Cover Beautifully translucent onyx tiles line the kitchen floor, while the Arabescato Orobico black marble island adds a touch of luxury

Get interior design inspiration from these stunning kitchen islands seen in Singapore homes

More than just a place for meals, the kitchen also serves as the social centre of the home where families can catch up on their day.

For homeowners looking to give their culinary space a major makeover, a kitchen island will certain make a statement in any abode with its style factor and versatility. Designers have begun creating striking kitchen islands to suit the unique needs of homeowners—whether as a site for cooking, a temporary workspace, or even a gathering hub that would impress guests.

Scroll below for a peek at these modern yet beautiful kitchen islands that are tastefully crafted and inspire you to design one of your own.

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1. A glamorous kitchen by Dwell Interior Design

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Photo 1 of 2 Mirrored panels add to the glamorous look of the kitchen
Photo 2 of 2 The kitchen island, countertop and backsplash are luxuriously clad in ebony-hued marble finish

As the holiday home of a well-travelled owner, this luxurious apartment near Marina Bay is designed to impress his guests during major events such as the Singapore Grand Prix—this includes a statement culinary space where he and his friends could drink and be entertained.

The island is covered in mirrored panels and features marble with striking gold and white veins that enhance its glamour quotient. Ensuring that the kitchen island is versatile for multiple purposes, it is paired with bar stools and a dining table from B&B Italia where the homeowner can enjoy pre-dinner drinks with his guests, followed by a more formal sit-down meal.

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2. A volcanic stone kitchen island by Produce

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Above The sculptural island is made with Basaltina, a type of volcanic stone, sourced by local surface purveyor KStone

Designed by homegrown firm Produce, this kitchen is located in a penthouse in the exclusive Sentosa Cove enclave in Singapore. Among its most eye-catching details is this stunning kitchen island, which makes an impact with how it has been beautifully incorporated into the interior architecture. 

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Above Another view of the kitchen island in a home designed by Produce

The team designed an island made of Basaltina, a type of volcanic stone, which wraps around the dry kitchen and is also applied to the staircase. Hand-chiseled stone slabs have been laid such that the tiered form of these steps loosely resembles that of a rocky cliff.  The Palissandro Classico marble floor tiles were selected for this area, with its hue evoking the look of the sandy beach stretch that is in close proximity to this abode.

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3. A kitchen island with artisanal tiles by Goy Architects

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Photo 1 of 3 The celadon tile-clad sculptural kitchen island is the centrepiece of the home
Photo 2 of 3 Most of the fittings and finishings in this apartment were custom made in Chiang Mai, be they the tiles on the kitchen island or the built-in shelves in the living area
Photo 3 of 3 The open-plan living room and kitchen features an artwork from the Karasando series of collages that local artist Tiffany Loy designed exclusively for Grafunkt, which is handcrafted in Kyoto by Japanese textile manufacturer Kojima Orimono

As the centrepiece of their home, this kitchen island has been well-loved by homeowners who have a preference for natural materials.

Goy Architects collaborated with Chiang Mai-based makers of Saraphi Ceramics Arts and Design to create bespoke ceramics and furnishings for this duplex apartment; this includes this remarkable kitchen island. The curved island comprises a stone countertop and celadon tiles by Thai artisans to create an inviting yet textured effect. The curved form and colour of the island also loosely references the home’s proximity to the beach at East Coast Park with its undulating form and ombre hues. 

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4. A minimalist kitchen designed by Parenthesis

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Photo 1 of 2 A row of &Tradition Flowerpot lamps by Verner Panton floats above the kitchen island
Photo 2 of 2 A clean and elegant kitchen aesthetic featuring &Tradition Flowerpot VP1 pendant lamps by Verner Panton, Aesop hand soaps and marble-finished island countertop

Designed for a family of four, this cosy, minimalist home designed by Parenthesis features a stunning kitchen with an elegant marble-finished countertop. In line with the understated look of the abode, the kitchen island matches the pared-back material palette, which includes ample use of wood and a light and off-white colour palette.

Accompanying the kitchen island is a row of elegant &Tradition Flowerpot VP1 pendant lamps by Verner Panton in rose gold. A set of wooden stools bring a touch of hygge to the soothing space.

