Years ago, almost no homes had what is now known as a kitchen island. If you lived on a large estate in the 18th century you might have a large table in the scullery where food was prepared by servants. Frank Lloyd Wright is credited with helping fuel the kitchen islands trend we know today as he introduced the concept of taking down the walls between rooms and opening the home for better flow.1
With open-concept homes, the kitchen island is often a divider between the kitchen and other areas of the home, such as the great room or dining room.
Today the kitchen island is a common feature in homes, so its countertop material plays a few different roles.
Kitchen Island Function
It isn’t just a place for food preparation. It is a gathering place for guests who can chat with the cook while the meal is prepared. It is also where children do their homework and have snacks.
It can be where the family dines, especially on weekdays. It’s a storage area and extra countertop space. It’s also an area that may house a sink, trash container, microwave, dishwasher and other appliances. As one designer described today’s island — it’s one-island-for-all-needs.2
Why the Kitchen Island Matters
It is not uncommon for the kitchen island to serve as a focal point in the kitchen. Islands are getting bigger to accommodate the multiple functions the island performs.3 One of the drawbacks of seating at the traditional kitchen island, for example, was that all seating faced in the same direction.
Now, larger islands are making it possible for the family to sit across from each other as they do at traditional dining tables.
Countertop Materials for Form and Function
Countertop materials need to be tailored to how the island will be used. Durability, functionality and style all come into play when choosing an island countertop material. If durability and functionality are major concerns granite and quartz are good choices as they are highly durable and resistant to scratches and high temperatures.4
Marble wouldn’t be a good choice as it is more delicate and prone to scratching, but quartzite may be a good compromise as it is more durable than marble. When it comes down to choosing a countertop material based solely on appearance granite, marble, quartz and quartzite all have advantages.
Granite, Quartz and Marble for the Win
As granite is a natural stone each slab is unique with unique colors, grain and veining. Marble is elegant and stylish and also has distinctive veining but it does come with a higher amount of routine maintenance. Quartz, a man-made material, mimics natural stone products but is more durable. It comes in a wide variety of colors and textures.
Island & Kitchen Countertop Installation, Done Right
A full-service countertop fabricator/installer can guide you to the best material for your needs and budget. With the kitchen island becoming a more integral part of the kitchen landscape it is important to take the time to research and understand all of the options available. The kitchen island, and its countertop, can transform your kitchen from dysfunctional to highly functional, from disorganized to streamlined, and from boring to beautiful.
Wisconsin Granite Design in Oak Creek has been providing full-service countertop design and installation throughout the Milwaukee area with granite, quartz, and marble countertops tailored to your style, budget, and timeline. Visit our Oak Creek showroom and speak with a countertop professional today!
_____________________
1 The Kitchen Island: From Behind the Scenes to Center Stage by Keith Hamm, 3/20/2025
Link: https://www.independent.com/2025/03/20/the-kitchen-island-from-behind-the-scenes-to-center-stage/
2 Countertop Trends That Will Be Huge in 2025 by Emily Kammerlohr, 12/24/2024
Link: https://www.livingetc.com/ideas/kitchen-island-trends-2026
3 Biggest Design Trends for Kitchen Islands in 2025 by Healther Wright, 4/24/2025
Link: https://www.newhomesource.com/news/home-design-trends/biggest-design-trends-for-kitchen-islands-in-2025/
4How to Choose a Countertop for Your Kitchen Island: A Guide to Materials and Design by Dan Williams, 7/22/2025