8 exotic islands to set you dreaming

1. Kitchen to lounge

Michael Habachy Designs

The raised section of this island can be used by guests as a bar, plus it provides additional storage for the open living area to the right.

Island cabinetry – rift oak

Benchtop – leathered natural quartzite slabs, sealed with Dry Treat for extra protection

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2. Croissants and combers

Damian Hannah, German Kitchens

This timber benchtop overhangs on two sides to provide a generous breakfast bar setting – all within view of the rolling waves.

Benchtops – Neolith Calatorao Silk, by Bramco; USA Oak, by The Woodsmiths

Cabinetry – Alno German Kitchens with PureMatte laminate

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3. Keeping things light

CplusC Architectural Workshop

Islands don't have to be weighed down with sinks and cabinetry. Here the 'island' consists of slender legs with artistic benchtop, perfectly combining the functions of table and uncluttered worksurface. 

Cabinetry – Laminex

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4. Hey, good lookin'

Leonie Hamill, Cube Dentro

Looks aren't everything but they certainly come to the fore in this kitchen – the elegant curved marble countertop and base breaks up the large island & provides visual impact and a sense of lightness.

Benchtops –  island 1: Istone, Touche Ice Blanco – Gris, natural finish; island 2: Cosentino, Dekton, Eter

Island cabinetry – satin polyurethane finish, colour Aalto Gunsmoke

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5. Sculpture from above

Eolo

We're not sure if this wild ventilation feature qualifies as 'island' but it certainly informs the look as well as clearing the air. 

Another departure for this table-like island is the free-standing nature of the induction hob on the right. (Most of this kitchen is hidden in the walls behind.)

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6. Dropping down for breakfast

Fowler Homes Waikato and Kitchen FX

Designer: "I decided to split the island into a block/slab of the Ankara storm with the softness of the oak table insert attached."

Benchtops – CDK Stone and Uniquartz

Cabinetry – Meltica, Snowdrift Naturale and Carbon Timberland

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7. A cut above

Rayza Lorca, Stylehouse Design

Raising the second island surface effectively makes the servery the primary benchtop surface – softening the impact of the 4m-long stone-look island.

Benchtops – Dekton Opera Natural, matt; Woodsmiths Euro Oak Resin finish

Cabinetry – American White Oak, crown cut, dark stain

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8. Not one seating area – but two

Anna Klimova, Studio Urbo

Far from a deserted island, this stepped island offers two seating zones (including a work desk), storage at both front and back – and an individualistic presence.

Benchtops & splashback – Corian

Cabinetry – Polytec Raven Woodgrain finish; Polytec Venette finish, Polyurethane finish

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Story by: Trendsideas