Modern rustic kitchen island ideas – 12 characterful designs that mix old with new

Kitchen islands are hardworking components of many modern kitchens. Not only do they provide extra space for prep, dining, and storage, but they also help zone practical and social areas. Plus, of course, they can make beautiful design features.

If you love the modern rustic kitchen look an island that cleverly blends old with new is a wonderful unique focal point, whether fitted or freestanding. From wooden designs inspired by draper’s tables to an industrial steel centerpiece, we’ve gathered an array of modern rustic kitchen islands guaranteed to inspire. 

12 modern rustic kitchen island ideas

The beauty of modern rustic kitchen islands is that there are no design rules - the options are endless. While the modern rustic style is loosely characterized by its blend of sleek contemporary design with aged surfaces, natural materials, and earthy colors, there are so many ways to capture the look. From the size and materials to fixtures and fittings, there's alot to consider when choosing a design.

The first thing to think about is whether you want a fitted or freestanding kitchen island. Freestanding islands with open shelves offer flexibility over layout and can give a more open and airy look. When paired with sleek white cabinets vintage-inspired wooden designs are a brilliant way to add warmth, contrast and textural interest. Alternatively, fitted designs can provide concealed storage and built-in appliances, plus, they offer plenty of scope for playing with rustic surfaces like natural timber, weathered metal or shiplap. 

‘When designing a kitchen island, think about how you want the island to function. Do you want a sink or dishwasher in the space? If so you'll need to use traditional cabinetry, so the plumbing is disguised. If it's a simple prep space, you can use a furniture-style island with legs,’ says Julee Wray, founder of Truss Interiors. 

‘I always recommend using panel-ready appliances to match your cabinets. The island is a good place to use a different cabinet color than your perimeter cabinet colors. I love mixing stained woods and paint-grade options throughout a kitchen to create interest and balance.’

1. Add rustic charm with an antique draper's table

Pairing built-in kitchen cabinetry with antique pieces is a wonderful way to create a kitchen full of unique character as antiques often offer a patina and charm inimitable in modern pieces. For this beautiful home, an antique draper’s table worked perfectly with the grand proportions of the room.

‘I have always loved a draper's table to add textural contrast and functional charm. We sourced this antique one for the project and love that it imparts a touch of rusticity to the space, tying in with the wood beams and antique built-in cabinets,’ says Kristin Mullen.

Kristin Mullen

Based in Dallas, Texas, Kristin Mullen founded Kristin Mullen Designs in 2007 after renovating and decorating her own home sparked a passion for a new career. Working on projects across the US she aims to create timeless spaces that work in harmony with the architecture and her clients’ lifestyles. Her elegant style is influenced by her travels in Europe, England and Asia, and while it is rooted in classic design principles, she isn’t afraid to introduce modern elements and a touch of whimsy. 

2. Pair stone with wood

A kitchen island in two contrasting materials can make a real focal point, plus it can serve as a design device to divide prep and social areas. Combining warm natural timber and sleek grey stone reminiscent of polished concrete, this waterfall kitchen island is an exciting mix of rustic and sleek contemporary design. 

'The island was layered with a waterfall countertop in a beautiful natural stone, creating a statement,' says Julee Wray,  owner and lead designer of Truss Interiors. 'Having layers at the islands provided two separate zones – one to eat at and one for the host to prep at with the sink. We loved repeating that stone at the coffee bar. You can create seating at your island with anywhere between 12-15" overhangs so you can comfortably get your legs under the counter.'

Julee Wray

Based in Denver, Colorado, Julee Wray has over 20 years of experience in interior design and project management. and is the owner and lead designer at Truss Interiors, a full-service design firm specializing in bespoke residential projects. Together with the Truss Interiors team, Julee creates curated spaces that are beautiful, stylish and have comfort at the heart. Julee believes that good design cannot be limited to a single category, preferring to blend diverse styles and influences. Incorporating organic materials, textured fabrics, found objects and family heirlooms is a hallmark of her projects.

3. Choose a wooden design with sleek lines

Pairing sleek lines, elegant proportions and a plumbed-in sink, with the warm, raw grain of walnut, this kitchen island from Plaster & Patina makes a wonderful piece for a modern rustic kitchen.

'I chose a walnut island to ground the space; I wanted it to feel like a found piece of furniture,' says Alexandra Azat, founder of Plaster & Patina. 'There was a lot of contrast between the floors and the walls – I wanted to bring a natural warmth to the space and create a unique focal point. Wood is soft, warm and welcoming, so we decided to make the entire piece walnut for that reason.' 

Alexandra Azat

A true believer in following her passion, Alex launched her first creative business, Blush Event Designers at the age of 23, where she created spaces for a discerning clientele ranging from BVLGARI to Aaron Rogers.  After purchasing her first historic home, built in 1915, and turning it into the home of her dreams, a passion for interior design was ignited. After a 15-year career in the luxury event space, she pivoted her company to focus on interior design and in 2019 launched Plaster & Patina. Today she specializes in respectfully breathing new life into old homes and in transforming newly-built properties into homes with soul.

4. Mix different materials to bridge interior styles

As kitchens are increasingly being integrated into living spaces, the kitchen island can play an important role in marrying the style between the two spaces. Opting for a statement design that resembles a piece of designer furniture in a mix of materials is a clever way to achieve this, as this kitchen by Roundhouse demonstrates.

