my kitchen, hence the reason I’m here. Looking for ideas. Thanks!

[@tulikachari9947]

How about ideas for narrow kitchens like the one I have 7.4 ft x 16 ft. Window on narrow wall. The opposite narrow wall opening into the dining area. Thx.

[@rebecasantas3444]

Love your style and videos Sarah! Could you give me some tips on how to choose island or peninsula chairs/stools? Thank you!

[@merrywalsh2809]

Sarah, when you talk about repainting cabinets, how do YOU do that? Roller, spray like automotive paint technique, or ?

[@user-tt7iv8bh1q]

Hi, Sara! Me and my mom absolutely love your designs! With love from Russia

[@caroline-brisbane8577]

Awesome 💕

[@janweyant8902]

Where can we see the episode showing the design and details behind the farmhouse kitchen by combining the white and barnboard accents--rustic but still clean, modern, and chic? I LOVE that kitchen. Even though the island is on the smaller side, using the short end for the white rustic stool seating is a great idea to still provide some options for eating while keeping the functionality of the island! I also love the idea of using an island for multipurpose functionality (dining, serving, and making but also to provide a visual block from the sink and dirty dishes); such a great design idea!