The heart of any kitchen is a great kitchen island. An essential part of the kitchen island is the lights that go above it. If revamping your island is on the to-do list, check out the tips below and some fabulous photos from our favorite designers.
1. Contrast with the rest of your kitchen
Design by Allison Knizek Design | Barrington Pendants
Decide if you want your island to blend in with the rest of your kitchen or stand out. Your island is the perfect opportunity to add contrast to your room. Create warmth in your space by adding a dark wood island and brass accents amongst a neutral palette like designer Allison Knizek did above.
2. ...or match it with your kitchen
Design by Chiott Custom Homes and KBN Interiors | Travis Pendants
Some people prefer a streamlined look, which we can’t argue with while looking at this jaw-dropping marble kitchen. This room takes backsplash to a new level; the whole wall is a beautiful piece of marble. Adding to the beauty is a waterfall kitchen island in a matching marble. When you have something this breathtaking, you don’t want to compete with it. KBN Interiors made the brilliant choice to use transparent Lucite stools and lighting fixtures. The stools and pendants enhance – rather than compete with – the stunning marble and contribute to a sense of design unity.
3. Choose Your Barstools Wisely
Design by Leslie Cotter Interiors | Built by Ramage Company | Blake Pendants
Barstools and kitchen islands go together like Kim and Kanye. The question is what do you want bar stools to add to your space? Contrast? A different style? Comfort? Back support?
The black bar stools and pendants pictured above stand out amongst an all-white kitchen. Sleek black or metal bar stools add a contemporary vibe to your space, while wooden stools enhance traditional or farmhouse-style kitchens.
Design by Laurie Gorelick Interiors | Michael J. Lee Photography | Altamont Pendant
The use of comfortable, cushy leather bar stools adds unexpected warmth to this otherwise sleek and sharp-edged kitchen designed by Laurie Gorelick. With their throwback-diner feels, they invite you to take a seat and keep the cook busy while finishing the meal up.
4. Statement Lighting
Design by ECS Homes | Coltrane Pendants
Many things about our Coltrane pendant make it a stand out piece; from the diamond shape and use of mixed materials to the 10’’ or 15’’ diameter. Using scale in your kitchen, keeping things simple throughout the rest of the room, and using larger fixtures, creates an instant statement. Not just a pretty face, our Coltrane pendant also features 4 or 8 bulbs that shine down, perfect for prepping food on your island or illuminating get-togethers.
Coltrane’s diamond shape complements the “X” motif throughout the room — the cabinets, island, and the bottom of the bar stools — making a significant impact on the design unity.
5. Splash of Color
Design by Angeline Guido Hall | Lambert Pendant
Design by Oviatt Design Group | Lambert Pendant
A colored island provides a welcomed surprise. The two designers above use playful tones to enhance an otherwise all-white farmhouse-style kitchen. The minty green of the expansive butcher’s block and the robin’s-egg blue of the island are ideal hues for a crisp, clean space. Our Lambert pendants’ Art Deco influence brings a certain glamour to each of these spaces, helping to take them from farmouse to farmhouse luxury. Whether hanging above a colorful island and or hanging near one, the bold pendants work with the stand-out colors to create an immediately eye-catching focal point that anchors the space.
Find more kitchen island inspiration on our Instagram!
