A kitchen without a freestanding island feels empty. Luckily, there are many DIY ideas that can help transform your kitchen. You won’t realize it until you have one, but once it’s installed, hanging out in your kitchen will be pure bliss.
It does not have to match your cabinets. You don’t need to buy a pre-made model. You can design your cooking area to suit your needs.
In 1930, world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright invented the kitchen island. The idea was born out of a desire for hosts to remain connected to their house guests while they cooked food. The first home built kitchen islands emerged in the 50s. However, the shaker kitchen island didn’t become the norm in US households until the 80s. Since then, hand made kitchen island units have also become popular.
Do you know how to build kitchen island from scratch? You never know when inspiration will strike. When it does, you could be overcome with a desire to improve or make an addition to your home. Some home add-ons are simple and don’t require professional experience.
You can repurpose many different items to create a an island. Old or ignored furniture pieces will work fine. You should think twice before you throw something away.
The following household items make for innovative kitchen islands:
Filing cabinetSideboardDresserDeskTableBookshelfWood palletWine barrelOld cartsWash tubsShuttersOld windows
If you want to know how to build an island with seating, you’ll need the following tools:
DrillTape measureLevelFraming squareMiter and circular sawNail gunSander and paperCaulk and gun
After you have your tools, you can explore your seating ideas.
Build the ends and attach the bottom shelf support.Secure the top part of the frame and centerpieces. If you’re using wood, good ahead and stain or paint the frame at this point.Once it’s dry and finished, add the top counter.
Renovating your island is just as easy as making one.
Here are 4 DIY ideas to help you renovate:
Painting – most islands have a dated base and wood finish which means they take paint well.Resurfacing – this involves changing your countertop. With a new countertop, your island will look brand new.Replace molding and trim.Beadboard – after you over the piece you can paint it and it would change the dynamic of your kitchen.
Whether for storage, functionality, or design, the following ideas will inspire:
If you want to live on the edge, a kitchen cart would complement the corner area of your space. For a better idea, think of a small table as a springboard for other ideas. You can add drawers, a cutting board, or a smooth top and wood filler. A design with a unique island like the one featured on ninahendrick is a good place to start.
How to build an island is one thing, but cabinets are another. There are similarities between kitchen islands and cabinets, which inspired this simple project on Instructables.
When building an island with seating, you’ll need glue, screws, panel, plywood, and a few coats of paint.
As you’ll see in the video, the cabinet ideas began as pre-made cabinets were flush with everything else was positioned around it. It has extra shelves on the opposite side and between the gap, and for good measure a solid wood top.
Small kitchen islands are easier to build. Model kits are available, which doesn’t mean you can’t build one from scratch. We found this easy tutorial on housebythebaydesign, which shows you how to build one with a bar and extra side compartments to store things.
If you like the idea of having a large freestanding cabinet in the middle of your kitchen but don’t want it to take up space, a small DIY table could be what you need. You can have one that gives you more counter top room but doesn’t make the area feel cluttered.
This narrow model featured on Instructables offers more DIY kitchen bar plans. Use both shelves as wine racks to go with your bar.
You can make a DIY user-friendly by adding wheels so it can easily move around. Add hooks and hangers for towels and utensils to keep things organized. Check out shanty-2-chic for another easy DIY project.
You can build this piece from scratch. One nice thing about it is that you can use reclaimed wood. This can give your project character, while lowering costs.
This idea is from mominmusiccity and offers tips on how you can make an island with cabinets. Three small panels with knobs mimic drawers but are decorative. The knobs can function as hooks to hang towels from your upcycled DIY kitchen island. Other kitchen decor ideas include baskets on the opposite side of each other to complete the look.
It’s possible to build a new one and repurpose some old items and leftover supplies in the process. Check out this cool tutorial from magazineyourhome.
The video shows you how to repurpose an old washtub into the body of a cute island. Give it four legs, a top surface and opening and you’ll have the island you’ve always wanted and at a fraction of the price. You can lift the lid to store items.
Cabinets are the easiest to repurpose. A good example is a project featured on sawdust2stitches, which shows how easy it is to make an island. This easy setup includes two trash bin slots, a set of open shelving in between, and a towel rod. When you make your kitchen island blueprints, double check the measurements.
Bookshelves also deliver and can be repurposed into custom furniture pieces, like the one featured on redouxinteriors. You can adjust bookshelf. Removing or adding a shelf or two depending on the position of your plywood or boards. your blueprints for the building proportions and final design.
If your kitchen lacks character, you can make a center piece with cabinets. You can build one with wood, with nothing but a solid top and an open shelf at the bottom. It doesn’t have to look perfect. Imperfections give it character. For more ideas, check out krusesworkshop.
You could createindustrial kitchen island like the one featured on blueroofcabin. The worn metal suggests a long and intriguing history and the wooden top contrasts with the frame. The wheels allow for maneuverability so you can use it as a cart.
