Walk-in Closet with Island Before and After: 45 Stunning Ai Makeovers
Adding an island to your walk-in closet brings an assortment of benefits, such as increased storage space, better organization, and enhanced resale appeal, to name a few. If you’ve ever looked inside your closet and thought, there’s something missing, installing an island may be what it needs. In this walk-in closet gallery, we share before and after closet makeovers that all keep the same basic layout, but add an island so you can find the style you like best. Using advanced AI image generation, we have created a range of design ideas, from stylish to functional to extravagant. Take a look at these transformations, so you can find the details you love, and use the ideas to plan an island for your own home.
The before image we have used for this gallery is bright and modern, with an efficient U-shaped layout with a mix of closed white cabinets, drawers, open shelving, and hanging rods. There’s an expansive center walkway that lacks an island, making it the perfect palette to add a variety of different designs, including variations in style, lighting, and colors.
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Backlit Onyx Waterfall Island, Floating Glow, with Minimal Pendants
This “after” picture transforms the same bright closet into a high-end boutique by adding an alluring onyx waterfall countertop island. The waterfall onyx top is backlit, so the whole island has an inviting glow at the base and along the stone’s edges to match the other backlighting found above the shelving. The addition of the stone lighting gives the closet a more architectural feel, turning it into a luxury showroom, creating a focal point, and enhancing its visual interest.
To get this look, install a backlit onyx slab with waterfall edges, and warm LED panel backlighting, in the 2700K to 3000K range. Use a flat-panel cabinet with stacked drawers and brushed nickel bar pulls that match the other hardware. Hang slim cylinder pendants in a row above with warm-white bulbs. For the island’s base color, choose Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005, and Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 for the other walls.
Closet Island in Dusty Blue, Brass Globe Chandelier, with Crisp White Walls
This idea adds a strong Pinterest-worthy focal point with a dusty blue island and a big brass globe chandelier overhead. The island’s got a glass-topped display area that’s ideal for those who want to display their jewelry or other accessories. The bench on the right is situated next to the shoe shelving, making it the perfect spot to sit and try on your heels with your outfit.
To get a similar look, try a paint like Sherwin-Williams Sleepy Blue SW 6225. Use shaker-style panels for the cabinet’s base with extra-deep drawers, brushed nickel pulls that go with the others. Or swap out the nickel and go with brass if you want to better pair them with the oversized brass globe chandelier and pendants above. For the island’s surface, select a white quartz, and a raised glass display top for all of your perfumes, jewelry & accessories
Closet Island in Lavender Haze, Cloud Glass Chandelier, with Pearlized Accessory Glow
This creation shows its playful side with its lavender island that adds some soft color, and includes a cloud-like glass chandelier top that allows one to showcase their jewelry. The closet’s styling feels like a boutique showroom with its abundance of open shelving and a glass cluster chandelier with dual ribbed pendant lights. To get a paint like the lavender shade shown, try Benjamin Moore Violet Mist 1437. Select a white quartz with a glass display surface for jewelry trays and place a Small tufted ottoman in front for trying on shoes in comfort
Japandi Calm Island, with Light Oak & Soft Beige Palette
This closet makeover switches the white cabinets and shelves to a calm, wood-grained veneer that feels like a Japandi-style spa. The full-height cabinetry becomes light oak, and a minimal island with a bench in front is brought in so the room feels open and serene. To get this result, use light white oak with flat-panel fronts in a satin clear coat with finger pulls. Add a slim pendant light that’s centered overhead.
Black Island With Glass Gallery Top, Moody Charcoal Walls & Crystal Chandelier
This one goes for drama with its high contrast design featuring walls and ceiling that go deep charcoal, while the island turns matte black. The center looks stunning with a raised jewelry counter with a glass display top. The crystal chandelier makes it all look like a glam boutique and gives that sparkle, making it feel like a luxury experience. For a similar look, use a deep charcoal shade like Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 on the ceiling and Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258 on the base for a wrapped, moody effect. Hang a crystal chandelier to enhance the focal point in the center.
Natural White-Oak Island, Waterfall Quartz Top, With Contemporary Lines
This after picture brings in the warmth by trading the white tones for natural oak accents and two low bouclé ottomans. The cabinetry is constructed from white oak with a waterfall quartz top in the center, and brass cylinder pendants make it all feel like it was custom-designed. If you want to get an idea bout what something like this might cost, visit our closet price calculator here.