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5. A glamorous marble island by Architology Interiors

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Photo 1 of 3 A view of the open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas of the home from the entrance
Photo 2 of 3 Beautifully translucent onyx tiles line the kitchen floor, while the Arabescato Orobico black marble island adds a touch of luxury
Photo 3 of 3 The barbecue parties that the owners enjoy hosting inspired the decision to place the kitchen and dining area at the front of the home

“The brief was for the house to personify the owners; it should feel like a social lounge with pockets of surprises,” shares Bu Shu Kun, founder and design director of Architology Interiors, commenting on the design of this abode. 

In contrast to the rest of the interior that bears retro influences, the open-concept kitchen and its island presents a sleek, monochromatic palette. The kitchen island is designed wholly out of an ebony-hued Arabescato Orobico marble that complements the translucent onyx tiles that line the kitchen floor. 

Explains Bu: “The client wanted a space for barbecues. Our solution was to place the kitchen at the front, with bifold doors that can hide the cooking appliances. Whenever dinner parties are held, the owners can open these doors to connect the kitchen and dining areas to the porch.”

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6. An emerald marble island by Elliot James Interiors

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Photo 1 of 2 The emerald green marble kitchen island adds a grandiose effect to the kitchen
Photo 2 of 2 Another view of the emerald marble kitchen island in the open-concept living space

This Ardmore II condominium apartment designed by Elliot James Interiors was inspired by contemporary galleries, as a nod to the owners’ passion for art. 

The emerald kitchen island is one of the showstopping details in this abode. Set against the sleek cabinetry, the island appears almost like a sculpture. Above the island are a pair of gold pendant lights that are among the eye-catching details in the space.

“The show-stopping emerald green marble kitchen island was one of our favourite features of this interior,” shares Elliot James Barratt, CEO and founder of Elliot James Interiors. “While the [kitchen island] acted as a statement piece to the apartment, it also helps to section off the open-plan kitchen from the rest of the apartment in dramatic fashion.”

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7. A modern minimalist kitchen by EightyTwo

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Photo 1 of 2 Designed by EightyTwo, Watten Residences is a home in Singapore that unites art, design, and craft. Serene elements that take a cue from Japanese aesthetics were combined with functional style and minimalist details
Photo 2 of 2 The design explores the idea that art can be fused with everyday life—intelligent spatial planning is combined with a thoughtful array of bespoke furnishings and joinery that convey a sense of sophistication

Taking a page from art, design, and craft, this home designed by EightyTwo champions the less is more design approach, as evident in the kitchen. The island features a sleek grey granite top and is furnished with a wash tap and basin and a light wood-finished counter to match the interior design. 

“[We] embraced a refined and restrained aesthetic in designing this home; [the] serenity [of] Japanese aesthetics combines functionality and minimalism,” explains co-founder and CEO Terence Neo, commenting on the interior design concept for the abode. “Beyond its understated luxuriousness, we also incorporated design elements that reflect the homeowners’ penchant for the arts.”

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8. Two dramatic kitchens in a home designed by KGID

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Photo 1 of 2 Leather bar stools from Lifestorey Prestige create an elegant yet casual breakfast spot at the kitchen island
Photo 2 of 2 Another view of the kitchen island in the open-concept culinary space

Bridging modern design with luxury elements, this multigenerational bungalow designed by KGID is home to a family of six who enjoy entertaining. Bridging modern design with luxury elements, this multigenerational bungalow designed by KGID is home to a family of six who enjoys entertaining. Inside the abode, visitors can discover two dedicated kitchen islands catered to the lifestyle of the homeowners. Every morning, the family enjoys having breakfast by the stately wood-finished island in their open-concept culinary space that ties the dry kitchen to the dining room.

A highlight is the Patagonia quartzite feature wall that draws the eye to the kitchen island. “We love the rich colour and amazing character of the [stone], which comes from Brazil,” shares Karen Gan, co-founder of KGID.

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Credits

Photography  

Courtesy of firms; Fabian Ong, Jasper Yu, Daniel Koh

Words  

(Additional reporting) Hong Xinying

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