When we removed the wall between the kitchen and the dining room a kitchen island was top on my list. After the wall came down I was more worried I didn’t have enough space to add an island. And after a while I actually decided against it.
Then the wheels started turning. I wanted an island that added storage and counter space but I didn’t want it to take up the entire room.
While at the local thrift store, I spotted a dresser. You know one that reaches out and screams “take me home”. It was in decent shape and had lots of potential. With my discount coupon the dresser would only cost me $30. That’s a pretty good deal to pass up.
Yeah, why not!
I brought the dresser home and placed it in the middle of the kitchen. I figured, leave it there, give it a chance. If it comes in handy, we use the drawers and it’s not to congested in the kitchen, it’s a keeper. Let’s see if an island would be an improvement or a just an eyesore.
Guess what? It was nice having a small storage area and a little extra counter space. I decided, yes we can do this.
First, I needed a counter top. I didn’t really want to fork out a bunch of money and I wanted a size to fit my kitchen. That’s when a plan hit me. It was an idea I had a few months ago and I was willing to give it a try.
That’s when I built the counter top out of pallet runners. If you missed the countertop post you can find it at Pallet Runner Countertop Unfinished.
After building the countertop and sanding it down, I added stained the countertop and sealed it with Polycrylic. It took a few coats but it turned out awesome!
It’s has imperfections but it’s still amazing and rustic as it comes.
Next, It was time to work on the dresser. I added pallet boards to the back and sides of the dresser and painted everything black with chalk paint. Then, I lightly distressed the edges of the drawers and the corners of the dresser just a little bit. I didn’t want to over do it.
I then dusted off the dresser and sealed everything with Polycrylic.
The pallet wood really looks rugged in the photos but in person it doesn’t. My camera really picks up the shine from the poly.
Anyways, finally, I added the countertop.
Ignore the ugly blue peel-n-stick tiles. We’re planning on redoing the entire first floor with new flooring, but first I have to finish working on the kitchen cabinets, finish painting and rip up the floor before adding the new flooring.
I can’t wait to rip that blue flooring out.
I’m loving my new/old kitchen island. The cost of the dresser was the only expense of this project. Everything I used was left from previous projects. That includes the chalk paint, poly and nails.
Well, that’s another kitchen project finished. Next up… you’ll have to wait and see.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you were inspired!
I’m sharing this project with some or all of the following Linky Parties.
It looks awesome!
GORGEOUS!!!
love what you did!!!! Pinned!!! Christine from Little Brags
This is so incredibly beautiful! Wow!
It goes great with your cabinets 🙂
We have no room whatsoever for an island in our kitchen, but I like that you lived with it for a while before deciding to go for it.
You are very creative – I just finished not long ago my first pallet project. It’s great to see so many reclaiming old furniture and wood that usually is just tossed away. We need more of that these days. You will love having an island – I use mine every day and can’t believe I was without one most of my life. Good job!
What a beautiful project… it turned out so nicely. 🙂
Hi there
Just stopped by to let you know that I featured this on my Saturday Spotlight this week!
Saturday Spotlight
Thanks again for linking up! Hope you have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
Really turned out gorgeous! Love the rustic feel of the pallet boards! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
This looks so good! You are amazing. Pinned. We had so much fun partying with you at our last party. We hope to see you tonight’s party at 7 pm. We love to see what you have been working on! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Hey Andrea! I love what you did with an old dresser and some pallet wood! I want my kitchen island to look like yours:) This is being featured at this weeks Teach Me Tuesday Link Party! Be sure to come over tonight and check it out!
oOOOH! We have similar taste in kitchens! I also have black cupboards (lower) I love to use pallet wood. I like this island too. After seeing it, I think I need to go ahead and sand the detail on my cabinets so that they’ll pop a little bit more. Right now…they just fade to black and look like a hole…except where there is natural distressing from the littles. 😉
love your kitchen~
Fantastic island! You have the best makeovers!!
Your kitchen island is amazing! Love the distressing. Thanks for sharing with Creative Spark Link Party.
Glenna @ My Paper Craze
What a great transformation of the dresser! I love the way you put the pallet pieces on the back and sides as well. Thanks for linking up at Fridays Unfolded! Pinning this now. Have a great week!
Love this- it turned out absolutely beautiful!! Thank you for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!
OMGosh!!! Love Love your kitchen island!!! Love the whole kitchen! Love the way you did the sides and back….giving me some ideas for some bookcases for the backs to use as a room divider! Awesome job!
hello,
i am working on the same project, but I have an old door to attach to the dresser. How did you attach the top to the dresser, please reply. You did a great job on the island.
That’s a good question. Drill holes from inside of the dresser up through the contertop and attach using long screws.
Love your kitchen island!
This is such a beautiful and fun transformation! I’d love it if you shared it over at The Makers link party going on at my blog right now, UpcycledTreasures.com 🙂