Designer Brooke Norsworthy took on the job herself, building a oversize island with seats for four.

Roll Play For flexibility in a small kitchen or some other multifunctional space -- consider a island on wheels rather than a built-in version. The creative minds in Kerr Construction worked movable versatility and sustainability into their design for an island in this warm, contemporary kitchen. "The island base is a midcentury workshop machine, and the counter is locally resourced and created from reclaimed timber planks. We refinished the planks to match the medium-tone wood cabinets," they state.

Tool of the Trade "Our customer had the fantastic idea to utilize rolling tool cabinets in her kitchen," says architect Nick Pancheau. "We designed a simple kitchen island combining seating and storage at a single movable piece. We selected a lime-green complete to match the fritted glass lamp shades made by the client; a subtle dark-green soapstone countertop rests atop the cabinets"

Industrial Inspiration Rather than springing for a island, think about a freestanding one made from recycled materials. Case in point: the Industrial Recycled High Bench Table frameless corner shower enclosure . revealed in Shabby Chic White, $1,999, designed by Will Marx to get GHIFY. Handmade in Brisbane, Australia, of indigenous Australian timber, the design was inspired by the architecture of Queensland. Says GHIFY, "This island is one of our signature layouts, which is hugely popular as a kitchen island for more counter space, as a high bench dining table to your kitchen and as a workbench/desk. It is a classic industrial recycled styled table that may be custom-built to any size, finish or color. Each table comes with a 10-year warranty."

Store More To give a London kitchen a striking focal point (not to mention acres of built-in storage), designer Egon Walesch needed a haberdashery screen cabinet from a branch shop cut down to size to create a exceptional kitchen island. "Toughened (or tempered) glass supplies an excellent work surface, and the drawers, previously employed for keeping gloves, hats and scarves, provide exceptional space to accommodate and display valued crockery and table linens," states Walesch.

Modern Rustic Wondering how to keep an all-white kitchen from appearing dull and boring? Simple: Just layer in plenty of texture that is pure. In this cottage-style area, as an example, Jeremy Power of Bella Custom Homes used the centre island to add interest and warmth. "We built the island using reclaimed barn wood and topped it with a honed Carrara marble counter," he states. The "X" specifics on each end are a subtle nod to the home's country roots.

All the Angles You've heard the old chestnut, "when life provides you lemons, make lemonade." When working with a room that has awkward or unusual lines, designers frequently have to make the very best of this situation -- and truly talented pros flip the oddity into a design quality that appears totally intentional. When designing the kitchen to get a house with corners dramatically from square, Kerr Construction embraced that architectural quirk and highlighted it with the design of the kitchen island. "The unusual form of this island matches with the corners on this side of the house, and the recessed ceiling over the countertop," they say.

Historic Character When upgrading a historical house in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles, Sabine Klingler Kane made the kitchen about her clients' butcher-block island. "My customer had the island long before we began the redesign," she states. "It looks perfectly classic, but it's really a reproduction produced from reclaimed wood. It is perfect for their young daughter as she does not have to be careful with her crayons and spilling food. It's drawers on both sides, and wine storage underneath as well as shelves for cook books. However, the best thing is: Two compartments on top are outfitted with electric outlets to plug in tablets, notebooks, phones and tiny appliances. Additionally, it has towel bars and a bottle opener attached to it is not only great looking, but also completely functional and practical."

Exotic Accent To provide a California ranch-style house a fresh, contemporary spin, designer Kristianne Watts utilized a mixture of materials in the kitchen. "On the island we utilized reclaimed boat wood from Indonesia. Together with the paint on each plank, it attracts a genuine feel to the space," she states. "The elevated bar is Portland cement, which can be broken and recycled. The countertops are a quartz from Silestone/Cosentino. The custom cabinetry on the perimeter is an environmentally friendly wood veneer, FSC-certified Shinnoki pre-finished wood panels in Midnight Ash."

Packed With Storage If you're arranging a built-in island, make the most of every inch, outfitting it with drawers, shelves, cabinets and even under-counter appliances. "We included a pull-out spice drawer on this particular island to store frequently used items in a readily accessible area," says designer Kristianne Watts. It features a dining bar and a wine fridge.

Sliding Scale At a compact kitchen, a narrow, sided cart may be a space-savvy option to a classic built-in island. "This custom-made walnut and stainless steel kitchen island was developed to conserve space and provide flexibility in the kitchen," say designers Roy and Jen Leone. "The countertop is character-grade walnut butcher block purchased online, while the stainless steel foundation was made by a local store in Brooklyn. The island design permits stools to tuck under and out of the way when not in use or through a party. Also, the whole island can be rolled and then secured into place with locking casters."

Strong Character Giving a fresh kitchen timeless character and rich character is a challenge for the best architects and architects. 1 method to solve this issue is by repurposing a furniture piece for the workspace -- but it is not always easy to find the appropriate match, as architect Jeff Troyer found. He says: "We searched for months for your kitchen island, looking for something with warmth and personality that would also fit the space. My customers and I finally discovered this classic school science laboratory table on the internet and had it shipped out of Ohio. We had to purchase this sight unseen, but it ended up fitting perfectly and the wood is amazing."

Sustainable Style Waste not, want not: Rather than heading into the lumber yard, a growing number of furniture designers are looking to the past for their own materials. This Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Island, $475, from Herb's Furnishings is one great example. Handcrafted of 100% reclaimed wood from Baltimore, Md., the island's framework is created from old beams, and its shelves are reclaimed pine paneling. The butcher's block top is made of hardwood flooring, which can be sealed with beeswax and food-safe mineral oil. The island sits leveling stems to make sure a flat cutting surface, and it includes a steel bar with S hooks for hanging pots and other utensils.

Stone Age You do not need to await a custom-made island to enjoy the style and functionality of a stone counter tops. The Bluestone Kitchen Isle, $1,999, from Crate & Barrel is crafted with reclaimed pine from old buildings and doors and topped with a glistening slab of bluestone for a luxury appearance. Inside, two roomy drawers open with antiqued iron pulls, while ample open shelves and two iron towel bars give additional storage. The top slab of bluestone is wet sanded and sanded to a smooth finish that reveals its natural character. 2 counter-height stools can be tucked inside for casual, in-kitchen diningtable.

Hip (Not) to be Square It may be by far the most common kitchen island shape, however, the rectangle isn't your only alternative. Angled and even curved designs can work better in your space, like this stunning oval designed by Anthony Baratta. The oblong island, which mirrors the shape of the recessed ceiling, is a custom design constructed in English sycamore wood, with a Pyrolave countertop at a custom made lime color and reverse-painted glass door panels.

DIY Design Island building is basically simple; it is a job most seasoned woodworkers could manage fairly readily. Designer Brooke Norsworthy took on the job herself, building a oversize island with seats for four. She describes her procedure: "With Ana White's kitchen cupboard plans, I built these cabinets by hand using PureBond plywood using poplar trim. The island consists of four cabinets: 2 24" bases and 2 21" foundations.

Mixed Materials "I left the framework for the counter using plywood and 2x4s and took it into my local metal shop to be wrapped in stainless steel," says designer Brooke Norsworthy.   "I screwed the legs right into the countertop just before I glued down the metal, creating an extremely spacious 4' x 8' kitchen island."