Walnut Island, Glass Display Case Top & Luxury Boutique Vibe
This one reads like a high-end store with its walnut island that’s topped with a lit glass display case, and jewelry styling, so everything is easily accessible. Between the backlit shelving, glass display, and brass pendants, it all yields an inviting golden glow that is sure to please. To match the aesthetic, use soft warm-white paints on the walls like Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008, or Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17.
Waterfall Quartz Island & Glam Pendant Pair
This looks like an inviting master bedroom closet design featuring a matching island that perfectly flows with the rest of the room’s aesthetic. It has a quartz counter and a sleek glass gallery tray for accessories. Overhead, there are two slim brass pendants bringing a touch of glam polish without making the room feel busy. The paint used for this is similar to Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005 for the cabinetry and Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 on the walls.
Backlit Onyx Display Vault Island, with Glass Lid & Jewelry Museum Look
This idea becomes a museum-style display vault with a glowing interior, on top of a white and gray onyx-style surface. The back wall gets brass-framed mirrored panels that make the closet feel twice as deep and match the two large opal pendant lights.
Deep Navy Color Drench Walk-In with Brass Chandelier & Opal Pendants Over Island
This closet’s ceiling and island go for a beautiful, bold color-drenching technique that bathes them in a deep navy shade, which adds a high-contrast look against white cabinetry and lit shelving. The island’s navy shade with a quartz top and opal globes above adds luxury touches that make the room feel expensive. To get the look, color-drench the central cabinet base and ceiling in Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244.
Furniture Style Taupe Island with Statement Chandelier & Boutique Warmth
The taupe tones used for this redesign warm everything up with its creamy cabinetry with raised panel fronts. The brass statement globe chandelier above makes it feel custom, and matches the hardware used throughout, and goes well with the softer taupe tones that make the closet look richer. For a look like this, try using Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige SW 7036, or Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008. Add a plush ivory rug with a soft pile underneath for that tactile feel that gives it an extra bit of personality.
Art Deco Glam, Deep Jewel Tone, Brass & Onyx, with a Dramatic Chandelier
Going for a closet design that is dark and feels like you stepped back in time to the Art Deco era, this dressing room offers glam with its deep navy built-ins, brass inlay lines and hardware, and a glowing onyx-look island top. The onyx top is backlit so it glows seductively and pairs well with the extravagant, oversized tiered chandelier to give it some hotel suite drama. A plush, emerald velvet bench is pulled in front, giving it a lounge aesthetic. Use a cabinet color such as Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244 for that deep jewel navy shade.
High Gloss White Island with Backlit Ribbed Glass Base & Modern Disco Chandelier
This one swaps out the matte white finish for a high-gloss style that helps it feel like a glamorous showroom. The island features a glowing, ribbed glass base with a disco-ball chandelier above that adds sparkle to the space. It’s a high-engagement look because it feels unexpected and the reflective surfaces and lighting look luxe and expensive. To get results like this, use Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005 with a high-gloss finish so it looks ultra smooth and reflective. Select ribbed fluted glass panels, and install warm LED backlighting in the range of 2700K to 3000K.
Marble Waterfall Island Walk In Closet, with Fluted Base & Sculptural Chandelier
This after picture stuns with its waterfall stone, fluted toekick texture, and a sculptural chandelier. The island’s got a lot going on with its fluted base detailing at the bottom and marble-look waterfall quartz with larger-scale veining for added drama. If that wasn’t enough, it brings in curved banquette seating at the back, making the whole room feel like a dressing room and inviting you to stay. To replicate this the center looks similar to Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17, while the walls resemble Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008.
Modern Parisian Closet, with Soft Greige, Brass Accents & Classic Lantern Chandelier
Step into a Parisian walk-in featuring a deep greige-charcoal appearance with gold trimwork and hardware. This design feels moody and tailored, with its deep greige cabinetry, but is brightened up through its brass trim accents and a lantern chandelier, giving it a timeless flair. To get dark cabinetry like this, try Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166 for that deep greige-charcoal, or Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168 for a softer touch. Pair this with brass edge pulls, rail details, lantern chandelier and frame mirror styling. Finally, add a tufted, upholstered bench in front so there’s a place to sit and try on shoes.
