The Kitchen Island: The Real Heart Of Your Home

In this blog, we will unravel the secrets of transforming your kitchen island into a captivating focal point, exploring a myriad of design techniques and gorgeous decor options to add to your own centerpiece design.

We’ll discover the power of using one large object for a bold visual impact, or the elegance in grouping items in sets of three. Dive into the beauty of vases of found objects and fresh flowers to reflect the seasons, adding the freshness of fruits displayed in chic bowls, and creating interest by layering decor pieces of varying heights.

Explore the art of using a tray as a foundational layer and adding those final, personal touches of accent decor that truly make your kitchen island a masterpiece. Follow along as we go step by step to creating a beautiful kitchen island centerpiece that reflects your personal style and looks magazine-ready.

If you are ready to transition your kitchen decor for fall, check out our post on “Beautiful Fall Kitchen Decor Ideas For An Instant Makeover”

How To Style A Modern Kitchen Island Centerpiece

  • Clear off the clutter
  • Use One Large Item
  • Reflect The Season With Flowers
  • Add A Beautiful Bowl Of Seasonal Fruits
  • Group Items In 3’s
  • Layer Pieces With Different Heights
  • Add A Tray As A Base Layer

Creating A Visual Statement With Kitchen Island Decor

One of the first steps in building your kitchen island centerpiece to think about how you can create visual impact. Consider your room, the shape, and colors. Do you have a high ceiling? If so, you’ll probably want to add a some height to your centerpiece design. You can do this by adding  a large vase with flowering branches.  If you have a low ceiling, consider grouping lower items of various heights, maybe set upon a tray or tiered with a stack of books. Consider your existing kitchen decor and select items that flow with your theme and colors.

Check out our previous blog, “How To Style Your Kitchen Island Like A Pro” for detailed step-by-step instructions on the steps designers use to create a stunning kitchen island centerpiece. In need of more storage and space? Find the perfect kitchen island to fit your room in our post, “40 Stylish Small Kitchen Islands With Storage” for beautiful and functional kitchen islands to turn your small kitchen into a storage-saving powerhouse.

Steps To A Beautiful Centerpiece

Use One Large Vase

A beautiful kitchen island can benefit greatly from the power of simplicity. One large decorative item, strategically placed, can transform the entire space without overwhelming it.
Consider a simple, oversized vase, or an artfully crafted floral arrangement that will draw the eye when entering the room. By opting for one visually striking item, it will not only reduce physical countertop clutter, but also visual clutter. Promoting a sense of openness and functionality not only streamlines the kitchen’s appearance, but makes styling your kitchen island simple, without having to overthink your choices.

Handcrafted Arquette PitcherHandcrafted Arquette Pitcher

Get the look of rustic farmhouse beauty with a enticing modern design. The Handcrafted Arquette Pitcher is perfect as a stand alone piece, or you can embellish it with a bouquet of flowers, your favorite wooden spoons, or faux greenery to suit the season.

Pottery Barn

Julia Berolzheimer Woven PlanterJulia Berolzheimer Woven Planter

These charming all-weather rattan urns come in three different sizes to fit large or small kitchen islands. Easy to clean and able to do double duty indoors on your kitchen island and also outdoors when you want to switch out your centerpiece design.

Pottery Barn

Torino Textured White VaseTorino Textured White Vase

Go big on style with this beautiful mix of modern and rustic hand-applied textured with small black specs to add interest. This stoneware vase is watertight, so feel free to add some beautiful blossoming branches for a dramatic effect.

CB2

Oversized Terracotta VasesOversized Terracotta Vases

Add earthy texture with these gorgeous modern terracotta oversized vases. These hand thrown vases are watertight and feature crisp, clean lines for a contemporary and dramatic look.

West Elm

Artisan Handcrafted Terracotta VaseArtisan Handcrafted Terracotta Vase

An elegant antique finish inspired by found object artifacts adds a modern textural layer to your kitchen island centerpiece. Available in different sizes and shapes to suit your style, the large urn is an eye-catching statement sure to be a beautiful focal point without the fuss.

