Are you in your kitchen a lot? Do you find yourself often left frustrated because you have so much to do and so little workspace to do it in?
Oh, believe me, I get it! We recently downsized and though I love having less square footage to keep up with, it can often leave me frustrated when I’m trying to prep meals because I have so little counter space.
But I soon learned that when you lack in counter space, you can easily add an island. I’m hoping this will help you too!
So I’m bringing you some of the internet’s best plans and ideas for building your kitchen island. Here is what I’ve come up with:
Creative DIY Kitchen Islands
1. Pallet Kitchen Island #1
If you have never visited the site 101 Pallet Ideas, then you are really missing out. They build all kinds of gorgeous functional pieces from pallets.
Which is why I love this island because it is no different. You can have a gorgeous, sturdy kitchen island that will make your kitchen function better all thanks to these plans and a few pallets.
2. Pallet Kitchen Island with Pattern Top
Who says that building with pallets has to be boring? Well, if they said it, this set of plans would quickly prove them wrong.
Basically, this functional kitchen island is constructed from pallets. Yet, it also has a unique pattern top that makes it stand out.
3. Pallet Kitchen Island #2
This is a gorgeous piece of work. You could use it as an island or a table. I love the drawers that are included in it as well.
So if you are looking for a heavy duty island that has multiple purposes, then you should really consider checking this design out.
4. The DIY Kitchen Island
This kitchen island looks really great. The downside to it is that you’ll have to use it as an inspiration idea only.
Unfortunately, the site is no longer in existence. But if you have some carpentry skills, you could probably easily recreate it. I mean, who wouldn’t love to have an island that doubles as a pot holder?
5. The Modern Chic Kitchen Island
I’m slightly drooling over this kitchen island. It looks so modern, clean, and chic. It would definitely make any kitchen feel brighter and more organized.
So if you love it too, then you’ll be happy to know that the site provided some great detailed plans to help you along with this build. Your kitchen is only a few steps away from having extra space and little glam added to it too.
6. The $85 Kitchen Island
I love Pottery Barn. I think their ideas are amazing, but they are also accompanied by a hefty price tag. Raise your hand if you know what I’m talking about.
So if you love the looks but not the price, then you’ll love this tutorial. It was inspired by Pottery Barn, only they were able to build it at a fraction of the cost that you would pay to purchase it.
7. DIY Foldable Craft Table
This is actually a craft table that you can fold down the sides for decreased size when in storage. Yet, I thought, wouldn’t this make a great island.
Actually, you could use the sewing machine space to store a nice blender. Then you could put the arms up when you need extra space and put them down when you don’t. It would work well for a smaller kitchen.
8. The Open Shelf Kitchen Island
I am a huge fan of open shelving. Our old kitchen had nothing but open shelving, and if I’m honest, I miss that factor very much.
So when I saw this kitchen island and saw how open it was, I knew it had to be mentioned. Not only does this island have ample workspace but a great amount of storage space too.
9. Kitchen Island Cart
I love the idea of a kitchen island cart because you can pull it out when needed and store it away when you don’t.
So if you are looking for a great way to add some counter space and storage to your kitchen, then this cart just might be it.
10. Farmhouse Kitchen Island
Ana White comes out with some of the best plans in my opinion. She makes them detailed, easy to read, and usually gives great visuals too.
So why would this farmhouse island be any different? If you are looking for an island that is a little rustic, and can be used for counter space and sitting space, then you’ll want to check this out.
11. Rustic X Kitchen Island
This is another one of Ana White’s designs. Again, her plans are easy to read, very detailed, and filled with great visuals.
So if you would like to have a rustic kitchen island with some added drawer space, then you’ll want to give these plans a glance.
12. Kitchen Island with Pantry
Some people want a kitchen island for added counter space, but wouldn’t it be great to add more storage as well.
Well, with this island you can. In fact, it is organized to become like a second pantry for the items you might use most when utilizing your kitchen island.