Natural Walnut Built-Ins, with Glass Display Island Top & Boutique Gallery Lighting
This transformation chooses wood cabinetry with a rich walnut finish, so it instantly feels like a luxury boutique. The island becomes a jewelry counter with a lit glass display top. Directly above, there is a trio of brass pendants that give it a gallery glow. If you want this style, for all the built-in choose a natural walnut cabinetry, with flat-panel fronts, and a clear satin finish. Select brass pulls and matching dome pendants. Add a small rounded, camel fabric ottoman on your shoe shelf side for a place to put on your heels to complete the look.
Drawer Island with Bench and Window Seat
This design is built with a drawer island with a quartz top, with a portable bench pulled in front. In the back, there is a large L-shaped window seat with a comfy upholstered cushion, making it a relaxing place to relax and enjoy the space. Overhead, there are interesting woven pendants that give it a soft, coastal-modern vibe. The cabinetry uses something similar to Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008 if you’d like to mimic this style.
Backlit Ribbed Glass Island, with Light Box Effect & Sculptured Chandelier
This creation goes for the wow factor with a glowing island with ribbed glass panels that creates a soft light-box effect that looks like a high-end retail display. It goes beautifully with the white cabinetry and globe sculptural chandelier above. There is also a soft textured bench in front providing a place to sit and enjoy the ambiance.
Fluted Island, with Marble Look Quartz Top & Soft Designer Finish
This after image layers in the texture with its fluted island, marble-look quartz, sculptured chandelier, and curved seating at the back. The result is a design that turns the room into a luxury dressing lounge. The closest paints to get the look are Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23 for the island’s base and Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008 for the walls. Keep the built-in shelving equipped with subtle warm LED lighting to keep everything glowing and looking inviting.
Canary Yellow Island, with Sculptural Brass Sputnik & Color Pop Shoe Wall
This island’s two-tone color palette features a canary yellow and white with a display glass top. This glass display is ideal for those who want to show off accessories like perfume, jewelry, watches, and other smaller items. For the yellow, try out Benjamin Moore Yellow Highlighter 2021-40 and Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008 for the regular cabinetry. Install a spectacular sputnik chandelier to add instant mid-century glam. In addition, enhance the shoe wall by including a tufted bench to make trying things on easier.
Soft Blush Island, with Crystal Fringe Chandelier & Velvet Bench
This feminine after picture leans romantic and glam with a blush center that gives the room a soft color moment. Soft pink tones are used in the middle cabinet and the curved velvet ottoman that look gorgeous paired with the white cabinets. A crystal fringe chandelier adds some sparkle, recessed cans, undershelf LEDs, and two globe pendants help keep it all brightly illuminated. To get the blush feel, use a paint pick such as Benjamin Moore Pink Bliss 2093-70.
Light-Oak Island, with White Quartz Top & Glass Front Display Drawers
This after closet design revamps the entire cabinetry by changing its geometry and adding angled drawers, and closing up the window. The island’s light oak cabinet offers glass-front drawers, so your accessories are displayed, instead of hidden. The middle section in back was mirrored and delicate globe pendants were hung to make the space feel bigger and more elevated.
Mixed Natural-Oak & Greige Walls, with Fluted Island & Sculptural Chandelier
This makeover is all about the wood with its natural oak on the walls and shelving. It then adds a touch of sophistication with greige paint and a fluted island. The globe sculptural chandelier gives it the ambiance of a designer showroom that pairs beautifully with the shoe gallery’s wood glow. For greige walls, try Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige SW 7036, or Benjamin Moore Pale Oak OC-20 for something similar.
Scandinavian Minimal Closet, with Bright White Cabinets & Matte Black Lighting
A Scandinavian style closet looks stylish and modern, with bright white cabinetry, clean geometry, and a matte black chandelier that adds a bit of contrast. The styling feels like a high-end new build. To get the look, use bright white cabinetry with a satin finish, using a paint pick like Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005.
Espresso Walls, with Modern Gold Chandelier & Smoked-Glass Pendants
By using rich espresso-hued walls, you give off an elegant vibe that feels moody and luxe. To keep the deep espresso from feeling too dark, use layered lighting with smoked glass pendants, a contemporary chandelier, and recessed cans to add that warm, boutique ambiance. For espresso walls, try paints such as Sherwin-Williams Turkish Coffee SW 6076 or Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze SW 7048.
California Modern, with Warm-White Cabinets & Statement Woven Pendants
This walk-in pursues a Californian Modern style that feels relaxed, beachy, and inviting like a new build. It has the same white cabinetry but adds natural elements like woven pendants, a textured wool rug, and warm wood accents. Its neutral styling makes it all feel soft and approachable.