Pottery Barn

Reflect The Season With A Vase Of Fresh Flowers

When planning your kitchen island glow-up, styling your kitchen island decor with a seasonal theme is a delightful way to breathe life into your kitchen throughout the year. As spring arrives, envision your island adorned with vibrant tulips and daffodils, adding an ambiance of soft colors and freshness that will instantly brighten the room.

In summer, opt for sunflowers and citrus fruits to evoke the warmth of the season. You can arrange lemons and limes in a decorative bowl to add a simple, colorful touch to your island. Fall decor is filled with warm, rustic charm with deep-hued mums and apples, creating a cozy atmosphere. Think about incorporating dried grasses, pumpkins, and pinecones for an extra autumnal vibe.
Winter calls for elegance; imagine your island adorned with amaryllis and poinsettias, coupled with gleaming silver or gold accents, embodying a festive spirit. By intertwining seasonal florals and fruits with your kitchen island, you not only infuse natural beauty but also create a dynamic, ever-changing ambiance that evolves with the passing seasons.

Powder Color VasePowder Color Vase

Soft pops of happy colors are a sure way to liven your kitchen island centerpiece. These powder color vases can fit any season while reflecting a beautiful modern Italian design.

Anthropologie

Bangle Dirty Rose Glass Decorative Bowl Bangle Dirty Rose Glass Decorative Bowl

Add an interesting touch of asymmetry with this chic soda lime glass bowl inspired by blending fashion, jewelry and home decor. Toss in a simple branch of seasonal flowers for a sophisticated centerpiece statement.

CB2

Cayman Vase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cayman Vase

Add a trendy textural touch with this intricately hand-wrapped seagrass and palm leaves vase that might just outshine your florals.

Serena & Lily

Sfera Globe Glass Vase Sfera Globe Glass Vase

Sculptural and delicate, the Sfera globe glass vase features a hand-blown glass globe with a frosted inner cylinder for your fresh seasonal flowers.

CB2

Masa White Terracotta VaseMasa White Terracotta Vase

This hand-thrown terra cotta vase is glazed in a chic matte white and reflects a modern version of the ancient Roman amphora for a stunning mix of classic and contemporary design.

CB2

Add A Beautiful Bowl

One of the easiest ways to create visual interest in your kitchen island centerpiece is to add a decorative bowl. There are so many options with different style bowls to fill with seasonal fruits, found objects, or your favorite personal decor items for a unique touch. You can layer the bowl with accent objects like terra cotta beads, a rattan woven chain, or place on top of a stack of books for an elevated look.

Teak Wood BasketTeak Wood Basket

Turn your kitchen island centerpiece into a magical moment with this natural teak wood basket perfect as a display piece for seasonal fruits and foraged items.

Anthropologie

Black Tri-Footed Ceramic Centerpiece BowlBlack Tri-Footed Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl

Modern and sculptural, this hand-cast and painted oversized bowl is a commanding centerpiece statement. Fill with botanicals, seasonal potpourri, or as a stand alone sculpture for an elevated kitchen island decor centerpiece.

Crate & Barrel

ONYX RAW EDGE STONE BOWLONYX RAW EDGE STONE BOWL

Artfully crafted to let the natural beauty shine through, this gorgeous raw edge onyx bowl adds a luxurious touch to your centerpiece design.

CB2

ADORN BRASS ABSTRACT BOWLAdorn Brass Abstract Bowl

A classic design made modern with handcrafted, solid unlacquered brass that features a polished finish that will naturally patina over time.

CB2

Giant Clam Decorative ObjectGiant Clam Decorative Object

Tap into the charm of a timeless Italian grotto with this giant clam decorative bowl. Fill it with moss, fresh fruits, or a beautiful orchid display for an elegant centerpiece.

