kitchen island ideas on a budget

kitchen island ideas on a budget are an attractive option in the kitchen since they provide an extra work surface, a place to serve meals, relax and dine, and plenty of storage beneath. It’s no surprise they’ve become a must-have accessory. However, you must have the necessary space, and if you want to include a kitchen island on a budget, you must first determine what you can and cannot afford.

kitchen island ideas on a budget

If you want to include a sink or a stove for cooking on your island, you’ll also need to consider water, electricity or gas, which will certainly increase the cost. Smaller islands may work effectively in both large and small kitchens.

There are tonnes of fantastic kitchen island options available. If money is an issue and you’re thinking about how much a kitchen island costs, it’s better to avoid costly real stones, such as marble or granite. Consider cheaper materials, such as quartz, wood, or laminate, which are all cost-effective options. New laminate finishes might appear exactly like genuine stone or wood, or you can pick a simple, plain white pattern for a timeless appeal.

Install new cupboard fronts on an existing island

There are several companies in the market that provide economical, completely customised cabinet and door fronts – to modernise old islands while leaving the essentials in place. It’s a cost-effective method of dealing with a kitchen that also makes value from an environmental standpoint.

Select a freestanding island

The most cost-effective kitchen island designs are generally standalone items that may be simply integrated into your current kitchen. Choose whether you want one that is the same material and colour as your current cabinets or one that stands out.

Choosing one in a smaller size implies that it will not only fit into small areas, but it will also be less expensive. And, if you choose one with a rack above it, like this one, you’ll have lots of storage space. Furthermore, you can take it with you if you move, making it an ideal portable kitchen island concept for renters.

Design a working triangle-kitchen island ideas on a budget

A freestanding island is perfect for extra preparation space and does not have to be expensive. You may purchase a nice unit like this one to form the essential ‘working triangle’ kitchen arrangement with oven, sink and prep space.

This configuration also includes storage space on the working side for pots, pans, or serving dishes, as well as space for stools on the other side, and it can be moved out of the way while entertaining, making it a versatile and low-cost alternative.

Use a new material to replace the countertop

If you inherited a kitchen with an island that you aren’t able to completely replace, you may improve the countertop, which will instantly add a luxurious touch. Overlay countertops, which are thinner slabs of stone that lay on top of an existing counter, are one such alternative, and while the material itself is not significantly less expensive than a new countertop, you can save money on installation.

Similarly, if the current kitchen countertop is of the same material, you can add a wood overlay, skim it with concrete, or use high-quality laminate.

Keep it small and dainty

It’s feasible to have a kitchen island in a tiny, open-plan kitchen, but make it the proper size for the room – especially if it’s in front of doors going out onto the garden, as this one is. It can cause an obstacle and disrupt the flow of the room if it is too large, and it will almost certainly cost much more than a smaller design.

This island resembles the rest of the kitchen in terms of hue and hardware. But ensure the surface is wood to distinguish it. Take note of how the light is positioned high above the island so that it does not block the view out to the garden.

Reuse an old piece of furniture for a kitchen island on a budget

A kitchen island does not have to match the rest of your kitchen; in fact, having it in a contrasting colour adds charm. Reusing old furniture will give it new life while saving money – all you need is some paint.
As a quick remedy, experts recommend painting an existing piece of furniture to get the desired transformational effect. The renovation paint is great for use on wooden surfaces, cupboards, and shelves, and a splash of contrasting colour may help the island stand out.

Choose a kitchen island on wheels-kitchen island ideas on a budget

A portable island is not only less costly than a fixed one; it also enhances the utility of your area, making it an excellent tiny kitchen concept. It enables you to rearrange the arrangement of your kitchen or even empty the floor completely – for easy moves during a party, for example.
‘With an island on wheels, we can move the indoor dining table outside and use the island as a service cart.’

You may even take a portable island with you if you relocate. ‘If your kitchen is large enough but your budget is limited, you may want to consider purchasing a temporary kitchen island — one that you could even transfer to future houses,’ says the expert.

You can also read How to make more counter space in a small kitchen

Improve your kitchen island hardware

Investing a little money on your island hardware, such as drawers, knobs, and feet, may make or break a budget makeover. ‘Experts recommend spending some time and work into making the island feel in line with the rest of your kitchen concept as feasible,’. ‘Perhaps paint it in a similar (or contrasting) tone to your wall cabinets. Then elevate hardware features like drawer knobs or tea towel hooks.’

What size island is ideal for a small kitchen?

‘If you’re wishing for a kitchen island but aren’t sure you have enough room. You’d be amazed how easy it is to manage it,’ says the expert’. The spacing between cabinets and the island for a normal island is usually one metre, but you may go as little as 880cm and it will still be functional.’

What can I replace a kitchen island with?

People used kitchen tables for everything in the past, from preparing food to dining, so having one is a fantastic idea, especially if you already have one. Butcher’s blocks are very popular. And they come in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to ancient with a patina and history of years of usage. Making your own is another low-cost alternative, even if it’s only a sturdy frame with a top made of wood or metal.