Choose the unconventional. Whatever happened to all those hard-working library card catalog cabinets once computers took over their job? The one here found a good home in this kitchen where it continues to work. The small drawers can be useful in separating and sorting out all those little kitchen, dining, or junk drawer things you have accumulated, and you can even label what is in them, or alphabetize the contents. The top could be a display or serving surface. A little taller than the table behind it, it hides the business end of the counter space, so a little mess won’t keep you from feeling good about having guests in the kitchen.
Think outside the box when choosing furniture for your kitchen. Recycle and re-purpose an old display case. Loads of compartments separate towels, implements, and knick knacks while the glass top and sides keep a heavy piece like the one in this kitchen looking light. It also creates a one of a kind look for your space and does double duty as an easy to maintain counter. Here, the little compartments echo the shelving design, but they would also contrast nicely with closed shelving.
Sometimes kitchens don’t have much counter space built in - especially in old or very small homes. Solve that problem by choosing a variety of interesting and useful pieces of furniture. A vintage baking table with a flour bin underneath makes a good island and don’t forget to consider an old Hoosier cabinet with upper and lower storage and maybe even a counter that slides in and out. If you like the look, but don’t like scouring antique stores and haggling over price, you can shop from home. These types of vintage and antique pieces are becoming easier and easier to find just by going online.
Re-purpose a large dresser that is in the same overall style as the kitchen for an interesting look that comfortably blurs the line between the kitchen and other living space. Large drawers are great for storage and the big, flat surface top is a good resting place for a buffet or as display area. You might even consider removing large side doors and refitting the insides with shelves for books. Because of its size, choose its position carefully to avoid its being annoyingly right in your path between fridge, sink and stove.
Make a statement. When a big island is not necessary but you want something significant to define the area between your kitchen and adjoining spaces or just want a conversation piece, a small but mighty piece like this butcher block would go in kitchens large or small. It makes sense because its history is undeniably cooking and food related, and better than that, it is just fun and impossible to miss.
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