Toughened (or tempered) glass provides an superb work surface, and the drawers, previously employed for storing gloves, scarves and hats, provide exceptional space to accommodate and display treasured crockery and table linens," states Walesch.

Roll Play For versatility in a small kitchen -- or some other multifunctional space -- consider an island on wheels instead of a built-in version. The creative minds in Kerr Construction worked movable versatility and sustainability into their design for a island in this warm, modern kitchen. "The island foundation is a midcentury workshop system, and the counter is locally resourced and created from reclaimed timber planks. We refinished the boards to match the medium-tone wood cabinets," they say.

Tool of the Trade "Our client had the great idea to utilize rolling tool cabinets in her kitchen," says architect Nick Pancheau. "We made a very simple kitchen island combining storage and chairs in one movable piece. We picked a lime-green complete to match the fritted glass lamp shades produced by the client; a subtle dark-green soapstone countertop rests atop the cabinets."

Industrial Inspiration Instead of springing for a island, consider a one made from recycled materials. Case in point: the Industrial Recycled High Bench Table wall mount tv service . shown in Shabby Chic White, $1,999, made by Will Marx to get GHIFY. Handmade in Brisbane, Australia, of indigenous Australian wood, the layout was inspired by the design of Queensland. Says GHIFY, "This island is one of our signature designs, that has been hugely popular as a kitchen island for added counter space, as a top bench dining table for the kitchen and as a workbench/desk. It's a classic industrial recycled styled table which may be custom-built to any size, finish or color. Each table comes with a 10-year warranty."

Store More To provide a London kitchen a striking focal point (not to mention acres of built-in storage), designer Egon Walesch had a haberdashery display cabinet from a branch store cut to size to make a unique kitchen island. "Toughened (or tempered) glass provides an superb work surface, and the drawers, previously employed for storing gloves, scarves and hats, provide exceptional space to accommodate and display treasured crockery and table linens," states Walesch.

Modern Rustic Thinking about how to maintain an all-white kitchen out of looking bland and boring? Simple coating in lots of feel that is natural. In this cottage-style space, for instance, Jeremy Power of Bella Custom Homes utilized the centre island to add warmth and interest. "We built the island with reclaimed barn wood and topped it with a honed Carrara marble countertop," he states. The "X" details on each end are a subtle nod to the home's country roots.

All the Angles You've heard the old chestnut, "when life provides you lemons, make lemonade." When working with a space which has awkward or unusual lines, designers often need to make the very best of this situation -- and truly talented pros flip the oddity into a design quality that looks absolutely intentional. When designing the kitchen for a house with corners dramatically out of square, Kerr Construction embraced that architectural quirk and emphasized it with the design of this kitchen island. "The unusual form of the island matches with the corners on this side of the home, and the recessed ceiling over the counter," they say.

Historic Character When upgrading a historical house in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles, Sabine Klingler Kane designed the kitchen around her customers' butcher-block island. "My customer had the island long before we started the redesign," she says. "It appears perfectly vintage, but it is actually a reproduction made from reclaimed wood. It is perfect for their young daughter as she doesn't need to be cautious with her crayons and spilling food. It's shelves for cook books, and wine storage beneath as well as drawers on either side. However, the best thing is: 2 compartments on top have been outfitted with electric outlets to plug in tablets, notebooks, phones and tiny appliances. It also has towel bars and a bottle opener attached to it -- it is not only great looking, but also totally practical and functional."

Exotic Accent To give a California ranch-style house a brand new, modern twist, designer Kristianne Watts utilized a mix of substances in the kitchen. "On the island we used recovered boat wood from Indonesia. Together with the paint still on every board, it attracts an authentic feel to the distance," she states. "The raised bar is Portland cement, which may be recycled and broken. The countertops are a quartz out of Silestone/Cosentino. The custom cabinetry on the perimeter is an environmentally friendly wood veneer, FSC-certified Shinnoki pre-finished wood panels at Midnight Ash."

Packed With Storage If you're planning a built-in island, then make the most of every inch, outfitting it with shelves, drawers, cabinets and even under-counter appliances. "We added a pull-out spice drawer with this particular island to store frequently used items within a readily accessible area," says designer Kristianne Watts. It features a dining pub and a wine fridge.

Sliding Scale At a streamlined kitchen, a narrow, sided cart may be a space-savvy alternative to a classic built in island. "This custom made walnut and stainless steel kitchen island was developed to conserve space and provide flexibility in the kitchen," say designers Roy and Jen Leone. "The countertop is character-grade walnut butcher block ordered on the internet, while the stainless steel base was fabricated by a local shop in Brooklyn. The island design permits stools to tuck under and out of the way when not in use or during a celebration. Also, the whole island can be wrapped and then locked into place with locking casters."

Strong Personality Giving a brand-new kitchen timeless character and rich personality is a struggle for the best architects and designers. 1 way to solve this issue is by repurposing a furniture piece for your workspace -- but it is not always easy to get the right fit, as architect Jeff Troyer found. He states: "We searched for weeks for the kitchen island, seeking something with warmth and personality that would also fit the space. My customers and I eventually discovered this antique school science lab table on the internet and had it shipped from Ohio. We had to obtain this sight unseen, but it ended up fitting perfectly and the wood is amazing."

Sustainable Style Waste not, want not: Instead of heading to the lumber yard, more and more furniture designers are looking to the past due to their materials. This Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Island, $475, from Herb's Furnishings is one great example. Handcrafted of 100% reclaimed wood from Baltimore, Md., the island's frame is crafted out of old beams, and its shelves are reclaimed pine paneling. The butcher's block top is made of reclaimed hardwood floors, which can be coated with beeswax and food-safe mineral oil. The island sits on leveling stalks to make sure a flat cutting surface, and it includes a steel bar with S hooks for hanging pots and other utensils.

Stone Age You don't have to await a custom-made island to enjoy the style and performance of a stone counter tops. The Bluestone Kitchen Island, $1,999, from Crate & Barrel is created with reclaimed pine from older doors and buildings and topped with a glistening slab of bluestone for a luxury look. Inside, two roomy drawers open with antiqued iron pulls, while ample open shelves and two iron towel bars give additional storage. The best slab of bluestone is wet sanded and waxed to a smooth finish that shows its natural character. 2 counter-height stools could be tucked inside for casual, in-kitchen dining.

Hip (Not) to be Square It may be by far the most common kitchen island shape, however, the rectangle is not your only alternative. Angled as well as curved designs can work better in your space, like this stunning oval designed by Anthony Baratta. The oblong island, which mirrors the form of the recessed ceiling, is a custom design built in English sycamore wood, with a Pyrolave countertop in a custom lime shade and reverse-painted glass door panels.

DIY Design Island building is basically simple; it's a job most experienced woodworkers could handle quite readily. Designer Brooke Norsworthy took on the project herself, building a oversize island with seating for four. She explains her process: "With Ana White's kitchen cupboard plans, I built these cupboards by hand utilizing PureBond plywood with poplar trim. The island includes four cabinets: 2 24" bases and two 21" foundations.

Mixed Materials "I made the framework for the counter using plywood and 2x4s and took it into my local metal shop to be wrapped in stainless steel," says designer Brooke Norsworthy.   "I screwed the legs directly into the countertop just before I glued the metal, making an extremely spacious 4' x 8' kitchen island."