The second project we’re tackling this spring/summer while my husband is on parental leave is putting an island in our kitchen. Our kitchen is quite small and while I don’t feel crowded in there with the kids, I have very little counter space which makes cooking or baking difficult. We have a small bar height table with higher chairs (with no backs) that we use for family meals and my plan is to eliminate that table completely and put in an island with an eating bar (or is it called a breakfast bar?) instead.
We also have a dining room area with a dark wood dining table and gorgeous modern dining chairs that I love (though, I do remember how much easier it was to deal with kids when you have the classic dining chairs with arms, at least you can keep them contained that way!) So, while the island is being built and installed we will have a place to eat at least!
I don’t know where to start on this project – I guess visiting a home improvement store is the first step. I’m a little scared of what the price will be in the end but I think it will be worth it (I hope?) and will give the kids a place to eat and also give me more much needed counter space! Oh the plans I have…
I LOVE your kitchen. Our house is really old and has really old cabinets that are badly in need of rehab. YOurs is so fresh and new looking.
Thanks Lisa ~ my husband was thinking of replacing the cabinets but I think they are fine the way they are – this house is only 10 years old. I hear you on the old cabinets – our past 2 houses had old ones that really made the entire kitchen look so dated no matter what we did.
I’ve been seeing lots of people use the Ikea island on the Remodelaholic blog with nice results. Maybe check the Ikea catalog?
Thanks Lori I will – with IKEA about 3.5 hrs away I’m not sure if it’s an option or not but I’ll definitely check it out!
One day in about 9 years I will have a kitchen that either I love or that is mine to renovate. I say browse the internet to find what you like then bring examples into a home improvement store. Good luck.
I would like to move into a remodeled kitchen next – that would be the best solution, then no renovating to do at all!
We’re planning a kitchen island using two 24″ cabinets (one drawers, one doors) and then adding a countertop with an overhang. I thought that might be the cheapest solution.
I saw that idea too! I think it was on howto.com or something and it seemed pretty easy.