‘To ensure the two spaces integrated seamlessly, we made the island a feature as if it were a piece of furniture, while the white kitchen cabinetry on the back wall disappears into the background,’ says Oli Moss, senior design consultant at Roundhouse Roundhouse. ‘People often think that modern kitchens should be glossy white boxes, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. This design is a prime example of how a contemporary kitchen can be softened with the mixing of materials, colors, and textures.’

5. Give a classic shaker design an edgy twist

'When choosing modern rustic cabinet ideas, 'a shaker style should be top of the list,' says Al Bruce founder of Olive & Barr. 'The timeless clean lines and traditional details such as dovetail joints complement antique pieces effortlessly, creating a welcome contrast between old and new.'

The beauty of wooden kitchen islands is that they can be repainted to create myriad different looks. To give a shaker kitchen a contemporary edge try a high-contrast combination of striking black on the island with white perimeter cabinets. The weathered metal bar stools here add to the modern rustic look.

6. Take inspiration from European designs

Kitchen islands are so much more than a food prep area. Taking inspiration from cool, simple Mediterranean designs, this island helps zone practical and social spaces but also provides space to display collectibles.

‘For this kitchen in Mallorca, we created two functional islands with clean, contemporary lines. One discretely hides appliances and provides a great opportunity to introduce interesting accent woods and stones. The other is a multi-functional floating island that helps delineate the dining room from the kitchen, showcases a collection of traditional Mallorcan pottery, and also can serve as a bar when entertaining,’ say Jose Solis Betancourt and Paul Sherrill, co-founders of Solis Betancourt & Sherrill. 

7. Go for a reclaimed piece of furniture

‘Incorporating reclaimed wood pieces within a modern rusic kitchen, adds an abundance of character and texture, whether it’s a bespoke kitchen island, floating shelf, or small cabinet,’ explains Al Bruce. Here a reclaimed worktable with honeyed tones and a rustic patina makes a lovely focal point set against timeless Shaker Olive & Barr cabinetry in cool grey. 

‘Remember, it's often the small details that bring different interior styles together. Consider antique brass hardware as the warm tones will subtly highlight the variation of color found in aged wood,' adds Al Bruce.

8. Create a bespoke design

Antique draper's tables and butcher's blocks certainly look beautiful, but they don’t always offer the functionality you may need from a modern kitchen island. Instead, working with a kitchen designer to create a bespoke piece may be the solution, as done here by Henriette von Stockhausen.

'This is a kitchen I designed with Artichoke, and the secret is the hand-painted cabinets with a specialist finish for a more lived-in look. The central island exudes antique charm with its aged oak base and marble top, yet its practicality is enhanced with modern details like plug sockets,’ says Henriette von Stockhausen, founder of VSP Interiors. ‘It breaks up the fitted kitchen appearance, providing a more free-standing feel to the room.’

‘Additionally, we used different stones on the surfaces to enhance this effect. I prefer a darker tone on the perimeter units and a lighter one on the island for the best results.’

9. Get the size right

If you have a small cottage kitchen a large fitted island is likely to be too dominant for the space. Opting for a freestanding work table island will add character but will keep the space feeling open and airy. Here the team at Urbanology Designs chose a vintage-inspired island but paired it with modern touches such as the sculptural pendant lamp and black fitted shaker cabinets to keep the space feeling fresh.

'First, a kitchen island should be beautiful, but it should also scale appropriately with your kitchen,' says Ginger Curtis, founder of Urbanology Designs. 'For the Urbanology Cottage, we went with something very small since our space is quite cozy. Large islands are popular these days, but don't give way to trends, go with what feels the most natural in your space.'

'I was inspired by an era gone by when kitchens were much more simple and utilitarian. I would incorporate a feeling that was paired back with simple functionality (no built-in microwave, ice maker, etc), and something that also felt nostalgic.'

10. Create an industrial look with steel

When choosing kitchen cabinetry take inspiration from the architecture to ensure the style complements the building. If you have an industrial-style property such as a converted warehouse or loft apartment then why not channel the urban look with an edgy steel kitchen as done here by Sims Hilditch?

'We worked to embrace the existing industrial aesthetic, complete with wooden girders, a steel kitchen, and lots and lots of exposed brickwork,' says Gemma Holsgrove, studio director at Sims Hilditch. 'We settled on an eclectic look with a selection of contemporary, mid-century furniture and then punched up the color palette.'

Featuring a distressed finish, this steel island and cabinetry chimes with the rustic brick whilst the gun-metal grey creates a contrast with the red walls.

11. Consider the worktop material

Metal surfaces are a great way to add a touch of industrial style but a full steel kitchen is a bold look. For a more subtle nod to the trend why not choose an island with a metal countertop as done here by Studio Duggan? Not only are they durable and easy to clean, they make a lovely contrast with classic wood cabinets and can help reflect light around the room, too.

For a kitchen island with rustic charm you can't go wrong with an antique or reclaimed freestanding piece of furniture, such as a draper's table or a butcher's block, or you could try a modern design inspired by vintage pieces. For a modern rustic kitchen look try pairing a wooden island with raw grain against sleek white perimeter cabinets.

If you already have a fitted wood island consider painting it an earthy colour such as a moody olive green, or try dark charcoal or black for a contemporary twist. Cladding an island with distressed materials like reclaimed wooden planks or even corrugated metal can add instant rustic charm. Alternatively, try updating the countertop with a warm wooden design.