Kitchen Island Cabinets | Style & Storage Tips for Your Remodel

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.

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.

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.

What is the best size for a kitchen island with seating?
Typically, you need at least 7 feet in length to comfortably seat three people with enough overhang.
Should island cabinets match the rest of my kitchen?
Not always. Contrasting colors or styles can add visual interest and help define the space
Can I include appliances in my island?
Yes. Many homeowners add microwaves, beverage fridges, or even cooktops to their islands.
Do all cabinet lines support island designs?
Freedom’s approved lines like KraftMaid, Atlas, and Shiloh offer modular options ideal for islands.
Which countertop is best for a kitchen island?
Quartz is the most popular due to its durability and style, with brands like Cambria and MSI being top choices.