Our Island Project

We just moved into a new house and although we want to tear out and remodel the kitchen, it may be awhile before we do. The kitchen was made to hold a table–or that is what the previous owners had…but I didn’t want just a table. I really miss having an island like we did in our former house.

I started looking for an island to purchase as a temporary solution before we remodel…but everything out there is $300 plus. I didn’t want to spend that. So…I was in the basement one day and noticed the old kitchen cabinets that were left down there that must have been original to the house. There was a pair of cabinets that looked exactly what I needed to make an island!

I made some measurements and yes, they would work! So, now off to find a countertop. I was thinking butcherblock, but once again, I didn’t want to spend money. I went to IKEA on a whim to see if they had anything in their clearance section. THEY DID! I was stoked.

Here it is! $15.

It will need to be trimmed, but it was exactly what I was looking for. I started painting the cabinets white.

Here is the “before” pic:

I used a hand sander to quickly sand the entire cabinet so the paint will stick to it.

Here is the cabinet after sanding:

Next, I spray painted the knobs and hinges using the best spray ever

After one coat:

Here, we secured the butcher block after cutting, measuring, and sanding onto the island with screw-in brackets.

It has an overhang in the back so stools can be placed underneath.

We bought, measured and cut bead board for the sides and back to give the island a cleaner look. We glued this on with Liquid Nails.

We had to glue a little piece of board underneath the bead board, which I painted white to match.

Next, I didn’t like the super old contact paper in the drawers and on the shelves, so I decided to replace it. Here is the before:

This is the contact paper I found at the Dollar Store for yes, $1. I had to use two rolls.

 

Finally, I bought a white towel rack and attached it to the side. All done!

Although I know technically you can cut on the butcher block, I didn’t want to just cut, cut away. So, I had this old butcher block cutting board also from IKEA that matched, so I keep it on the island for food prep. The only finish we used on the counter for the island as well is butcher block wood oil.

That’s it–a very easy and CHEAP island for our kitchen. I think it works really well in our kitchen and of course I love having the extra storage space as well 😉