Give Your Kitchen Island the Perfect Back Panel
A kitchen island can be the focal point of your cooking space, but often the back side is overlooked. The back panel is just as important for completing your island's look. With some creativity, you can design a back panel that showcases your personal style while maximizing utility.
From materials to lighting and storage, there are many factors to consider when planning your ideal back panel. Read on for ways to give your kitchen island a polished, professional backside.
Matching Flooring Creates a Seamless Look
One way to make the back panel blend right in is to use the same flooring on the back as the rest of the kitchen. This makes the transition from floor to island invisible. Hardwood, tile, or linoleum can wrap continuously from the floor up the back panel for a streamlined appearance.
Matching the flooring material and color helps the island feel like a built-in fixture. Continuing floor patterns or designs up the back has a very seamless effect. Just make sure to leave clearance at the bottom for easy cleaning.
Tile or Stone Backsplash for Texture
Tiling the back panel is a great way to incorporate the backsplash material into the island design. Subway tiles, stone slabs, or mosaic patterns can make the backsplash pop. Extending your kitchen backsplash to the island ties the whole space together.
This is especially helpful for large islands that can feel disconnected. Matching the countertop material is also an option, like quartz or granite tiles on the back panel and surface.
Faux Cabinet Doors for a Polished Look
Some islands have a gap between the countertop and cabinets, leaving the side panel exposed. Filling this with faux cabinet doors makes the island resemble a built-in cabinet.
Cut panels to size and attach cabinet pulls or handles. Spacing the knobs evenly apart makes it look convincingly like real cabinets. Opt for knobs that match the rest of the kitchen hardware.
Open Shelving Adds Storage and Style
Incorporating open shelving transforms the back panel from purely decorative to also functional. Mixing closed and open storage gives you the best of both worlds. Shelves built into the back panel keep items visible and within reach.
Display pretty dishware, cookbooks, or colorful glassware. Just be sure to leave enough clearance for opening cabinet doors. Shelves should align with the overall kitchen style.
Stylish Lighting Showcases the Space
Draw attention to your island back panel design with strategic lighting. Pendants hanging over the center island spotlight the back. Napa Valley-style barn lights or edison bulb fixtures cast a warm glow.
Sconces flanking the panel provide task lighting. Under cabinet strips illuminate the work area. Make sure lights don't block the view or open shelves.
Stained or Painted Panel Matches Cabinets
Matching your island's back panel finish to the cabinet stain or paint color makes the island look like an extension of the cabinetry. Use the same technique and finish to blend it into the kitchen design.
Painting involves fewer steps compared to staining. Opt for cabinet paint in a matte sheen to avoid unwanted glare. Be sure to properly prep and prime the surface first for best results.
Combine Storage and Display
Take advantage of the back panel real estate by merging form and function. For example, mount a rack for hanging utensils and pans. This frees up drawer space while also decorating the back panel.
For a coffee bar, install shelving for mugs above a mini fridge. Open shelves let you exhibit pretty cooking accessories. Just be sure items don't impede the work area.
To complete your kitchen island back panel, incorporate creative touches that enhance the area. For example, a chalkboard back panel becomes a handy spot for messages and meal planning. Or, attaching a mirror makes a small kitchen feel more spacious.
Floating shelves, coat hooks, and artwork turn the back panel into a decorative focal point. For a pop of color, try a bold wallpaper pattern or paint color. Little details like trim or moulding also dress up the design.
The kitchen island back panel can look just as good as the rest of the space. Use it as an opportunity to highlight your personal taste and maximize functionality.