Charcoal Gray Island, with Linear Pendant & Moody Shelf Lighting
This island’s charcoal base creates a high-contrast environment that works well off the white cabinet backdrop. A linear pendant overhead injects a modern edge that helps bring focus on the central jewelry display with glass-front drawers and lit shelves, making the whole space feel custom. You can choose a paint like Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 for a similar charcoal shade.
Light Rift Sawn Oak Built Ins, with Curved End Island & Opal Pendants
This closet’s rift-sawn wood surface warms the whole space while its curved island with quartz top adds a custom element that feels luxurious to use. The dual opal pendants offer a soft and flattering illumination that brings attention to the glass display top, turning the centerpiece into a styled perfume and jewelry showcase. To get built-ins like this, choose a light rift-sawn oak with flat-panel fronts and a clear satin finish. Tuck an ivory bouclé ottoman to one side for an inviting try-on spot. Finally, place an ivory wool rug on each side for a lighter effect on the flooring and to match the ottoman and paint.
Matte Black Island, with Bright White Walls & High Contrast Pop
This black-and-white cabinet mix features a matte black center that instantly becomes the focal point. It keeps its same white cabinetry along the perimeter and hangs a linear brass fixture overhead for a modern designer signature. For the island’s paint, try using Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258 in a matte or soft-matte finish to get this style. Install a light quartz with subtle veining and a square edge on top for contrast and to tie it together.
Plum Mauve Mood, with Modern Chandelier & Brass Cone Pendants
This after image feels like a luxe dressing room by using a deep green plum that changes the mood to feel richer and more dramatic. To get a moody, deep green with a jewel-tone on the walls, try Sherwin-Williams Ripe Olive SW 6209 for the deep-green vibe, or Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 for a darker, smokier palette. Update the room’s lighting so it’s layered with a sculptural chandelier plus brass cone pendants, along with shelf LEDs and the recessed lights. For your seating include a round mauve ottoman to give it a soft, glam accent
Smoked Glass & Onyx Hybrid Island, with Underlit Plinth
This island’s design could be categorized as modern and high-impact because it adds a unique underlit plinth, combined with smoked-glass display sides. The entire structure looks like a luxury retail display that is enhanced by additional LED strips under the remainder of the perimeter cabinets, clothing racks, and shoe cubbies. For a hybrid glass base with a solid center drawer bank and smoked glass side display cabinets.
Soft Pink Island, with Polished Nickel Hardware & Crystal Fringe Chandelier
Bringing in a touch of soft pink to the white palette adds a feminine and glam quality without being over the top. The soft pink central cabinet offers some color to draw the eye and keep it visually interesting. A crystal fringe chandelier adds sparkle that photographs beautifully. The addition of a plush velvet ottoman in a slightly deeper tone than the island’s pink looks inviting and stylish. For a blush tone like what’s shown above, consider Benjamin Moore Pink Bliss 2093-70.
Acrylic Display End Island, with Jewelry Lighting & Modern Boutique Style
This walk-in closet uses custom acrylic display ends with backlights to make the island more stylish and high-end. These clear acrylic display panels can be styled with folded sweaters and accessories to give it a retail shop vibe. There is a spot in the back to pull up a chair for doing makeup or getting dressed. The island’s warm greige base color is similar to Sherwin-Williams Natural Tan SW 7567. To change up the back, the window was removed, and an expansive jewelry organizer wall with velvet-lined trays and warm LED backlighting was installed. This is further enhanced by oversized clear glass globe pendants with warmer bulbs.
Backlit Alabaster Stone Island, Curved Ends, Gallery Top, with Opal Pendants
This closet’s glowing centerpiece features backlit alabaster-style panels and rounded ends, with a glass gallery top to display your favorite perfume and jewelry. For extra drama, it adds cove ceiling lighting and opal globes to give the room a warm and flattering ambiance. The palette uses a welcoming mix of creams, warm whites, pale wood floor, and minimal contrast to give off its luxury vibe.
Dark Olive Luxe, Black Chandelier, with Brass Mini Pendants Over Glass Display
These dark olive tones turn a plain closet into a designer showroom with a black chandelier to bring in some sparkle where it counts. The island’s base is constructed with a light wood base with a white quartz top and sits on top of a dark woven rug rather than wood-plank flooring. The back wall is where the dark-hued olive comes in and is similar to Sherwin-Williams Ripe Olive SW 6209 if you want to replicate the style.
