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20 versatile kitchen islands

Jason
Community Manager
Community Manager

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A kitchen island adds style and storage to the heart of your home. It's also a great spot for making memories with friends and family sharing a food, drinks and fun together.

 

Get inspired by these clever kitchen island projects shared by Bunnings Workshop community members and let us know if we can assist with yours.

 

1. Bamboo panelling on kitchen island by @ProjectPete 

 

A big hit with the Workshop community, this stunning kitchen island makeover features architectural bamboo panelling – a great way to add character and warmth in any room.

 

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2. Country and industrial-style budget kitchen renovation by @Dons-Glenno 

 

The custom-made butchers block is definitely the hero of this room, which won best kitchen makeover in our 2024 search for Australia's best D.I.Y. projects.

 

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3. Hamptons kitchen renovation by @Nham 

 

This kitchen island is a classy focal point in Nham’s kitchen, providing plenty of bench space and additional storage in a busy area. 

 

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4. Kitchen upgrade with scallop panelled island bench by @debsearle 

 

After putting together a Kaboodle kitchen, Deb wanted something special for the old island bench so upcycled it using scallop panelling she discovered at Bunnings. 

 

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5. 1970s kitchen and laundry renovation by @Jason 

 

A dated 1970s kitchen and seperate laundry were transformed to an open-plan kitchen and family room, which became the central hub of the home, with family and friends always congregating around the stone island bench. 

 

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6. Kitchen island EasyVJ panelling by @ProjectPete 

 

In another kitchen island facelift, Pete used Easycraft EasyVJ 63mm panelling to create a striking effect. A coat of British Paints Mossy Road elevated the look.

 

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7. Rustic farmhouse kitchen renovation by @helsbren 

 

A comprehensive renovation transforming a dark and cluttered kitchen into a bright and airy workspace with a lot more room for food preparation thanks to the large island bench. The project was the winner of best kitchen in our 2023 search for Australia's best D.I.Y. projects.

 

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8. Heritage-style kitchen makeover by @Lucille 

 

Workshop member Lucille matched her timber top island’s colours and textures with the rest of her furniture to create a sense of continuity.

 

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9. Custom kitchen reno with built-in wine fridges by @keterlich 

 

This D.I.Y. kitchen renovation features wine fridges built into the custom-designed central island.

 

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10. Kitchen renovation featuring farmhouse sink and large kitchen island by @cupofchloe 

 

Featuring a large farmhouse sink and goose neck taps, this wooden island provides ample space for washing dishes. Chloe also chose an integrated dishwasher with a door panel to match her kitchen island.

 

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11. Kaboodle kitchen makeover with butler's pantry by @Melsmasterpiece 

 

The glossy timber benchtop on this large kitchen island is the star of a new open-plan kitchen created using Kaboodle cabinetry.

 

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12. Kitchen refresh using paint and bleached floor by @dorabulldog 

 

If you have existing dated cabinetry and island bench, this is a great example of how to create a much brighter and more functional kitchen.

 

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13. Beach house kitchen reno with Kaboodle cabinets by @tamaraharringd 

 

Community member Tamara says her huge island bench is a great meeting place, has nine huge drawers and features VJ panelling to help tie it in with the rest of her holiday home. Overhead lights over the bench provide a kitchen feature. 

 

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14. Kitchen rebuild with new butler's pantry by @brookoli_ 

 

With some creativity, even a relatively small space can feature an island bench. You can choose to integrate a cooktop into the bench if space is limited like in this kitchen. 

 

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15. Custom kitchen rebuild with extra storage by @Itai 

 

Community member Itai used the Kaboodle kitchen planner for this renovation project featuring an island bench with lots of storage and induction cooktop. 

 

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16. Remodelled kitchen and living area by @katzie01 

 

A kitchen renovation featuring a large island with plenty of storage and a big overhang so it can be used as a breakfast bench. 

 

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17. Complete kitchen reno using Kaboodle cabinetry by @tiarn1 

 

A comprehensive kitchen renovation project using Kaboodle and featuring a large island bench with double sink and overhang to accomodate bar stool seating. 

 

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18. Kitchen cabinetry using MDF and Melamine by @probus69 

 

Community member David built his own cabinetry using materials from Bunnings, including large kitchen island with drawers and cupboards.  

 

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19. Kitchen island using tool trolley by @Karlster69 

 

Resourceful Workshop member Karl built his own kitchen island by using the Ultimate Storage 42" 7 Drawer Tool Trolley for additional storage. A hardwood panel tabletop was also included, creating a space for eating and entertaining. 

 

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20. Spotted Gum kitchen island by @dean 

 

Experienced Workshop member Dean used Spotted Gum recycled pallets to build this kitchen island, intentionally leaving bumps and inconsistencies for a more rustic effect. Boiled Linseed oil and Cabinet Makers Wax from Bunnings finished the look.

 

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How to build a mobile kitchen island


Mobile kitchen islands provide added flexibility and convenience, especially for those with compact spaces. 

 

Check out experienced Bunnings Workshop member Rob's step-by-step guide on How to build a mobile kitchen island for handy tips on building your own. 

 

Need more help?

 

Please don’t hesitate to hit the Ask a question button if you need a hand with your own kitchen project. 

 

Why join the Bunnings Workshop community?

Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects