Kitchen Island Reveal.

I'm finally sharing the new addition to our kitchen! I've mentioned it here before that as much as I loved my kitchen, it was seriously lacking in storage and counter space. The room is quite narrow but long. It always seemed like a big waste of space to not have some sort of cabinet across from the main cabinetry. (You can see the opposite side of the kitchen here)

If you know my kitchen's story, you know that my brother built all the cabinets so in order to get them to match seamlessly, he would have to make them. Since that wasn't really an option at this point in time, we decided to go with something completely opposite in style. We also wanted something that would be movable and versatile. More like a piece of furniture that could work in different settings than just an island.

I really wanted something white and high gloss, however when we spied the high gloss wood grain finish we were intrigued. The result was a combination of the two. The cabinet itself is white and finished on both sides. The drawers are the same material but have the wood grain finish.

There is no hardware at all which gives it a slick modern feel. To open the drawers, you simply press on them and they pop open. Same goes for closing them. The mechanism is similar to the old stereo stands. There are six adjustable metal legs that make it looks more like a piece of furniture than a kitchen cabinet.

The counter top was a tough decision. Solid surface would have been ideal but we also wanted the option of being able to cut off the overhang, should we decide to use it outside of the kitchen. Using butcher block would make that a much easier job. In the end, while my heart wanted Quartz, I feel that the butcher block was the right call and I love how it looks and feels.

We added two Ikea shelves on the wall above the island. As a rule, I really don't like when things are offset. I'm a lover of symmetry! However, you would have bonked your head on the corner of the bottom one, should you be sitting at the counter. I let go of control and let Stephane hang them and it works! I don't mind it so much!

 Since we added the overhang on the countertop, it meant we could have bar stools! So exciting! We scored these at Winners and I love them. Stephane loves to cook and I always felt I was standing around watching him. Now with the extra counter space, I can help out. Or.. plunk my butt down and enjoy a glass while I watch:)

 

So finally, there you have it. The addition to our kitchen. A cabinet and some stools that changed the whole feel of the room and the way we used the space. So far, a great decision!

Sources:

Cabinets and Countertop ~ Prestige Kitchens (Summerside)
Shelving ~ Ikea Lack
Wire baskets ~ Superstore
Bar stools ~ Winners/HomeSense
Custom pet portrait ~ Lesli DeVito Paintings