I’ve been super focused on kitchens lately because I am perpetually in designing-my- forever-kitchen mode and I just finished designing my mom’s new kitchen. One of my favorite inexpensive, quick updates in kitchens is adding either a permanent or rolling island to the existing kitchen layout. My favorite way to do this? Thrifted finds that you can pick up super cheap on Craigslist!
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You may not realize it, but some of the most loved images on Pinterest for kitchen islands are repurposed, and relatively inexpensive, thrifted finds. I just did a massive kitchen island out of cabinets for my mother (I’m not co-located so I was unable to do a repurposed island) and even with my blogging discount the cabinets were $1500, and that doesn’t include the top.
Some repurposed islands are great if you’re strictly looking for additional counter/prep space and don’t need more storage, others provide both. This antique sewing machine base is a really cool idea for one with no storage. They’re sturdy and you can find these pretty cheap if you wait for a good deal (stalking Craig’s list is a hobby of mine).
Although I have no idea where it came from, I’ve seen this image about a million times of Pinterest and it’s one of my favorites. It has limited storage plus lots of counter space.
I know a lot of people that don’t love antique dressers that they are handed down from relatives… but they are absolutely LOVELY and functional repurposed as islands! Storage and counter space, win win! And, oh by the way, pretty cost effective, right?
I ADORE these architects cabinets! They are perfect for a wide variety of kitchen storage items and I have saved searches for these in my local area. I wish I knew where to find them!
This is another image I’ve seen a million times but have yet to find a source for. It is the PERFECT island, produce storage bins and I’m pretty sure it is a reclaimed General Store Counter. I’ve seen these for sale online upward of $10k but I’m sure there are some hiding in barns in different places. Keep your eyes open and you might accidentally stumble across one!
This wine barrel island is super cute if you’re looking for a small countertop space. You could cut out a door and put a shelf in if you wanted to include storage (or if you’re really handy put in some wine storage cubes)!
If you’re looking for something a little edgier, this industrial cart is about as cool as it gets and offers lots of styling opportunities.
Here’s another cart that came out very cool!
Here are two more great examples of dresser conversions: Inexpensive, lots of storage, and the opportunity for ample counter space!
This next one is my MOST FAVORITE ISLAND EVER and has me on a perpetual search for antique pianos (under a million dollars). This is on victoriaelizabethbarnes.com: She is my FAVORITE BLOGGER EVER and I recommend checking her out. She shares my passion for all things old and fancy and making her husband repurpose impossible projects: see the incredible piano re-work below!
Below are two additional piano/island conversions that are also awesome (where in the world are they finding these pianos???).
Have you done any cool repurposed island projects? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
Thanks for hanging out with us and check out more of our design inspiration and projects over on the blog.
Cheers!
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