Can I use duct tape to decorate a small kitchen island?

Hi Darlene. Have you thought about decoupage? It's really easy to do and would work for this project. You can use tissue paper (for gift wrapping), decoupage paper (sold at craft stores), wrapping paper, craft paper and even paper napkins. I decoupaged a little shelf with Mod Podge and you can see it here.

https://www.lostmom.org/thrift-store-shelf-makeover/

Duck tape has always been a little tricky for me to work with, but you could also buy adhesive vinyl. They sell rolls of it and sheets at craft stores. This tutorial shows how to use it on furniture.

https://thehomesihavemade.com/2016/02/1-dresser-4-totally-temporary-transformations-vinyl-covered-dresser/

have you considered Washi Tape

some examples here

https://www.amazon.com/Rolls-Decorative-Masking-Crafts-Wrapping/dp/B06XNJH7YK

You can buy stencils to create stripes and checkerboard patterns. It is far easier to use a stencil than it is to tape off sections to stencil. I use the small bottles of acrylic paint found in craft stores to stencil and a triangular shaped makeup sponge rather than a brush to apply the paint. You dab the excess paint off the sponge on a paper towel and then proceed to dab your stencil. You don't get as much bleeding this way. Trick is to not keep going over your stenciled area to prevent bleeding. Amazon has many stripe and checker stencils available and you will find these stencils at places like Hobby Lobby and Michaels. You can also create your own stencils if you have a Cricut. Yes you should put a clear coat to protect your work once you are finished.

What about finding a peel and stick wallpaper in the design you want.

Thanks to all of you for the ideas. I'm ditching the duck tape and will give all of them some research and thought.

Darcy! In answer to your question. Acrylic craft paint works great for stenciling. It is difficult to stencil over glossy latex as a base paint. I would suggest a eggshell finish which is closer to a flat paint as your base paint. If you stencil on a glossy base paint the stenciling has more of a tendency to scratch off. You can put a coat of poly over it to preserve it but then I wonder what would happen if you ever wanted to paint over your design somewhere down the road. You would have to do some prep work to paint over any poly finish; sanding and priming. I was able to stencil around m kitchen and dining room windows and a border and I did not use any poly over the stenciling to preserve them; an area where no one could damage the stenciling. Best thing about it was when I wanted to remove the stenciling a few years later it came off with a kitchen scrubby and warm water before I repainted. I believe I stenciled over a satin finish base paint.