Is the back solid metal? I would look into having it sandblasted and powder coated with a shiny enamel paint in a cool color. Some auto shops will do it, or just google powder coating in your area. For a rental, I'd put a laminate or solid surface counter. So many options of patterns or colors with either of those, and the solid surface is pretty indestructible, or at least repairable if it is damaged. Ikea cabinets. Got a floor plan to share? :)

Have you pulled the proper permits to do this legally? Is the home in a section of the city zoned for two family structures? Do you have the proper fire separation between the spaces? If this is an illegal conversion, hour mortgage and insurance can cancel you when they find out. And you are subject to fines by the city as well when your neighbors turn you in.

Sophie,

Yes, thanks for your concern, the property is zoned for R2, I had a pre-planing meeting with the building authorities, and the property meets or exceeds guidelines for this type of conversion, including set backs, sq footage, lot size, parking, and space between buildings. Everything will be permitted, this won't be inexpensive, running the sewer, water and electric cost will likely be more than the actual cottage expense, and I wouldn't put my property or future tenants at risk.

Perhaps you have suggestions for the cabinet?

Preliminary floorplan (still working with builders, but it will be something like this:

The back of the cabinet isn't solid, I will need to do something with it. There was a lot of old wood in the garage when we cleaned it out, so I might do something with that on the back, but looking for suggestions.

I think that would look amazing with a butcher block top...but for a rental, you might want something more user friendly. What about a funky design or bright color laminate? We are using an industrial garage workbench as a kitchen counter in our garage apartment right now. It had a solid top- so I just rubber cemented sheet laminate and routed the corners.

I love the distressed 'finish' right now- don't know if there is a good way to preserve the patina and not deteriorate further.

Thanks, Tootsie, that is probably the way to go, but I am looking for lower cost. I am spending a bundle on plumbing and electric, so my decorating budget is minimal. ;-).

I agree Cyndy, I do like the distressed finish, I'm going over to the property tomorrow and will give it a good scrubbing. Inside is kind of rusty, so I was thinking of spray painting the inside a bright color, but didn't know if that would look weird leaving the outside as is.

Oh that is so cute, love the turquoise shelves. I don't think mine will hold granite, so I will likely do some butcher block-type stuff, and figure it will get "seasoned" by the renters. I can always sand it down.

gmp3 - that is laminate...super cheap. the shelves are all salvage wood from our tear-down. I love the look of butcher clock and hope to incorporate it in my new kitchen as well. It will look great on your island.

My DSIL got ahold of a piece from an old bowling alley lane and used that for their island top. Really looks great!

by the time you spend to do these things, I think you will be wasting your money. the storage inside will not be up to par for what you can get in 5 feet of new drawers. If I were in the living room, I'd not appreciate staring at it. Sorry.....sell it on craigs list. It has it's place …...but not in your plan...for what you will spend. I've never heard that millennials want anything but really efficient/smaller/ w new/upscale finishes. That's how they are around here...and I mean this is an area full of millennials.