10 Creative Kitchen Island Ideas That Fit Every Budget (4 of 6)

6. Live-edge kitchen island

A live-edge island is crafted from a single slab of wood, with its natural contours intact. The raw edge of the tree is often displayed, resulting in a rustic, organic touch that becomes a real conversation starter when entertaining friends. Custom pieces aren’t exactly cheap—$2,000 on the low end and all the way up to $30,000—but they’re certainly one-of-a-kind!

7. Paint it bold

A surprisingly simple way to make your kitchen island really stand out on a budget is to paint it! Go with a bold hue like deep navy, emerald green, or terracotta to give it some real character. A vibrant island paired with neutral cabinetry creates the right contrast and balance. If you’ve got an old island or thrifted piece, a fresh coat of paint allows you to jazz it up without making a significant investment.