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.
