We have been in our house almost three months, and I feel as if I have had a paint brush in my hand the whole time. I have really enjoyed our kitchen and the fact that it is open to the living room. I don’t ever feel as if I am away from the action and off cooking dinner on my own. Yankee chats and hangs out while I cook, or we cook together. Yes, he’s a keeper. Our kitchen is a work in progress (we will be painting the cabinets, changing the lights and the back splash.) However, it is still a very nice kitchen, and I want to make the most of this good thing. There is a large amount of open space in the middle, and after measuring and remeasuring, we converted a table into a kitchen island. It looks great and has given us extra counter and storage space.
This is our kitchen on move-in day. The walls, ceiling, and trim have been painted, but the cabinets haven’t changed.
My grandmother used to own a restaurant, and when I was in college, she gave this small restaurant table to me for the dining room in my house. I left the legs natural but painted the top yellow. When Mom was here, we decided that a black top would tie in nicely with the counter tops, and she painted it. The pine legs are almost the same finish as the cabinets.
I added a towel bar to the side to hold some colorful dish towels that depict my hometown of Lexington, KY.
I could add another towel bar to the other side or hooks to hold hot pads or even pots and pans. I also want to attach a shelf to the bottom for some baskets.
Mom used some left over Annie Sloan chalk paint for the top, and I sealed it with a clear wax. That makes it possible to really use the table when I am in the middle of preparing a meal. I have thought about adding casters to the bottom that would make it both taller and movable, but I just haven’t done it yet.
If you need an island in your kitchen and have an extra table, this would be an easy solution. It has sure worked for me.
Kay says
Viva la difference in paint colors alone! Wow, that earlier paint color was a downer! Love the island, + I was just going to ask if you wanted to put wheels on it. IKEA has them for not much money, but I wonder if they are too big for your table’s slender legs. Have a great day!
Jordan says
Kay,
I think wheels would be great, but since the legs are so skinny I am not sure it will work. I will have to check out the wheels next time I head to Ikea!
Cheers!
Cyndi says
Wheels would be make it more versatile – it would make a great sideboard when you entertain. The kitchen really brightened up with that paint, and I like the natural stain on the cabinets. New hardware would really make a big difference in the interim.
Jordan says
Cyndi,
I love the sideboard idea for entertaining. Ok add wheels to my shopping list. I agree with new hardware, sometimes I wish there were fewer choices it is so hard to decide.
Cheers
Alicia@Eco Friendly Homemaking says
Wow Jordan it looks great!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Love it Jordan…is that the Ikea towel bar…I have one at the end of my island and love it as it is not very deep…perfect for tea towels…..and speaking of tea towels…love yours!
Jordan says
Shirley,
Good eyes, yes it is from Ikea and just perfect!
Cheers