In an era where kitchens are customized to match the lifespan of smart refrigerators, kitchen islands have long been IslandsFreestanding structures seem to have remained the same for years without significant changes, until a relatively recent contemporary design trend emerged: the waterfall kitchen island.
For advice on the eye-catching style (where the countertops extend over the sides of the island), I enlisted the help of the three women at Dallas-based BuildTX Solutions, the team behind one of the most amazing waterfall island installations I've ever seen.
Featured image of Camille's Kitchen by Michelle Nash.
Analyzing the trend of waterfall kitchen islands
“What we appreciate most about the waterfall kitchen island trend is that it blends functionality with premium design,” says Jeritza Mora, director of business development at BuildTX. “The seamless look makes your kitchen appear larger and cleaner. Plus, the design provides additional protection for the sides of your cabinets, which is especially helpful in high traffic areas.”
The streamlined look also aids in flow, creating continuity between the kitchen and other living areas, “which is important in open-concept layouts where the kitchen is often visible from other parts of the home,” adds Mora.
And thanks to the availability of newer, more affordable materials like quartz and laminate, building a waterfall island doesn't have to strain your budget any more (though nothing beats the look and durability of natural stone).
For some clean-line inspiration, we've rounded up 12 striking examples of stunning waterfall kitchen islands, including some that feature Mora's favorite custom touches.
Eliza Mora
Yelitza Mora is co-founder and director of business development at BuildTX Solutions in Dallas, Texas. With over 10 years of experience in supply chain management and logistics development, Mora and her team are combining their expertise to bring a new identity to custom residential building, design and renovation.
12 Waterfall Kitchen Islands for Every Style (and Budget)
Grooved waterfall island
Just like the waterfall kitchen island, the fluted trend isn't going away. “This new trend is showing up everywhere, from walls to tiles to furniture,” Daniela Villamil told us this summer. “It's a beautiful way to play with organic shapes and textures, and we welcome it!”
High contrast waterfall kitchen island
You can create a dramatic feel by pairing white marble waterfall countertops with darkly painted wood and cabinetry for added visual interest.
Butcher Block Falls
As striking as it is practical, this wooden waterfall island (or peninsula, in this case) keeps things flowing while making the trend a little more affordable.
Built-in Waterfall Wine Fridge
This is our absolute favorite way to combine form, function, and the look of a waterfall.
Waterfall island with built-in shelf
A waterfall island is a striking focal point on its own, but adding shelves to display cookbooks, artwork, and more makes for a truly stunning storage space.
The island of white waterfalls
Speaking of continuity, why stop at just stone? Place a “waterfall” over the existing peninsula, leaving the baseboards (and outlets!) in place to maintain a streamlined look.
Built-in beverage station
This is one of the coolest custom additions Mora has ever seen and was in response to a request to install a waterfall island.
Concrete Waterfall
If you want to add a more industrial feel to your modern kitchen trend, choose cement or concrete countertops.
Store in the dishwasher
“A clever way to maximize space in a small kitchen is to install an undercounter refrigerator or dishwasher within a waterfall element,” Mora points out.
Under Cabinet Lighting
Display your island like a work of art.
Make it a marble statement piece
Waterfall islands have a reputation for being expensive, mainly because they use a lot of expensive stone, like marble, to create their look. But think of it this way: If you go big on your island, you can keep everything else to a minimum, like Ashley Robertson did. But if you opt for a slab of marble, make sure you treat the stone well, as the material can be very porous.
Durable Quartz Waterfall Kitchen Island
Speaking of porous, opting for durable quartz over marble is an easy fix to this problem. Camille has always embraced the waterfall island trend (in both her bungalow and her family's home in Austin). In her airy bungalow, she chose Caesarstone Calacatta Nuovo to act as a neutral in her mostly white contemporary kitchen.
