Choosing the Best Kitchen Island Cabinets for Style and Storage

Adding a kitchen island is one of the most popular upgrades for homeowners planning a remodel. It’s not just about creating extra counter space today’s kitchen islands serve as multifunctional hubs for cooking, storage, dining, and entertaining. That’s why choosing the right kitchen island cabinets is essential for both function and design.

At Freedom Cabinets, we help homeowners find cabinetry solutions that maximize storage while enhancing the heart of the home. Whether you’re remodeling an open-concept kitchen or designing a more traditional space, your island cabinetry plays a major role in tying everything together.

Why Islands Matter in Modern Kitchen Design

Kitchen islands are no longer considered just an add-on. They’re a central feature in most kitchen layouts today. Homeowners use them for:

• Meal prep and additional counter space
• Casual seating and dining
• Storage for cookware, utensils, and small appliances
• Stylish focal point to enhance overall design

Your choice of cabinetry will affect the island’s functionality, durability, and appearance making it important to select high quality materials that match your goals.

Cabinetry Options That Work for Kitchen Islands

Freedom Cabinets offers a wide range of premium cabinet lines suited for island applications. Each brand allows for different levels of customization depending on your style and storage needs:

KraftMaid® Kitchen Island Cabinets

KraftMaid offers extensive options for door styles, finishes, and storage inserts. Homeowners love KraftMaid’s Smart Solutions, which include deep drawers, roll out trays, and tiered utensil dividers all perfect for island organization. Whether you're going bold with a dark navy island or staying soft with warm wood tones, KraftMaid provides the flexibility to match your main kitchen cabinets or stand out with contrast.

Atlas Cabinetry (Freedom’s In-House Line)

If you’re seeking excellent value without sacrificing quality, our in-house Atlas Cabinetry line is ideal. Atlas offers all-plywood construction and soft-close drawers, making it a reliable choice for high-traffic areas like the kitchen island. Quick availability and competitive pricing also make it a top pick for homeowners looking to stay on budget.

Shiloh Cabinetry

Shiloh cabinets bring a level of elegance and craftsmanship that works beautifully in larger island builds. With inset, beaded, and full-overlay styles available, Shiloh is a go-to brand for those who want a custom furniture-style island that acts as a true centerpiece. The wide array of stains and paints also allows you to select colors that harmonize or contrast with perimeter cabinets.

KraftMaid Elements

For those seeking functionality and affordability, KraftMaid Elements provides a simplified version of the full KraftMaid line. It’s ideal for homeowners who want a cohesive look with functional features at a more accessible price point.

Aspect and Eclipse Cabinetry

Both Aspect and Eclipse cabinetry lines offer clean lines and contemporary styling

perfect for minimalist kitchen islands. With frameless construction and modern finishes, these options support modern kitchens where the island often features waterfall countertops or integrated appliances.

Design Considerations for Kitchen Island Cabinets

When planning your island, consider both aesthetic and practical details:

Size and Layout

Your island should suit the scale of your kitchen and not interrupt the flow of foot traffic. You’ll want at least 36–42 inches of clearance around all sides. If you're adding seating, allow for 24 inches per stool and plan for appropriate overhang depth.

Color and Finish Choices

Many homeowners are choosing a two tone look contrasting island cabinets with perimeter cabinetry. For example, a warm wood island paired with painted white wall cabinets can add depth and dimension. Freedom Cabinets offers finish options across all approved cabinet lines, making it easy to achieve your desired palette.

Storage Features

Think beyond basic drawers. Smart kitchen islands often include:

• Deep drawers for pots and pans
• Hidden pull-out trash bins
• Microwave cubbies
• Wine racks or beverage coolers
• Open shelving for cookbooks

Each cabinet line at Freedom allows you to incorporate specialty storage that matches your lifestyle.

Countertop Compatibility

Your island cabinets must support your chosen countertop material. Whether you’re installing quartz from Cambria or LaVenta, or a natural stone surface, the base cabinets should offer reliable strength and weight-bearing capacity. Our design team helps you choose combinations that work both structurally and visually.

Choosing the Right Countertop for Your Island

At Freedom Cabinets, our curated selection of countertop materials pairs seamlessly with our cabinet lines. For island installations, we often recommend:

• Cambria Quartz: Stunning durability and no maintenance
• MSI Surfaces: Broad selection of styles from marble-look to modern concrete tones
• ENVI and LaVenta Quartz: Perfect for homeowners who want trend-forward looks with lasting quality

Each countertop brand brings different edge profiles and color options to complete the island look.

Expert Tips for Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island

• Start with function first. Decide how you'll use your island cooking, seating, storage and design around those needs.
• Balance with your kitchen layout. Your island should enhance, not overcrowd.
• Explore lighting options. Pendant lights above an island add visual impact and needed task lighting.
• Use quality materials. Kitchen islands take daily wear opt for all-plywood construction like Atlas or Shiloh.
  

Why Work with Freedom Cabinets for Your Kitchen Island Design

At Freedom Cabinets, we provide:

• In showroom design consultations in North Royalton and Hudson
• Full access to top cabinetry lines and countertop surfaces
• Project guidance from layout to installation
• A focus on homeowner needs not one size fits all solutions

Whether you want a sleek, modern island or a rustic focal point, our team will help you select the right cabinets and finishes to suit your style and space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ready to start designing your ideal kitchen island?

Visit Freedom Cabinets in North Royalton or Hudson and explore cabinetry and countertop combinations that bring your vision to life.