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marble island ideas

Every design decision, big or small, matters when it comes to kitchen design. Once you’ve picked out your cabinet style and color, choosing a kitchen countertop material is just as important when it comes to the overall look of your space. It’s important to consider functionality, cost, whether you’re aiming for low-maintenance, kid-friendly, statement-making, or more. Kitchen trends come and go, but in 2022, the waterfall island has been one of the most popular with homeowners.

 

Go Luxe

Design and Photography by Bryan and Catherine Williamson of Beginning in the Middle

A waterfall countertop, characterized by a counter that flows over the sides for a seamless, modern feel, is an invitation to show-off your countertop material of choice. A flowing countertop in a high-end material like marble is sure to be a show-stopper, but will put a large dent in a budget-friendly renovation. 

When designer Nick Spain purchased a 1850s Italianate mansion, he juxtaposed historical details with a modern kitchen. The Danby marble island, which was quarried in Vermont and is a less expensive alternative to Calacatta, is the star with its waterfall edge and dark veining.

The Unexpected Island

Design by Acm Interiors; Photography by Reid Rolls

For Bryan and Catherine Williamson’s Ohio renovation, they wanted a moody kitchen to match the Victorian home’s character. Semihandmade DIY Shaker doors in Behr’s Black Sable complement the mixed material island, an unexpected DIY. They found a discounted Carrara slab, but as it would only cover a portion of the island, they elongated it with a walnut waterfall edge.

 

Seating Win

Design by A Vintage Splendor; Photography by Bethany Nauert

This walnut splendor from blogger Anette Vartanian makes midcentury modern with a white waterfall countertop. Vartanian installed new walnut fronts from Semihandmade, which are a near match to the original 1959 cabinets, in her Pasadena home. A geometric backsplash, terrazzo-like quartz floors, and wood-on-wood make this modern revamp nod to the past, plus the waterfall island provides an overhang for much-needed seating.

 

Classic Style

Design by Mable Cheung; Photography by Vicki Bartel

Blogger Mable Cheung put a spin on the classic black-and-white kitchen with Semihandmade Black Supermatte Slab fronts. While she initially wanted an all-white kitchen, the room’s 10-foot ceilings and plenty of natural light called for something completely different. The black fronts anchor the room, providing a dose of drama to the otherwise minimalist design. Cheung’s passion for entertaining was also a major consideration. She has a double dishwasher, double oven, and oversized waterfall island with white Carrara marble.

No matter your design style, budget, or countertop material, a waterfall island is a great option to add a modern touch to any kitchen renovation.