10 ways to update the kitchen island in your home

There's one hard-working spot in the kitchen, and it's the island. Over time, the cabinets of your island might show some wear and tear and need a decorative pick-me-up. Or you might want to give your kitchen a style makeover, but you don't want to have to do a total renovation. Here are some quick ways you can perk up your kitchen island and give your kitchen a style boost.

1. Replace the trim

Give your island some contrast by trimming it out with a new style. You can add trim around the edges to give the island a board and batten style, or try recovering it in shiplap. Another option is to give it a stone appearance with stone backsplash tiles. Underneath, add substantial corbels instead of simple wood brackets for an upgrade.

2. Give it legs

Adding legs to your island is a terrific way to add some style. Attach a pair of legs on either end of your island overhang to dress it up.

3. Get a new top

Give your island a distinctive edge by replacing the top with a material that's different than the rest of the counters. If you have granite counters, replace the island top with a butcher block or a piece of solid-colored stone such as soapstone. If you have solid colored countertops, try a patterned island top such as marble or granite.

4. Go for the waterfall

Instantly update your island by adding a waterfall edge. This will give your island a new, fresh look quickly.

5. Paint

Make your island stand out by painting it a color that sets it apart from the rest of the room.

6. Make a statement

If you have an island with a solid front surface, give the side panels some pizzazz with a pattern. Cover with colorful tiles or textured wall panels. This works well for islands that have a bar and a large open side.

7. Light it up

Simply replacing your lighting fixture can often be all it takes to give your kitchen island a change. Look for a large single fixture, or try an oversized fixture to draw the eye and make the island a focal point.

8. Leave it open

Kitchen islands do a lot of work, and if you're constantly opening cabinet doors to access items, try removing the doors and having open shelving to make bowls and cookware or serving items easy to get to.

9. Add bookends

If you have space on the end of your kitchen island, consider adding shelves on one or both ends to hold cookbooks. Depending on the size of your island, you may even be able to find ready-made shelves you can add and trim out to make them look like they were always there.

10. Enlarge it

Create seating by replacing the top with a larger piece of counter material that extends over the island. This will create a spot to slide barstools under for seating.