13. A Butcher Block Counter Island
I’m a huge fan of butcher block countertops. We had them in our previous home, and I plan on putting them in our new house eventually because they are handy and easy to maintain in my experience.
So when I saw this kitchen island that is handmade and had the butcher block counters I knew that it must be shared simply because of how functional it is with added counter space and storage.
14. Drop Leaf Kitchen Island
This kitchen island is definitely meant for those with smaller kitchen spaces. Though it is smaller, it can add counter space and storage.
Actually, you can double your cutting or prep space by putting the leaf in place. When done, you just drop the sides back down. Plus, it has a nice storage space underneath.
15. The Double Shelf Kitchen Island
This kitchen island looks as though it would fit into practically any kitchen. It also appears to have plenty of space to make counter space become a non-issue.
Yet, it also brings added storage which most people need in their kitchen. If you find yourself needing just two more shelves and a little bit of extra counter space, then you might really like this idea.
16. Cabinet to Kitchen Island
If you are remodeling your kitchen, then you might have extra cabinets. If so, don’t toss them. Instead, turn them into a gorgeous kitchen island.
But even if you aren’t remodeling, you can usually find cabinets in second-hand condition. Then follow these plans and before you know it you’ll have storage space, counter space, hidden trash can space, and even a place to hold a towel or paper towels.
17. The $50 Kitchen Island
Are you on a tight budget but desperately need added counter space in your kitchen? Check out these plans for a really cute kitchen island.
But the best part is it not only gives you more prep space, a few extra shelves for storage, and an added touch of beauty to your home but it also only costs $50. That’s a bargain!
18. The Salvaged Wood Kitchen Island
This kitchen island is not only functional and gorgeous, but it was created from salvaged wood which means it should be budget friendly.
So if you find yourself needing a kitchen island but are working on a limited budget, then check these plans out.
19. Grandy Sliding Door Console
This is another great idea from Ana White. This island would not be very mobile from the looks of it, but it certainly would give you added prep space and storage space.
Plus, I really love the sliding doors on the island as well. It gives it a unique touch that would be eye catching to anyone who entered your kitchen.
20. DIY Kitchen Island with Pull Out Trash Can
I really like this kitchen island. It is great because it is DIY which usually means less money being spent to have that extra prep space and storage.
But it also seems highly functional since it has a place to hide your trash can and store dishes or towels as well.
21. Farmhouse Style Work Island
This island is another one that is absolutely gorgeous to look at. As you can see, it has plenty of workspace and definitely has that farmhouse charm as well.
But let’s not forget the immense amount of storage space available on the shelves beneath the counter.
22. The Shanty to Chic Kitchen Island
This island is very gorgeous, but according to the blog, it is also very easy to build. There are very few difficult cuts.
So if you need a kitchen island that is DIY, functional, gorgeous, and simple to build, then you’ll want to check these plans out.
23. Furniture Style Kitchen Island
Do you want a kitchen island that adds a little bit of ‘fancy’ to your kitchen? If so, then you’ll want to check out these plans.
Not only does this island include ample amount of work and storage space, but they also include nice little upgrades that take the island from simple to sophisticated.
24. Ana White’s Farmhouse Kitchen Island
This kitchen island is nothing short of gorgeous, but would you expect any less from Ana White? Seriously, she makes gorgeous furniture!
But not only is it gorgeous, the plans are simple to understand. So if you want a kitchen island that is durable, really nice to look at, and adds a bit of charm to your kitchen, then you’ll want to check this one out.
25. The Build Basic Kitchen Island
This kitchen island looks anything but basic. Yet, they include really detailed plans that will make this build much easier to accomplish.
Though, I will say, it is a little pricey. They claim that the cost is around $240, plus base cabinets and countertops.
Well, you now have over 20 different DIY kitchen islands to choose from. Hopefully, you’ll find one that will provide what you were looking for.
Now, I want to hear from you. What do you look for in a kitchen island? More counter space? Big and extravagant? Small and a space saver?
Let us know what you think in the comment box below.