Terracotta Clay Island, Warm Lantern Pendant, with a Textural Rug Upgrade
Making a color statement by using a terracotta cabinet and matching hued benches in back, this closet keeps things looking bright, but adds a modern punch with its alluring brass lantern-style lighting. The patterned rug further enhances the style, and the glass-top accessory display adds a boutique feel for displaying your favorite items where they are easy to reach. To get a terracotta paint that’s similar, try Sherwin-Williams Cavern Clay SW 7701.
Moody Natural Teak Built Ins, Floating Underlit Island, with a Linear Pendant
There is something about warm teak cabinetry that gives a modern and architectural aesthetic. These built-ins make everything feel custom by creating a floating island with underlighting to create a weightless, showroom look. Overhead, there is a slim, contemporary style linear pendant that, along with the shelf lighting, makes the wood surfaces glow. For cabinetry such as this, choose natural teak wood cabinetry with a clear satin coat and underlit plinth lighting to get a floating appearance.
Navy Statement Island, Brass Accents, with a Picture Light Mirror Wall
A navy centerpiece like this, paired with white cabinets, feels bright and polished and creates a strong focal point. The window in back is swapped out for a mirror wall, which makes the space look bigger, and the simple semi-flush light fixture was changed to these glamorous brass dome pendants, making it feel like a boutique dressing room. If you want a navy paint like this, try Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244. Then add some brass bar pulls, gallery tray, and similar details on the lighting and furniture.
Curved End Reeded Detail Island with Soft Spa Lighting
This island’s curved reeded design with its blue-green hue gives this walk-in a spa-like focal point that’s beautiful and welcoming. On top sits a glass display tower for your perfumes into décor. In the back, there’s a plush armchair for relaxation by the window. The room’s lighting makes everything feel gentle, and the cloud-shaped sculptured chandelier overhead creates a high-end environment. To copy the blue-green paint sheen, consider Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt SW 6204 and pair it with Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008 on the walls.
Workstation Island, Charging Drawer, with Steamer Cabinet Upgrade
This closet’s central hub acts as a workstation with a charging drawer for hair tools, and organized storage for all of your beauty products, and room on top for folding clothes. In the back, there’s a built-in steamer zone rather than a window that turns the wall into a true dressing setup for those with an active lifestyle. Hanging above are two brass cone-shaped pendant lights. Another interesting, custom feature is the wrap-around built-in bench seating below the clothing rods, so one may sit and get dressed anywhere inside the layout. s
Light-Oak Island, Glass Front Accessory Drawers, with a Gallery Look
The light oak tone used in the center cabinet remodel is equipped with a glass-front drawer that turns accessories into a display element. In front here’s a textured bench, and above are two globe pendants. The oak wood and white painted surfaces pair well with simple modern, silver pulls.
Island with Center Glass Display Vault, with a Boutique Museum Look
This island’s got an upright glass display vault that reminds me of a museum case. It’s the ideal spot to make your jewelry the centerpiece, and features a trio of brass mini pendants for an alluring gallery lighting effect. Everything stays white, so it all feels bright and welcoming.
Island with Makeup Counter Extension, Hollywood Mirror, with Glam Seating
This design is more like a peninsula with its own built-in vanity zone that’s created by extending the island across to become an oversized makeup counter. The Hollywood mirror in the back becomes the focal point, and is illuminated by built-in lighting and brass cone pendants that reinforce the glam vibe. In front of the makeup peninsula there is a channel-tufted bench that can be slid in and out to make it feel like a dressing suite.
Island with Glass Shelf Ends, Designer Display, with a Modern Style Chandelier
This closet transformation swaps out some of the shelving and cabinetry for glowing display cases. By adding tall glass shelving towers, there’s room for shoes and bags to be placed so they feel like a boutique window display. The island resembles the rest of the cabinets with a modern globe chandelier overhead. A built-in couch with storage underneath is placed below the back window, giving you a place to sit to try on shoes or cozy up with your favorite book.
All White Shaker Island, Glass Gallery Top, with Brass Lantern Pendants
This island’s base uses an all-white shaker cabinet with a glass top, and is paired with built-in shelving and warm brass lanterns that feel timeless. The glass gallery top makes the centerpiece function like a jewelry counter. All of the extra shelving is uplifted by generous amounts of layered lighting, providing everything with a soft boutique glow.
Which of these walk-in closet designs is your favorite? Share your top pick in the comments below to let us know. To see more luxury ideas, check out our gallery of two-story walk-in closets here.
