Before we moved in we knew the kitchen needed to be addressed but a total gut was out of the question. For one, I want to live in the space and see how we function in it and two, we need to save up for such a big undertaking since it involves reworking the entire back half of our house. So, the question became how can we update this space on a budget and add much needed functionality?
The pain points were limited cabinets and counter space and a wide open space not being utilized. I knew a island would solve all of those pains so with our budget in mind we headed to IKEA with measurements to create a island with seating for three. We decided on the SEKTION base cabinet with drawers in the Axstad Matt white front. Our house in Munich had all drawers in the kitchen and they were so functional so we decided to go with the same style. We needed to purchase three cabinets in order to make our island 72″ long.
We were up against my due date (this was over a year ago) and needed a quick solution for the counter so we went with an unfinished birch butcher block that allowed for counter seating with a 13″ overhang. We secured the counter to the base cabinets and wrapped the seating side with shiplap.
And here we are today with ample storage, counter space and a place to eat. This project cost $1,150 which includes the IKEA base cabinets & drawers, butcher block counter top and hardware drawer pulls. We saved a little on the IKEA cabinets by purchasing during the IKEA Kitchen Sale which happens a few times each year.
We still need to cover the platform with a toe kick and decide if we’re keeping the shiplap natural or painting it but lets not get caught up in those details. Lets just look at how far we’ve come!
Love this! So impressed.