Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Kitchen Island



This is an old table that my parents got God-knows-where.  It was in our garage for ages, and then did duty as a desk for my son.  It's old and beat up and scratched, which is why I love it.  This weekend, my husband and I decided to put it in the kitchen, and give it a sort of test run as a kitchen island.



Before we had our kitchen renovated, we used a cabinet  from Ikea as an island.   It offered us a great amount of working and storage space.  During the renovation, we moved it to the wall to get it out of the way.  When the renovation was complete, we moved it back to the center of the kitchen, but found that it interfered with the flow we had gotten used to, and made the kitchen feel smaller.  So it stayed against the wall.



However, we did miss the work surface it afforded, so close to the rest of the kitchen.  Hence, this table.  At dining height (30 inches) it's a little too short for working, and the top is in poor shape, so we are thinking about getting a 4- inch- thick butcher block top for it.  That would bring it to 34 inches, which seems manageable.  If I knew how to take the top off and add some height, I would do that also.  I'll have to ask around.





I briefly considered painting it black, but to be perfectly honest, I'm much too lazy and I really like it the way it is -- scuff marks and all.  

So tell me what you think.  Am I crazy, or will this make a cool kitchen island?

55 comments:

  1. I love it, it's gorgeous and has bucket loads of character! I believe it to be a perfectly fabulous kitchen block Mary!
    Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

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  2. You're NOT crazy, Mary!! I'm with Amanda in saying it's a perfectly fabulous kitchen island!!!

    I think I'd want to find a way to ADD to the height of it first and then, if that doesn't work...the 4" butcher-block top sounds great!!

    ~Blessings,
    Jan

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  3. Oh, gosh, Mary...we would all
    KILL for this gorgeous piece !
    I'll bet you would dearly love having the butcher block top and, oh, how pretty it would be.
    I, myself, think it fits just perfect in the kitchen of the LITTLE RED HOUSE....just PERFECT.

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  4. I think it looks great, and has such character. I would definitely find a way to add height.

    And, I would not paint it - ever.

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  5. Add my vote to all the others, it's beautiful! Character and charm galore. I love the legs.

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  6. It is a beautiful table, and I think it makes a perfect kitchen workspace.

    How about removing the top, then building and adding a box that is open on the sides (along the length of the table), and replacing the top over that. You could fill the space with low profile baskets to hold gadgets or store platters & trays there.

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  7. Mary

    Adds a nice touch...how about if you had the same marble from your counters made to fit on top? A cohesiveness of sorts and the marble takes such a beating!

    :0)
    Tara

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  8. I love it. Adds a great deal of interest, and putting butcher block or marble on the top will really make it useful! Have fun!

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  9. I love it too and I think it would be perfect as an island!

    annie

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  10. Oh, I love it! Especially the legs! I think it would be so cool if you could figure out how to just raise the top of it.

    But what really amazes me is your clean countertops...what's that like??

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  11. Mary, I just had another idea...just couldn't stop thinking about your table/island.

    I see Chris is *Refining Life* has already suggested it.

    There have to be bolts/screws on the underside of your table, to be able to remove the top. Add another board, with an edging to kind of match your table and some turned posts to bring it to counter-height and then add the top. Stain the EXTRA pieces and sand lightly to give that lightly "used" look you love.

    ~Blessings,
    Jan

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  12. Oh Mercy yes... keep that table in the kitchen. I was thinking you could add some "button" feet but I think they would take away from the character of the table. I do like Chris's idea of adding some basket space or anything else...just to give you a more comfortable working height....But if you decide it won't work... I'll send my address and you can ship it to me... I'll even pay shipping for it...LOL LOL LOL

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  13. Love it, love it. it's perfect!! Definitely find out how to add height.
    Good luck, janie

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  14. Oh Yeah, it's the coolest island ever! I love the aged patina :-) Adding height is a necessity for your aching back and all your ideas sound great! I think it gives a new kitchen just the right flavor! :-) Rosie

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  15. I think it's a great idea! I have an antique sideboard for my island and get lots of compliments on it. I've had a butcher block top on it, but am considering getting a piece of granite cut for it.

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  16. Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful. I would love to find something similar for an work island. A few years ago it was fairly common to find nice tables like that, they are getting more scarce.
    Marnie

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  17. I love the table, too. It adds a really pretty touch to your already lovely kitchen... I wouldn't paint it either, I like the natural color.

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  18. Most definitely a keeper in your kitchen. I think the wear and tear on it makes it all the more interesting.

    Blanca

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  19. Oh I think it's a perfect addition Mary! It adds wonderful character :)

    Hugs,
    Dena

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  20. What a great idea. I love it there. I would paint it black, but that's just me and it looks good the way it is too!

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  21. Love it just the way it is! Love it in the kitchen too. This would be my way,.....I love putting castors on everything and then I can roll it where I want when I want. They make a large one, and they have brakes on them. That could raise it about 4". Get the industrial ones, big and bulky. Just my thought. Love your beautiful kitchen!!!!

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  22. We have very similar cabinets....love your kitchen Mary.

    I think it looks great, it needs a little height and I think it would look amazing painted black...I have used a spray paint by Home Depot called American Accents (smooth satin finish) I find it gives the best finish and so easy to use. Very fast drying.

    Great post,
    Kathy :)

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  23. It's perfect AND it has a story! Your kitchen is beautiful, job well done.

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  24. chris "is refining life" and others already said what I was thinking ...about adding height between the tabletop and the base, but that is what I would do. Sure wish I had room for something like that. It is GREAT especially since it came from your parents ---even if they DID get it "God knows where!" You know where YOU got it! LOL!!

