The Main Event: Kitchen Island
If our kitchen story had chapters, I think we’d be on chapter 24. Seriously, lots to piece together when it comes to an entire kitchen! I’ve shown you little snip-its of our island before, but today it gets its day in the sun.
As you know, our kitchen is one giant room, and it also houses our farmhouse dining table. It will also be home to a small sitting area as well as our entry bench and shelf. Therefore, we wanted an extra large island to marry all of these spaces together. It needed to be big. It needed to make a statement. And it needed to have character. So, I sketched out a design, and we worked closely with our amazing woodworker to make this piece come to life. I wanted the island to look like a piece of furniture, rather than just a predictable and massive rectangular cabinet.
As you can see, one side houses our microwave, our trash (large middle drawer), and the other drawers are where our pots and pans and other kitchen gadgets live. The other side has cabinets for all glassware/dishware that are seldomly used. We wanted this island to not only look good, but work hard too.
As for the top of our island, it’s custom built by our woodworker. It’s made out of maple wood and stained with a dark walnut stain. We chose butcher block because it brings warmth to the space, and we want this room to feel cozy, not cold.
How big is the island, you ask? It measures 69 inches x 51 inches. To give this big piece some character, we added planks to each side of the island, and “columns” that define the area where our bar stools will soon sit.
And as for the actual color of the island (since it was crazy sunny in our kitchen and every photo I took seems to show a different shade of blue/gray/green) its No. 26 down pipe from Farrow & Ball.
We adore the color (it actually looks more like this in person than what the “real life” photos portray) and would recommend it in a heartbeat! Last detail – the pulls are the duluth pulls from Restoration Hardware in oil-rubbed bronze.
You are probably thinking that I am holding out on you and not posting any large scale photos of the entire room. And sadly, that’s true. I’m hesitant to show you anything half done, because you will be underwhelmed. I’ll roll bits and pieces out and when all is ready, I’ll take photos of the entire room and kitchen:).
wow, that is amazing. i’m drooling over that piece!!
What a beauty! I love the choice of butcher block, and those Duluth pulls are my absolute favorites. Oh, Restoration Hardware, who can compete? Gorgeous, as ever, Kirsten!
Right? Duluth pulls are so versatile and lovely:).
Wow Kirsten, your kitchen is turning out great! I love white kitchens, with wood floors, and islands with color. It’s fun to wait and see what you guys have done.
I have a question: what do you think about having the microwave under the counter? I’ve been debating doing that, and wonder how you like it.
I love everything about it and I can’t wait to see which bar stools you choose! Your floors look amazing by the way
Great job on utilizing the back side for infrequently used glasses and dishes..it’s the perfect spot for those items! Love the color too! Looking beautiful
Thanks Mandy:). Can’t wait to have you over next month for the full home tour:).
Beautiful, as usual!! I can’t wait to see the whole space come together. Have you chosen your stools yet?
Hi Amanda! We’ve looked at a number of bar stools, but haven’t landed on anything yet. Any ideas???
Restoration Hardware has a bunch on sale right now!
Looks amazing Kirsten. I’m jealous of all the storage you were able integrate into the island.
I love everything about it!!!! The color s beautiful!
Love it! I’m hoping for a recycled glass counter top when I do my kitchen remodel.
How cool, Jenna! Can’t wait to see what you do with that room:).
That island is spectacular. Nice work. Can’t wait to see the final reveal – you should be very proud!
Thanks Kati for the kind words!
She’s perdy Kirsten! Love it!
So gorgeous! I love that color! And, yah for Duluth pulls!
I love your new home, Kirsten! I’ve got to see it in person one of these days. That duluth gray is RIGHT ON! I totally dig that island, and wow – the new wood floors thanks to Union Floor Co!
I hope to see you soon. Let’s catch up on what you are doing. I’d love to talk!