As the name aptly suggests, the most striking element of Kate Hudson‘s ‘Blue Jean Baby’ kitchen is the blue cristello marble. Like the bottom of a pool on a sunny day, the textured stone lights up Kate’s countertops and backsplash. However, this buzzy detail distracts from one of the most on-trend elements of her space: the oversized kitchen island.
Designed in collaboration with Cafe Appliances as an update to her parents’, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell’s, former Los Angeles home, the actress’s cooking space celebrates timelessly functional farmhouse style. From the gold hardware to the recessed lighting, to the double ovens, it’s all about ease and convenience, and the oversized island is no different. Standing at about double the size of a traditional kitchen island, it offers double the prep space, and double the storage. Rather than confining pots and pans to the cabinets, they now have a larger area to call home.
Furthermore, oversized islands are the newest kitchen trend in luxury homes. To explore, Homes & Gardens interviewed experts on the newfound popularity of these large floating accessories to understand why they work and what to be cautious of. We also curated an edit of our favorite blue kitchen pieces to make it easy for you to recreate Kate’s style. It all starts with a peek into Kate’s home via Instagram.
Shop the Blue Kitchen Edit
Like the marble in Kate’s kitchen, this edit deals in layering shades of blue for a textured look with plenty of depth. These pieces would be gorgeous styled on (or in) a kitchen island.
MacKenzie-Childs Royal Check Pitcher
Painted in a whimsical checkerboard print, this rustic pitcher is the perfect kitchen island accessory that combines color and pattern all in one. It would be perfect for featuring on a silver or rattan tray.
This gorgeous turquoise vase comes in the color of summer. With its artisanal feel, it works beautifully not only in a kitchen but also styled on consoles or coffee tables throughout your home.
Made from 100% cotton, these soft and absorbent napkins are perfect for spills, messes, or wiping hands. Their gentle blue shade adds a charming accent to any table, making them ideal for casual brunches or elegant dinners.
Nonstick Our Place Perfect Pot
For those who love soups and stews, this 5.5-quart pot from Our Place is the perfect, versatile pot option. It’s the ideal colorful accent for adding interest to your stovetop, on or off the kitchen island.
A counter lamp is a fun way to bring in a pop of color, and this baby blue design is sure to make a bold statement. It’s a playful take on the classic bobbin furniture, bringing in a new form to your kitchen. This design is also available in pink, yellow, beige, and crimson, so there’s a color for every style.
Oggi Tea Kettle for Stove Top
This striking whistling kettle is crafted from premium food-grade stainless steel, ensuring durability, rust resistance, and fast heating. Its design combines elegance with practicality, making it a reliable addition to any kitchen stovetop.
In addition to their luxe look, the popularity of oversized kitchen islands comes down to their practicality for transforming any space into a functional chef’s kitchen.
As Kate’s design shows, these spaces need to be as utilitarian as possible. For instance, large kitchen islands provide an instant boost of storage. Professional Chef Peter Sidwell explains: ‘Great storage keeps your worktops and your head clear. Deep drawers, internal organizers, pull-outs, and larders mean you can see everything at a glance. If you can find what you need instantly, you’ll cook more confidently and with far less stress. I love my pantry, as I can open the doors, see all my ingredients, and work out what to cook.’
A large island also provides more space for prep and better flow throughout the layout. Peter states: ‘When it comes to the non-negotiables that every chef’s kitchen should have, regardless of budget or space, it’s good prep space – an uninterrupted worktop where you can properly chop, mix and assemble. Also, a smart layout – you shouldn’t be walking miles between fridge, sink, and hob.’
However, it’s important to make sure that Kate’s luxury pick is the right fit for your space before investing. Kitchen design expert Daniel Beadle advises careful planning before committing to a large island. He states: ‘It should enhance how the kitchen works, not get in the way of it.’ This helps to ensure that the shape complements the design, rather than hindering movement.
‘Poor spacing around an island is one of the most common layout mistakes I see,’ Daniel cautions. ‘You need enough clearance to move comfortably, open appliances, and work efficiently.’
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