This is my kitchen. See that big open space there in the middle?
Well, it has become a dance studio, a playroom, and an indoor track. Which is all fine and dandy until you actually want to cook or bake or use the kitchen for any other activity that kitchens are normally used for. And frankly, I couldn't take it anymore. I love my children but the "No Dancing and Jumping around in the Kitchen" rule was not being followed.
So my husband and I were talking about our problem area. After some measuring and some discussion and some research, we discovered that we would have room for a stand alone island. It would have to be small, but it would kill two birds with one stone; it would stop the use of our kitchen as a dance studio and it would give us some more counter space/work space and if we were lucky, a little more storage. Win/win! The other consideration when looking for an island is that we are currently renting our home, at least for the time being. So we wanted to make sure that it was removable and not too expensive.
Well, I began the search for the perfect island. After checking website after website, I did find one I liked at IKEA. It would mean a trip down there (about 3 hours) but I am always up for a drive to IKEA. The only problem is that it would be a tight fit in an already small space. We had to make sure that our fridge and dishwasher could still open. Well, I was already for a drive and a fun shopping day when I decided to check craig's list. This actually occurred to me after finding a post on pinterest where a woman found an IKEA island on craig's list and painted it and now it is this awesome focal point in her kitchen. On a side note, Pinterest simultaneously inspires me and makes me feel like I am decorating-challenged. But this particular day, I was inspired to check out craig's list. Who knows maybe I could do a similar thing!
Well, wouldn't you know it, there was an island listed for $70 in my town! So for a quarter of the price, and minus a tank of gas, maybe this island would work for our need. We went to check it out and while not perfect, we decided it might work. The bottom was almost the exact color of our cabinets and while the counter is not the same, it may go well enough. So we paid the man and loaded it our van.
After cleaning it up and using a stain pen to hide some of the scratches and chips at least until I can refinish it in the spring, it looks pretty good. We bought a couple of baskets with lids at our local World Market on sale.
And one more view from the other side!
So I think this just might work for us, a little more counter space and a little more storage. Because let's face it, who couldn't use more storage space in their kitchen. If there is any one out there that complains of having too much storage in their kitchen, I'd like to meet them and then steal their kitchen. But best of all, I think this will close the dance studio.
The best part though is that it has wheels (that lock) and if we need to have a concert or a dance party, we can move it aside!