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  25. It will make a great island. BTW, your kitchen is AWESOME. I've got kitchen envy now.

    I would leave the base as is because I think the black painted phase is going to pass and then you'll be stripping it.

    The butcher block top sounds wonderful. You'll probably have to make sure the base is sturdy enough to hold the weight.

    - Suzanne

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  26. LOVE it! Drawer space or cubbies to hold wine bottles could be interesting....Ohh, the possibilities!

    Have fun with the new project!
    Karla & Karrie

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  27. I LOVE it!! If you decide not to use it, let me know and I'll buy it up :-) I really NEED an extra table and this one looks great!!!

    God bless,
    Sallie

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  28. Hi Mary,

    It would make the nicest kitchen island - so different from the "normal" ones!!! I love it.

    To me, painting it black but with a distressed look, or leaving it as it is would look equally good!

    Your kitchen looks beautiful!

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  29. What about putting some wheels on it? I think I'd like it painted the color of your cupboards with a piece of your countertop on top. That would add a couple inches. Then add some old looking wheels to give you another 2 inches. I love antique furniture on wheels! but, to be honest since I am so short- it would suit me perfectly just the way it is!!!

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  30. I like it as an island. I think Tara's idea to put a layer of marble on top is FAB. If it were me, I would turn it around so that it is parallel to the oven. A little height wouldn't hurt either, but it probably depends on YOUR height. If you feel comfy with it the height it is, I would leave that alone.

    WTMCassandra

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  31. It will make an awesome kitchen island, with or without the butcher block. Enjoy it!

    Janet

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  32. It's got character, it's got soul, scuff marks and all. Probably a lot like you, eh? (Sans the scuff marks). Love it. Gorgeous kitchen, BTW.

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  33. I LOVE it just the way it is. The more beat up the better!

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  34. i LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!

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  35. I think it will make a fabulous work island. With all the scratch marks and all, the way it looks is just great. Think of all the wonderful memories with that table. You have a great idea with this one.

    hugs;
    Alaura

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  36. That's the sanest idea I've ever seen.

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  37. What a great looking table! I love the style of it and I think it makes a great kitchen island.

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  38. Gosh...so much to catch up on Mary. First of all, congratulations on having your door knob published. Wow! You are a published photographer. And second, I am crazy in love with your new kitchen and that desk....makes a perfect kitchen island. I love things like that much better than a built in island (like mine). And I like the idea of adding industrial size casters on it.

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  39. Oh, what a treasure, Mary! It's perfect, as is, and has such character and memories, too.

    Perhaps you can talk to a local carpenter about removing the top and adding some height between it and the leg base. You could even add a couple of drawers to the "spacer," then stain it to match the top of the table. Just an idea ...

    However you decide to use it, you can be sure it will become the focal point of your kitchen and bring you many compliments.

    I'll look forward to seeing it when you finish it.

    Sincerely,

    Janie

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  40. Excellent idea to use this wonderful table as your kitchen island -- love the ideas for raising it up so it will be at a workable height for you. Most important to be comfortable when working around the kitchen! Can't wait to see it finished and in its true place!

    Jan at Rosemary Cottage whose kitchen is so tiny that my island measures a small 24 inches square! LOL!

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  41. The table is absolutely great as an island...what character! You are so lucky to have room for the island there. Peggy from PA

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  42. I think it is absolutely gorgeous! Can you just put the butcher block directly on top of the existing top? Somehow just build it up? That seems easier. A good carpenter could add some moulding around the edges after you adjusted the height. Maybe you could even get some narrow utensil drawers in the resulting space!

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  43. I love it. I would be tempted to paint it white and then put marble on top.

    ~elaine~

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  44. it is a lovely table and full of your family history. keep it! use it with a b.block cap! don't paint it! it is PERFECT! how lovely to have space for it and to keep it in use! jkj

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  45. Love the table, it is styled so nicely, and your kitchen is so pretty, it will be a great addition!

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  46. Hi MAry
    What a great table! I saw this idea the other day on cynthias's blog and I thought it was very clever.
    http://cynthiascottagedesign.blogspot.com/
    Might work for you.
    Rhondi

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  47. Makes a great island...much more interesting than the usual island.

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  48. Your kitchen is incredible and this piece adds one more fabulous detail! I would definitely use this as an island! All that character and family history!! Gorgeous.
    -Heather :)

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  49. Crazy?! Uh no, because I'm in love with it myself :)

    It's perfect!

    hugs,
    rue

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  50. My island is from an old country store, the butcher block that was once used. So no, I don't think your crazy. I love using things other than what they were meant for. You could even slip a long bench under it for extra seating or storage. add towel bars and your good to go. Hugs, RoseMarie

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  51. Okay Mary - shoot me now because I am DYING over that table! and you just had this sitting around the house?! That house of yours is a treasure trove of wonderful things! What an awesome idea with the butcher block top - the legs on that piece are spectatcular! It will look amazing in your beautiful kitchen. Can't wait to see it all set up and decorated & accessorized to perfection! BTW - love the picture of your garden bench with the flowers behind it- such a peaceful spot - made me relax just seeing it! Take care ~ Laurie

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  52. That island is perfect...and perfectly stunning!!

    Linda

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  53. We did much the same thing--this little table got displaced by Christmas trim. I love it in the kitchen. It's now nearly July and it's still there.

    http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2371/2064262319_3bf5dbb51a_m.jpg

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  54. This would be a great island bench! Have actually shown my hubby the photos of your kitchen, this is what I would like in comparison to the small dark kitchen I have now. Thanks!

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  55. That would be an awesome kitchen island...I just LOVE it, Mary!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I love to hear what you have to say!