Pottery Barn

Group Items In 3’s

Creating an impactful visual statement on your kitchen island can be made simple by grouping items strategically.  By grouping items with varying heights, textures, and colors, you introduce depth and visual interest. A trio of differently sized vases with fresh flowers or a collection of your best beautiful bowls can add an artistic flair. The key is to strike a balance, ensuring the items complement one another while making a collective statement. This method not only maximizes the visual impact of each item but also creates a curated, cohesive display.

When grouping items, one foundational design guideline is to group in odd numbers. Humans are wired to group things together, and find items of three visually pleasing and create more energy and impact. Using complimentary pieces in sets of three, with various heights and textures is calming, visually interesting, and aesthetically appealing. Check out Apartment Therapy’s post for more in-depth information on how to use the Rule of Three.

Del Sur CandleholdersDel Sur Candleholders

Meticulously hand-applied coconut beads add an artisan touch to these nautical chain inspired candleholders. Available in coastal blue and cream so you can mix and match colors and heigh for added interest.

Serena & Lily

Délicat Taper Candle Holders and Centerpiece BowlsDélicat Taper Candle Holders and Centerpiece Bowls

Mix and match your group of three with timeless modern matching glazed earthenware footed bowls and candleholders for a delicate, yet sophisticated visual impact.

Crate & Barrel

Rattan HurricaneRattan Hurricanes

Natural woven rattan will add a beautiful golden texture paired with a sophisticated leather handle as a show stopping piece on your kitchen island.

Serena & Lily

Spencer Brass Taper Candle Holder Set Spencer Brass Taper Candle Holder Set

Add a hint of golden glamour with these modern concentric circle candle holders in three different heights. Use as a stand alone chic grouping, or inset into a floral arrangement for your kitchen island centerpiece.

CB2

Bistro Tile TrayBistro Tile Tray

Decorate with French flair in classic tile style with these decaled stoneware trays as a chic catchall on your kitchen island.

Anthropologie

Layer Pieces With Different Heights

As with grouping, staggering decor with various heights creates a sophisticated visual statement. This tactic works especially well with odd number groupings, but does not work as well if you are using pairs of vases or matching items.

By skillfully blending diverse elements like vases, bowls, candles, or floral arrangements, you create a visual sentence that blends texture, color, height, and style. Taller elements, such as slender vases or candles in varying heights, draw the eye upwards, adding vertical interest to the space. Mix in textured elements like metallic bowls or rustic pottery, providing a tactile experience and depth to the arrangement.

Playing with heights and textures not only adds depth but also lends a dynamic energy to your kitchen island. It’s a design strategy that engages the senses, transforming your kitchen island into a captivating refined, designer-styled moment.

Hand-Carved Twisted Wood VasesHand-Carved Twisted Wood Vases

Create a textured vignette with hand carved twisted mango wood vases. Add a simple flowering branch or set atop your a stack of books for a simply, yet sophisticated centerpiece decor.

Pottery Barn

Hold Everything Coffee & Tea Stackable CanistersHold Everything Coffee & Tea Stackable Canisters

Display your favorite herbal teas, spices, or fill with dried seasonal flowers and set these handcrafted, stackable ash wood canisters on a tray along with a beautiful candle for a farmhouse style kitchen island centerpiece.

Williams Sonoma

Rattan Box with Glass LidRattan Boxes with Glass Lid

Keep your favorite items on display and add a trendy rattan texture with these woven rattan boxes with glass top lids. Add height by setting these on your favorite cookbook on your kitchen island.

Anthropologie

Domed Brass + Glass ClocheDomed Brass + Glass Cloche

Create a seasonal moment in your kitchen island centerpiece with foraged items and your favorite candles in antique brass and glass domed cloches.

Anthropologie

Sunset VasesSunset Vases

Layer with color and organic modern shapes with handcrafted glass vases perfect for playing with various heights. Add seasonal florals for a seasonal touch.

Anthropologie

Add A Tray As A Base Layer

Incorporating decorative trays into your kitchen island decor is a design choice that marries elegance with practicality. These trays serve as a place to keep your decor organized and safe from food and eating areas.  Providing a contained space for your curated items also adds a touch of refinement and sophistication.

