Wow! What a transformation. Your kitchen looks great.

I think you need to contract all of the white you've got going on and maybe warm it up a bit. I'd suggest a black island with a cherry butcherblock countertop. I think that would look nice with the style you've got going on and the butcherblock is much cheaper than something like granite.

claire

Wow! You guys did such a great job. I remember your ealier post. It all looks so good I can't say which part I like best but it may be the fireplace. And I can't believe how well you did with the craigslist purchases. Is that the lake right outside your LR window? What a view. Your home now looks so cozy and relaxing.

Didn't you originally want to keep the table? I think an island would look great but would you have any place else to put a dining table. Or do you have the room to do an island that has a table attached like this?

Thanks Claire & cheri127. Appreciate the compliments.

I would LOVE to do a great wooden top, but unless I find one cheap - it's not going to happen. We're probably stuck with laminate unless my buddy craig & his list come thru again! I need my big money for an hvac system!

I like the attached table idea. We've got a lot of space, but it's long & thin. The table that's there is about 42" x 84". We won't have a place for another table inside - maybe a small one by the kitchen windows to the right, but it's just the 2 of us most of the time & we'll be fine eating at the island. There is a huge porch along the whole lakeside of the house with a big table & lots of seating. Yes, the lake is right outside the LR windows. I shudder at the thought of having to paint all of those windows - no hurry on that though!

Wow!! That is 110% better. You must be so pleased.

Look at IKEA wooden counter tops. I think you could do it for less than laminate and it would look perfect there. Also, search antique/junk shops for a big old piece that you could adapt.

Great job.

Great idea on Ikea. Will check that out. I agree wood would be much better. There's no big rush on this project either - we're trying to come up with a plan so we know what to look for & so appreciate the help!

guvnah, I also remember your posts from before. You guys have done a 'WOW' job on that place! Can I come stay for a weekend? : )

Since you have so much white going on, I would also suggest a wood or painted island. Also, I wouldn't paint the windows and doors...they are so charming as they are now and you need a burst of 'organic material' (like stained wood) in there.

Keep your eye out for butcher block tables for sale, as well. They were popular in the 80's and there are some solid wood ones out there. Maybe you will get lucky and find a good sized one that you could repurpose into a countertop for your island.

Really nice transformation! Thanks for sharing!

Sandy

Also, lumber liquidators sells cherry and beech butcherblock and it's not that expensive. You'll also save on the install because you can diy it.

Let us know what you do!

Sorry for back-to-back messages but:

go to the metalworking forum here on GW and check out the people that are doing copper countertops as DIY projects. Not very expensive, has big impact and it would look great in your space!

Sandy

It all looks great!! Wonderful transformations.

As for an island I think I would do a smaller one that gives you some prep space between the sink and stove to help with having the fridge sort of blocking that space. Ie not the full length of the table. Do an overhang for a couple of stools. Maybe a 5' length if that works with the below.

Then you could put your table at the other end closer to the windows and in front of the taller cabinets. Sort of like a eating nook on that end where you can look out the windows and sit normal if you don't want to sit at an island. It also gives you more eating space.

IKEA has really low cost butcher block, much less than lamminate. Not sure if you have one within easy driving distance or not.

I think your kitchen looks great. I am amazed at how resourceful you were with all the craig's list items.

I have to say you did a great job with the fireplace too. I have a kind of ugly brick fireplace and seeing what you did to transform yours has given me a some new ideas.

Thanks for sharing the photos.

Amy

What a great job! You have turned an ugly duckling into a lake cottage to envy!

Hi all -

Here is the finished island if anyone is interested in an update!

Since December when I first posted, we've been busy with installing hvac, re-working (cleaning and greasing all the window cranks, replacing cracked windows & glazing, scraping, sanding, priming & painting) the millions of windows, rebuilding the retaining wall that holds the hill that we're built into up, etc. The most fun project - by far - was the island!

We've been trying to really watch our money on every project & we really got lucky on all the components:

Base cabinets we got NEW at Lowe's on a closeout sale. They were still marked kind of high - drawer unit was still $150 - but there were not enough to do a whole kitchen & were just taking up shelf space so I asked if they could do better. We got the units we needed for $30/per unit!! We had to sand off the finish, prime & paint - but we're used to that! DH built the surrounding cabinetry with 2 sheets of plywood & some trim scraps to jazz it up a bit.

The island top is made from unused railroad car flooring scraps. It is 2 1/2" maple & looks like cutting board/butcher block. DH routered the edge then we stained it dark & put a satin finish on it. The pieces were $5 each & I think there are 8-10 pieces in the top.

We traded some stained glass for the bar stools.

Please ignore the red paper on the floor. We were still working on the windows when snapped these shots.

Next up - exterior paint. I'll be checking in over at the home decorating forum for some input on that one!

Thanks to everybody for the great ideas. We really appreciate it!

Here is a link that might be useful: new island!

Sorry to double post but my update has not shown up in the forum. :)