Staggered countertops can also help separate the cooktop and the dining area if you want to use the kitchen island for cooking and eating. Bright white paint on the cabinets rescued this open kitchen from its sea of same-color wood finishes. A contrasting paint job on the island introduces a favorite color that might be too bold for perimeter cabinets. Outfitted with seating and storage, the new island brings high function to the space. Moving the cooking appliances to the island during the kitchen renovation made room for an over-the-sink cutout facing the sunny dining room, which helps bring in natural light.