Kitchen Renovations and Island Creations
Most homeowners could rhyme with a list of things they’d like to change in their home’s design or décor. One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on in recent times was a DIY kitchen island. By following the instructions below, you can transform your simple kitchen into an island oasis… or something like that.
If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve spent a fair amount of time browsing the antique markets looking for that perfect new addition to your home. The next time you’re at the antique market or even a local garage sale, keep your eyes peeled for an antique buffet. You can probably find one for under $50, and it might just become your favorite piece of furniture.
Most buffets were designed to rest against a wall and usually have cheaper wood covering the back. When you bring the buffet home, remove the cheap back board and start cleaning it up. I would recommend replacing the back board with tongue and groove pine. It’s relatively cheap, and it looks great!
If the buffet is in bad shape, why not consider painting it? There are some wonderful colors available in paint today, and you could really have some fun with them. I especially enjoy paints that leave an aged and antique finish.
Next you will need a piece of plywood for the top surface of your island. It should be cut so that there is approximately three inches of overhang on all sides. Once you’ve cut the plywood to the correct specifications, place it on the dresser and secure it with screws.
Now it’s time to edge the top with a trim that matches the thickness of the material you’ll be using for the surface. We chose to use marble tile, but you can use stone or ceramic. Tile the top surface as you would any other tiling job.
There are several ways to increase the functionality of your new kitchen island. One such way is to install a towel rack at one end of the island. Another option is to add some hooks on the opposite end that can be used to hang pots and pans. Beyond that, you can always add new hardware to dress it up a bit more. Happy building!