The hardworking kitchen island can be a very functional and beautiful centerpiece of a kitchen design, and it's one of the most popular features of a modern kitchen. But it's not the only way to go.

Sometimes, it's fun to look back on kitchen design features from the past, but some will make you wonder why they're not ...

Torn between a dedicated dining area and a stylish kitchen island with ample prep space? I asked designers for their opinions on the smartest option ...