By selecting trays that reflect the style of your house, whether it’s farmhouse, modern, or traditional, you ensure a seamless blend of aesthetics. These trays act as visual frames, creating a structured yet visually appealing arrangement for your items. You can also add your favorite recipe or design book as a place to set a seasonal candle or floral arrangement to add a layer of height. Trays create a sense of order and allow for and effortless rearrangement or removal of items if you need to clean or move your arrangement to make space for guests.

Beaufort TrayBeaufort Tray

Serve up a relaxed and refined kitchen island centerpiece with the hand-wrapped woven rattan Beaufort Tray as a beautiful catchall for your favorite seasonal decor.

Wayfair

Remi Lazy SusanRemi Lazy Susan

Blend form and function with the modern Remi lazy Susan made from polished black marble to serve as a centerpiece, appetizer tray, or serve cocktails in style.

Williams Sonoma

Scallop Rattan TrayScallop Rattan Tray

Sweetly scalloped natural rattan adds a soft, refined shape to collect your favorite books, candles, and decor into a beautiful kitchen island centerpiece.

Serena & Lily

Marlo Thomas Rectangular TrayMarlo Thomas Rectangular Tray

Timeless, versatile, and functional, the Marlo Thomas rectangular tray is made from silver-plated aluminum and naturally sourced oak from Italy for classic tray with a modern twist.

Willams Sonoma

Reclaimed Wood Decorative TrayReclaimed Wood Decorative Tray

Elevate your favorite candle, seasonal fruit, or floral bouquet with these one-of-a-kind reclaimed wood footed trays.

Anthropologie

Decorate with Decor

To truly create a designer-level kitchen island centerpiece, it’s the finishing touches that weave the entire story together. Nowhere is this more evident than in adorning your kitchen island centerpiece with accent decor that adds that important personal touch.These small yet impactful elements elevate a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether it’s a carefully chosen sculpture, an inherited vase, or a small collection of family photos, these accents inject personality and character into your kitchen.

AERIN Wave Gallery FrameAERIN Wave Gallery Frame

The most important part of your centerpiece design should include something personal to you and your family. Showcase your favorite photo with a a hint of gold with the Aerin Wave gallery frame.

Willams Sonoma

Fiore BoxFiore Box

Finish your centerpiece decor with Italian Florentine flair with this carved bone dome lidded box to keep your most needed trinkets handy yet hidden.

Serena & Lily

Solis Handcrafted Terracotta Beaded GarlandSolis Handcrafted Terracotta Beaded Garland

Toss these textural terra cotta beads across any bowl, stack of books, or tray for a sophisticated finishing touch to your kitchen island centerpiece design.

Pottery Barn

LINCOLN POLISHED BRASS DESK CLOCKLINCOLN POLISHED BRASS DESK CLOCK

Timeless, vintage style with modern design, this beautiful desk clock will add a touch of metallic class to your kitchen island with polished  unlacquered brass that will naturally patina over time.

CB2

Rattan Wrapped ChainRattan Wrapped Chain

Layer your centerpiece with this chic rattan wrapped chain. Artfully drape the chain across a stack of books or over the edge of a tray for a sophisticated touch.

Pottery Barn
 

 
 

Conclusion

We’ve covered step-by-step the basics to creating a magazine-ready kitchen island centerpiece. By employing a single large object, or artfully grouping items in sets of three, we’ve discovered the power of creating visual impact. Decorating with vases of seasonal flowers brings freshness and reflects the seasons, while chic bowls brimming with vibrant fruits infuse color and health into your space. Layering decor pieces of different heights and adding a tray as a base layer not only adds depth but also creates a harmonious composition. But the real magic lies in adding your own unique touch with accents of decor that echo your personality and style, making your kitchen island a true reflection of your taste. Follow these designer-tested steps and you’ll have a gorgeous, show-stopping kitchen island centerpiece for every season.

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