DIY: Build Your Own Kitchen Island

My kitchen has long been one of those rooms in my home that I put in the category of "almost complete."  When I moved in, it had already been beautifully redone with white headboard cabinets, marble countertops, a farmhouse sink, and wonderful stainless appliances to boot!   But, the problem is that it's kind of an awkward size.  There isn't truly enough room to put a nice island (not to mention any type of table), yet without something there is just this dead space in the middle.  Plus no where to put out food for guests or let a friend sit to talk to you while you cook.

So, my idea for a solution became a kitchen island on wheels.  Thus, I could move it into the corner under the window when it became to burdensome, but I have it there for everyday use - because if there was one downside to my beautiful kitchen, it's that it is a little short on counter space.

under the window when it became to burdensome, but I have it there for everyday use - because if there was one downside to my beautiful kitchen, it's that it is a little short on counter space.

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How-To: Refresh Your Kitchen Island

When Mitch and I moved to St. Louis, we bought a 110-year-old house in Tower Grove Heights, a historic area in St. Louis City just south of Tower Grove Park -- almost 300 acres of running trails, ponds, green space, pavilions and Busch-league kickball.

The house had been completely (and beautifully) renovated by a local company that specializes in restoring historic homes in the area. It had been gutted to the studs, with all-new plumbing, electric, HVAC, and a new roof. By the time they were finished with Humphrey House (as we call it), he was absolutely turn-key and SO handsome, but also totally inoffensive. The house was smartly renovated by a firm, not an individual, and so the details were designed to be as palatable as possible. It was vanilla, is what I am saying, and I am a person who enjoys sprinkles.

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