DIY Kitchen Island Ideas

Whether you’re doing a complete remodel or are just wanting to change up your existing kitchen, we’ve got the best DIY kitchen island ideas for you right here! Trust me, you aren’t going to want to miss these DIY kitchen island projects…they’re next level!

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What is a kitchen island?

Hmmm…wondering what a kitchen island actually is? It’s a freestanding piece of furniture, typically located in the middle of a kitchen. Its main purpose is to provide extra countertop space or can even act as an informal dining area.

Can you make your own kitchen island?

Yes, you can totally plan a kitchen remodel and make it a DIY project! It’s a great, budget-friendly way to do a kitchen renovation. We’ve put together a few tips below so you can start working on your new kitchen design. Ahhh – so exciting!

Firstly, you want to measure the space where your custom kitchen island will be going. I recommend using painters tape to mark off the ideal size for your island. Leave the tape on for a few days, so you can get a feel of how the new home decor would feel. Solidifying kitchen island plans before you actually get started is crucial.

Secondly, you have the choice of either finding base kitchen cabinets and repurposing them, or you can build them completely from scratch. A few years ago when I remodeled my kitchen, I was able to find a bunch of reclaimed wood that I started sanding and eventually painted.

Thirdly, decide what type of materials you’ll be using for your island. For instance – think about shiplap, decorative wood X’s, support posts, however you want to style your island!

Lastly, decide what type of material you want for your siding. I recommend looking at Home Depot as they often have great options…or Ikea for some inspiration. Next, it’s time to start that woodworking and get to building. Make sure you have a workspace where you can safely work on your kitchen makeover!

What can I use for a kitchen island?

If you want to go total DIY, try finding some items you already have that you can repurpose into a kitchen island. Yes, this may sound crazy, but there are actually so many items that you can repurpose into a makeshift kitchen island. For example:

A dresser (perfect for a tucked-away storage space island)
A sideboard (just put some casters and a wooden top on and TA-DA!)
A rustic table (great for a farmhouse style island)
Bookshelf (with this you can keep cookbooks on hand)!
Wood pallets (for a trendy counter space)
Old desk

What are the best paint colors for a kitchen island?

Everyone has a different color palette when it comes to your kitchen island…some are doing a rustic kitchen island look while others are going for a more modern look. Regardless, here are some of our favorite paint colors for homeowners designing their own island!

Sherwin Williams Cyberspace (a wicked navy blue)
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (a rich navy blue)
Light Ash Wood
Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray
Sherwin Williams Krypton

What are some kitchen island ideas?

Whether you’re looking to make a statement with your kitchen island or are just wanting some extra tabletop space, check out our favorite ideas when designing your island.

Firstly, extend your countertop material down onto the island’s sides. For instance, this adds a lot of character to your island design.

Secondly, make sure to think about walkaround space. This is especially important if you have a small kitchen. Put some painters tape down around the island area and see if you have enough space to move freely in your kitchen, put down some barstools if you’re planning on putting some in, etc.

Thirdly, if you’re going for more storage space, make sure you incorporate this into your island. For example, make sure to include some built-in base cabinets below the tabletop of the island so you can have effortless storage. Make sure to think about storage if you’re working with small spaces in an already small kitchen island!

Lastly, think about what shape you want your actual island to be. I’ve been loving that extra long L shaped island…elongated designs are a great modern design!

So, on the best DIY kitchen island ideas…

Who else is as excited as I am!? Let’s take this project to the next level and check out the best DIY kitchen island ideas below.

In conclusion on the best DIY kitchen island ideas…

So, what did you think? In addition to doing your own kitchen island remodel, these ideas are all pretty budget friendly! Therefore, get your tools and get to woodworking!

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