Why not try an industrial vibe? For example, you could use metal pipes as legs. The overall frame would complement the island with a wooden top and a matching bottom shelf. If you want to learn more about kitchen décor ideas, check out this tutorial on imgur.
Check out this concrete table with a rolling kitchen island underneath and homemade island countertops. It is a space-saving solution offers easy DIY ideas for smaller homes. From the imgur tutorial, you could make one from stock cabinets.
Create your plan based on the proportions and layout of your kitchen. You should leave plenty of room so the unit can move freely. This one is right for a medium-sized kitchen. Both shelving pieces come in handy. Check out imgur for more details.
Designer models are available at different prices. They have built-in appliances, that are daunting for kitchen plans. The best example here would be a project from Instructables.
This is a shutter island, in the literal sense. It’s a cool idea that we found on beyondthepicket-fence. It shows how repurposing older objects giving them a second life is rewarding. It won’t require large floor space but has character.
Creating the plans for your project and building it takes quite a bit of time and skill. But there’s another step that’s just as important and only comes after you plan and build everything.
We’re talking about where you customize the island and make it look beautiful. This can include painting the wood and adding baseboards or panel. Perhaps this turquoise island featured on nestinggypsy can be your edge source of inspiration.
The dark blue color, light wooden top, small wheels, and overall organization serve as an inspiration on how to build a one. There’s room for the microwave oven on the top shelf. The small nooks can hold baskets which allows you to organize small items. If you want more ideas on this, check out the instructions on realitydaydream.
Related: 30 Breakfast Nook Bench Ideas That Will Cheer Up Your Mornings
This is from ana-white. The tutorial demonstrates how to build a farmhouse-style kitchen island. You’ll need reclaimed wood that looks aged or make it look rustic with wood, paint, and sandpaper. Sand the wood and add stain to it for a country rustic vibe.
Nobody said you had to use a kitchen island to store pots and pans. It’s a versatile and adaptable piece of furniture. This one has more side storage for utensils or a small chalkboard. Check it out on Instructables to learn more.
This one features upcycled kitchen ideas. A small model is easy to assemble and a good beginner DIY enthusiast. Furthermore, you can customize it with materials and finishes to match your kitchen. The original design featured on instructables has a long-lasting feel.
It’s about flexibility. If you have a narrow kitchen island you might not want it a permanent spot. A rolling one would be your best solution. Check out the tutorial on instructables to find out how to build one yourself.
Even tiny ones can be useful. The beauty of building one yourself is that you can choose the exact size and the proportions that make you feel comfortable. The cart is easy to move. It has a cute top with a marble effect and a shelf that’s high enough to hold bottles, utensils, and other things. Head over to instructables to see how to build this model and make one like it for your kitchen.
Here’s a tip: it isn’t necessary to start from scratch when building handmade units. There are many kitchen island décor ideas like repurposing an antique dresser. With modifications, they can be smart additions for home. You could add a colorful panel base with glue or implement a baseboard design. Watch the tutorial on Instructables for inspiration.
Maybe building a large kitchen island from scratch by yourself would be too much work. It takes time to create a DIY with seating plans. Here’s an informative YouTube video that offers more than one tip on how to build one.
Stock cabinets appeal to different interiors. Bar plans would fit in an L-shaped kitchen or an open-space one. You can leave flat and plain or add shallow shelves and ornaments. Check out how to put it together with this video on YouTube.
Take your skills to the next level and create a kitchen island that includes appliances. This example is also a bar and matches the stools. It’s the focal point of the kitchen, and the source of the accented color. You can learn more about this project on YouTube and see how it’s built from start to finish.
Before this became a freestanding cabinet, it was a bookshelf. The transformation involved getting rid of the back panels and redecorating the sides. A fresh coat of paint energized this piece, giving it a new look. Check out the journey from start to finish on littleglassjar.
This design is also one of the most inspiring and interesting ones. It has a cool top and if it looks familiar it’s because it was once a door.
The handle was taken out and the hole filled in, the same with the rest of the hardware. The door was primed and painted. And the base was custom built to fit the top rails. Check out tcdesigns1968 to find out more about this part of the project.
A built-in kitchen island with a stove and sink is called a full-island. As inspiring as inspiring as they are, they may not be for everyone. We found some beautiful kitchen designs to share with you, like this one by Normandy Remodeling.
This design features an extended island. In addition to the regular space underneath and a countertop, there’s an extra section that can be used as a bar or a breakfast table. You can see a difference in shape and materials between both sections. Check out Kitchen Distributors for more ideas.
This design has two stock cabinets. You need basic tools to assemble the unit. The design has a solid base and four support pillars in the corners. The top is sleek and contrasts with the white base, which suits the room’s style. This design is from Divine Custom Homes.
A large island that doubles as a bar might be the missing DIY countertop element in your open space. This design by Francie Milano Kitchens is inspirational.
A colorful piece will deliver and stand above your kitchen furniture and won’t clash with your décor. This is the glue that holds the kitchen together. You can introduce an accent color that feels natural but not trendy. Studio TreHus balanced this eclectic kitchen.
