A New Island for My Kitchen
I am in the process of making a functional and decorative change in my kitchen and thought I would share with you what I am up to.
Does your kitchen have a standalone island where you can sit or stand to prep food?
I became a big fan of having a kitchen island after having one in my kitchen in my previous home that I lived in for 22 years. When we moved 10 years ago to my current home in SC, the kitchen is small and there was no island.
I had become so used to having a kitchen island that I had to figure out a way to get even a small one in my SC kitchen as an extra food prepping surface.
Not only is a kitchen island a place to prep food, having a center island also provides a central surface to set up with food when entertaining. It is a workhorse all the time.
About 8 years ago I found this stainless steel topped prep table with wheels. It was just the size that would fit. I even liked the industrial vibe.
It has been the island in my kitchen since then. I wrote a post all about this stainless kitchen island back then. It was wonderful until about a year ago when the legs and shelves that are not the same metal as the top became pitted and began to rust.
The stainless steel top was still perfect, but I couldn’t stand looking at the “not so nice parts” and have been in search of a new small island to replace it.
What I Would Really Like
What I would really love to do is an entire kitchen remodel like the one in the photo above. A total remodel keeps getting pushed back when other big home improvements take precedence – like the timing of the municipal offer to get the house connected to our town’s sewer system so we no longer will have a septic system.
Exciting right? But the cost is cha-ching!!! It is an investment for the house and resale someday so a remodeled kitchen will have to wait.
In the meantime I have been searching for a new kitchen island and one finally came up in my onlines searches.
It is a ready-made wood kitchen island in the 36″ x 24″ size needed to fit the space and not be in the way.
Before finding this I figured I would have to build an island myself as I kept finding nothing that would fit. I found plenty that I liked, but not in the size I needed.
As I mentioned above, having an island not only provides another surface in my kitchen, but it also adds storage and style.
The worktable/island is made from solid wood, and since it comes unfinished, it can be stained or painted to match a home’s style.
It features a drawer that the metal island did not – so I am looking forward to this.
It also has two slatted lower shelves. These along with the space up top, will give me the additional space I need to work more efficiently in my small kitchen while freeing up valuable counter space.
How Am I Going to Add My Style To The Island
I dug this photo out from my someday kitchen remodel file.
I like the blue color and am in the process of painting the base of my new island a similar color.
As for the top, food-grade mineral oil is recommended, but I am not going to be using the top as a chopping block so I may use a new Minwax product on it. I am still not sure.
For now I have it set up in the multi-purpose room and am in the painting process.
Once I get it painted and in the kitchen I will share the “AFTER” with you.
Till then – Diane. :-)
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I also used Waterlox on a butcher block counter- that I don’t use for food prep, it’s a wet bar area with a sink – but I love the finish and it stands up to water splashes etc. I followed the instructions to the tee and it took a few days but it was worth the effort. I’m sure whatever you decide to do will be perfect! :)
I know this island will turn out perfectly & cannot wait for the reveal!
I love it!
That is a very nice looking island! I think the blue base will add a nice pop to your kitchen. Can’t wait to see the finished results. I’m sure you will do a bang up job on it like you do with everything else. It will be great to get hooked up to the municipal sewer system. Priorities..priorities… :)
Hi Deanna – I was so happy to find it. Up until I did all I could find were ones that were way too long. Priorities – sometimes no fun. They should be starting the sewer line soon. We are hoping it is not going to be too disruptive for our cul-de-sac where 4 homes will be hooked up.
Looking forward to seeing the finished table! I have followed you for years, always with great ideas and solutions. We will be moving to a retirement community in a couple years where there won’t be nearly enough kitchen space. So I’ve been collecting ideas like yours in preparation. many thanks for all your postings, always enjoyed & have saved them all!!
Best wishes!!
Anne
P.S. Still singing and doing some of that combining with Trinity!
Hi Anne – It took some planning to downsize from our Lansdale kitchen. I truly missed that island, but over the years I have become accustomed to a smaller kitchen – it works for our needs now that we are empty nesters. That is great that you are still singing. Ed is also. He was the president for the last 2 years of his choral society here in SC, but handed off the reins to another member for next year. He says hi! :-). Hope you have an enjoyable summer. Take care :-)
Looks very sturdy and I bet the blue will be beautiful. Will you be putting casters on the legs to make it mobile? Can’t wait to see it!
Hi Gina – The island is super sturdy. It didn’t come with casters and if I added any it would make the height of the surface too high. I thought of cutting doen the legs, but decided not to as the casters on the metal island got all rusted. When I need to move the new island, I will place it on sliding discs that I will keep under the sink when I need to move the island to mop the floor. :-)
Oh, how fun! Anxious to see it completed and in your kitchen. I always get inspiration when I come here. Enjoy your day! ;)
Thanks Donna – I love hearing that you always get inspiration from my posts. That is so nice to hear even after 15 years of blogging. :-)
You solved your problem! It’s perfect solution for you!! I have finished a wooden countertop using Waterlox! It great for kitchens as it’s food safe!! You will love having an island again! Enjoy!
Hi Cindy – I looked into Waterlox along with a few other similar products. I am still decided which one to use. With no island in the kitchen the past week, I realize just how much we truly use it everyday. I will be happy when I get it completed and the kitchen is whole again.
Looks like you may have found the perfect solution.
Thanks Nancy :-
Looking forward to seeing the magic you work on your projects!
Hi Carla – I finished painting the base today, next the top.
What a perfect size, and blue will be so pretty! I would love new counter tops & a dishwasher but I don’t think a kitchen remodel will ever be in our plans. Its fun to dream though!