

In a time the place kitchens are sometimes custom-made inside an inch of their good fridges’ lives, it’s shocking how lengthy islands remained simply, properly, islands. The standalone constructions appeared to go on for years with out a lot dramatic tinkering, till a comparatively current up to date design pattern: the waterfall kitchen island.
For steering on the eye-catching fashion (the place the counter extends to cowl the edges of the island), I tapped the group behind a few of the most beautiful waterfall island installs I’ve seen but, the all-women trio behind Dallas-based BuildTX Options.
Featured picture of Camille’s kitchen by Michelle Nash.
Breaking Down the Waterfall Kitchen Island Pattern
“What we respect most in regards to the waterfall kitchen island pattern is its capacity to mix performance with high-end design,” says Yelitza Mora, BuildTX’s director of enterprise improvement. “It gives a seamless look that may make a kitchen seem extra spacious and uncluttered. Moreover, the design provides added safety to the edges of the cupboards, which might be notably helpful in high-traffic areas.”
The streamlined look may assist with movement, creating continuity between the kitchen and different residing areas. “That is vital in open-concept layouts, the place the kitchen is usually seen from different components of the house,” provides Mora.
And because of the provision of latest, extra inexpensive supplies, like quartz and laminate, a waterfall island doesn’t need to destroy your price range. (Although nothing can really beat the look and sturdiness of pure stone.)
For clean-lined inspiration, we gathered up 12 hanging examples of nice waterfall kitchen islands, together with some that function Mora’s favourite customized touches.
12 Waterfall Kitchen Islands for Each Type (and Funds)

The Fluted Waterfall Island
Very similar to the waterfall kitchen island, the fluted pattern isn’t going anyplace. “This new pattern is in every single place, from partitions to tile and furnishings,” Daniella Villamil shared with us this summer season. “It’s an attractive method of enjoying with natural shapes and textures and we welcome it!”

The Excessive-Distinction Waterfall Kitchen Island
Up the drama by pairing a white marble waterfall countertop with dark-painted wooden and cabinetry for much more visible curiosity.
The Butcher Block Waterfall
As hanging as it’s utilitarian, this wood tackle a waterfall island (or, on this case, peninsula) provides a barely extra inexpensive tackle the pattern whereas sustaining that steady movement.

The Constructed-In Waterfall Wine Fridge
Our absolute favourite solution to mix kind, perform, and the waterfall look.
A Waterfall Island With Constructed-In Shelving
A waterfall island is a statement-making point of interest sufficient by itself, however including shelving to show issues like cookbooks or art work makes for a real storage showstopper.

The All-White Waterfall Island
Why cease on the stone on the subject of continuity? Preserve the streamlined look going by inserting your “waterfall” over an present peninsula and hold the baseboards (and retailers!) intact.
A Constructed-In Beverage Station
One of many coolest customized additions Mora has seen requested for a waterfall island set up.

A Concrete Waterfall
For a extra industrial spin on the fashionable kitchen pattern, go for cement or concrete counter tops.

Tuck in Your Dishwasher
“A intelligent solution to maximize house in a small kitchen is to deal with an under-counter fridge or dishwasher within the waterfall factor,” Mora notes.
Underneath Cupboard Lighting
Show your island just like the murals it’s.

Make It a Marble Assertion Piece
Waterfall islands have a fame for being expensive, primarily due to how a lot costly stone (like marble) goes into creating the look. However give it some thought this fashion: when you go huge on the island, you possibly can minimal on the whole lot else, à la Ashley Robertson. Simply be sure you deal with your stone when you do go along with marble slabs because the materials might be so porous.

A Sturdy Quartz Waterfall Kitchen Island
And talking of porous, choosing sturdy quartz over marble can simply clear up that downside. Camille has at all times embraced the waterfall island pattern (in trouble her bungalow and her household’s Austin house). Within the ethereal bungalow, she opted for Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo to behave as a impartial for his or her largely white up to date kitchen.