You could sacrifice your dining room table and make it a standalone piece. Or bring it closer to your kitchen by attaching it to the island. In doing so, it would create a hybrid extended piece. This concept by b+g design shows how to achieve such a combination.
The island and cabinetry can have matching designs and the same countertop and hardware. While that position looks great, a different approach might deliver a better result. Hang baskets from one side and screw a board and rails in and fill it with more pots and pans. You can also use plywood as backboard.
Lighting enhances wood texture. Also, the combination of wood and marble, two timeless and versatile materials, would be a good fit for modern kitchen.
A peninsula suits a kitchen island better than a classic freestanding model. It can add space but is more practical. In this setup, the peninsula extends past the countertop and features built-in appliances.
The subtle lighting emphasizes the different finishes and textures used in this elegant kitchen. The backsplash stands out, and the centerpiece invites you to sit and spend more time in the space, which is very wholesome.
This kitchen island is a good example because it’s minimalist at the core, but it has a distinctive look. The island has a cool top and the sink adds depth to its design.
A design can be both bold and straightforward at the same time. This is an example of minimalism at the core. The island has a really cool top and the sink actually adds depth to its design.
This one has a black marble top that matches the island and an asymmetrical shape.
Adding accent lighting to a kitchen helps to give it a more sophisticated and beautiful look. One cool idea is to highlight the bottom for a floating effect. It helps create a pleasant mood and makes the room feel more spacious.
It’s not easy to add depth with an island without it looking flat and robust. Open shelves are a good way to avoid that.
Combining an island with a dining table, here’s a modern and cool way. The table section is made with materials compared to the island and has a contrasting shape.
Adding a pattern to the front or back can make a big difference in design. Check out this geometric pattern that adds a distinctive look to this island / bar featured by Rad Dad Builds. The dark blue color also gives it a refined and elegant look.
Building an island doesn’t need to be expensive, regardless of the style you choose for it. Set a budget that won’t force you to forgo functionality. Here’s a helpful tutorial by The L Wood by Lucy.
You could take your old one give it a makeover or repurpose another piece of furniture. Paint or stain it and add a new top, and that should be enough to make a big difference in the overall aesthetic. Check out this tutorial by Living Redefined if you’d like more details and ideas
Add an island to a kitchen that doesn’t have a conventional design or structure. The one featured here from Ethan Chlebowski doesn’t have a solid base like the others. Instead, it’s open and has hanging rods and hooks for utensils, and pots and pans.
You’ll find beneficial tips in this tutorial by Free Range Cottage. It emphasizes how easy and charming it is to have an island with a wooden top. The video also highlights the advantages of well-organized drawers and kitchen storage.
If you’re building a classic design with plenty of space built into it and potentially some integrated appliances as well, this turns into a fairly complicated project. However, it’s doable, and with time and help from tutorials like the one shades by Workshop Edits this can turn into a satisfying project.
One of our favorite designs comes from Martgage & Mitre. It’s a farmhouse-style island with a clean and simple design. It features a white wooden frame and a stained tabletop with two matching open shelves.
Including as much space as into the design of the is tempting but sometimes a different approach is better. For example, if you want to use the center piece as a bar or breakfast table, a design like the one shared by Ana White gives you the best of both worlds. This is also good if you want a space where your family can eat together
A wooden design that you build from scratch gives you the option to experiment with stains or painting. One idea inspired by an easy tutorial from Jonny Builds utilizes charred wood finish known as shou sugi ban.
We love simple and small island ideas. Check out with an open frame design like the one shared by HomeMadeModern. It’s not efficient, but it’s versatile and great for if you’re working with a small floor space.
A standard counter-height is three feet (36 inches). Bar-height islands are 3.5 feet tall (42 inches)
The cost of a kitchen island varies on the type you want. If you’re going for simple and want to do-it-yourself, you can spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 on tools, supplies, and materials.
However, if DIY is not your thing and you want to hire a professional, be prepared to spend $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
You can buy an island anywhere, including your local retail store, or rder one online. You can get them in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. And they come with instructions for assembling the pieces.You’ll find the top deals during weekend holidays.
Kitchen islands are far from going out of style. They’re becoming a more functional piece of furniture and the highlight or centerpiece of a kitchen. You can get islands designed to hide trash cans and recycle bins. Or for decor purposes.
These are known as table islands because they come with a built-in table and room for chairs. You’ll see some table islands serve as counter workspace connected to a raised counter you can dine at. And this is another way kitchen islands are becoming increasingly useful and functional.
You want to get the most out of your kitchen island. And to do that, your island should be at least four feet long by two feet deep. Anything smaller might not be useful in the sense of what you use an island for. And unless your kitchen is more than eight feet deep by 12 feet long, an island shouldn’t be considered.
As you’ve seen so far, kitchen islands come in all shapes and sizes. And whether you want to repurpose furniture or create one from scratch, there are several guides to help you along the way. So, take these ideas and run with them for your new kitchen island.
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