There are lots of ways to transform your kitchen island: you can paint it a new color, you can switch out your countertops, or, you can upgrade your entire kitchen by outfitting your island with a sink.
This last option doesn’t get much action, and we understand why. Building a sink into your island isn’t all that quick or easy—and it definitely isn’t cheap. But, it can change the way your kitchen looks and feels, making it a more functional place to cook, clean, and entertain.
The beautiful thing about this upgrade? It works in kitchens of all sizes, shapes, and styles. As long as there’s enough room in your kitchen for an island—and enough room on your island for a sink—you have everything you need to make the addition work.
As you consider how to craft the perfect sink-adorned kitchen island, you’ll have plenty of kitchen island sink ideas to take cues from.
01 Choose an Island With Lots of Storage Space
Under-sink storage space is key, so be sure to snag an island with plenty of drawers and cabinets. This is especially important if your island sink is the only sink in your kitchen. After all, you need a handy place to store cleaning supplies and dish detergent—and you don’t want to keep them next to your food.
02 Maximize Space With a Double Sink
If you have an unusually long island, pair it with an extra-large sink. The sink will give you plenty of room to rinse dishes and prep ingredients, and it will look more at home on your island than a smaller sink would.
03 Rethink Your Lighting Set-Up
In most kitchens, pendant lights are the perfect addition above an island. You can always do something unusual, though, like forgo the segmented lighting and hang lights in the center of the room, instead.
04 Divide Your Island Into Segments
Not sure how to lay out your island? Think about the jobs you need to do in your kitchen and make space for each of them. By segmenting your island into different “activity zones,” you can ensure you have enough room to comfortably prep, cook, and clean.
05 Paint Your Island to Match Your Cabinets
Create cohesion in your kitchen by painting your island to match your cabinets. The choice will tie your kitchen together, and if you really want to streamline your space, you can color-coordinate countertops and match your island faucet to the other hardware in your kitchen.
06 Invest in an Ornate Faucet
Make a statement in your kitchen by snagging an ornate faucet. The classic accent will earn compliments in any kitchen, and if you pair it with an equally ornate dish soap dispenser, you’ll have one of the prettiest sink set-ups in town.
07 Spring for a Classic Farmhouse Sink
Your sink doesn’t have to live inside your kitchen island. So if you want a classic farmhouse sink, simply slide the back of the sink inside your island—and leave the front exposed. This approach will give you the best of both worlds: letting you show off your pretty farmhouse sink, while getting the custom feel of a built-in.
08 Stick Seats at the End of Your Island
Worried your island isn’t big enough for eat-in space and a sink? Get creative. By sliding bar stools on the end of your island, you can sneak in a dining nook that’s perfect for two.
09 Pick a Statement-Making Faucet 
Your sink will probably sit inside your island, but your faucet will peek out over it—making it one of the most visible accents in your kitchen. Skip the classic statement sink, and snag a showstopping faucet, instead. Since faucets come in a range of styles, shapes, and finishes, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one worth springing for.
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