“The Moment of Truth: A Kitchen Island Transformed”
I finished it and I couldn’t be happier with how it came out. As I stood back and admired my handiwork, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. The transformation was nothing short of amazing. This small, yet mighty, portable kitchen island had become a stunning addition to my kitchen, and I was eager to share the story of its transformation with you.
From Drab to Fab: The Original Island
This is what the very solid and sturdy wood island looked like before I added my style. The blank canvas was waiting for my creative touch, and I was excited to get started. There are many ways to customize this wood worktable/island from simply rubbing wood conditioner on it, sealing it with a clear poly to staining it a wood tone or painting it a color. After looking at all these options, I decided to paint the base using Sherwin Williams Dress Blues paint. The color was a perfect match for my kitchen’s décor, and I knew it would add a touch of elegance to the space.
How I Painted the Table/Island Wood Base
Normally, I would have chosen to use Sherwin Williams ProClassic formula of paint, since I used it to paint the kitchen cabinets, but the guy at the paint counter told me the color couldn’t be made using ProClassic in a quart and recommended I try their Emerald formula. I decided to get it made up in a semi-gloss finish so the base would be easy to wipe clean. Here is what the back of the island looks like. This side is parallel to the sink.
The Benefits of a Portable Kitchen Island
A small kitchen can benefit from an extra work surface or storage. A portable kitchen island is a good option for small kitchens. You can customize a portable kitchen island to fit your decorating style. By painting it with Sherwin Williams Dress Blues paint, I was able to match the color scheme of my kitchen and create a cohesive look.
How I Sealed the Wood Top
To seal the wood top, I went back and forth on how I wanted to finish it. Two readers mentioned they liked Waterlox for sealing Butcher Block and wood. A few others liked using food safe mineral spirits that is used mostly for wood cutting boards. Both are great options. Since I am not going to use the surface as a cutting board as I have a Boos Board Cutting Block to cut on, I decided to try a new product from Minwax called Polycrylic Max in an Ultra Flat finish. I LOVE how well it went on and best of all how it sealed the wood with no sheen so it looks like bare wood.
Polycrylic Max: A Game-Changer for Wood Sealing
Polycrylic Max is a great option for sealing wood tops, especially when you want a flat finish. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and provides a durable protection against spills and scratches.
How I Styled The Wood Island
The wood worktable/island has a drawer and two shelves under the drawer. The shelves can be screwed in at a few different heights depending on what you want to store on them. The drawer had a plain wood drawer knob. I didn’t care for that so I replaced it with a brushed chrome bin-style pull that I bought at Home Depot. I put two baskets that I had on the bottom shelf and a tray with some of the most used dishes on the top shelf.
Adding a Pop of Color with Gift Wrap
For the my new kitchen island drawer I used gift wrap and then sealed it with Mod Podge in a matte sheen that I had in my decor supply stash. I took my time to get this new island project done. First, it took me quite a few months to find a ready-made one that would fit in the small space. Next, I didn’t rush into choosing the color and styling. I made it a point to look over the images and clippings I have taken from Pinterest and magazines to make sure what I ended up doing, would be just right for my kitchen.
The Final Result: A Stunning Kitchen Island
As I look at my kitchen island now, I am thrilled with the transformation. The Sherwin Williams Dress Blues paint has added a touch of elegance, while the Polycrylic Max finish has protected the wood surface. The styling and organization of the drawers and shelves have made the island a functional and beautiful addition to my kitchen.
Conclusion: A Winning Combination
In conclusion, I highly recommend using Sherwin Williams Dress Blues paint for your kitchen island, paired with Polycrylic Max for a flat finish. With a little creativity and planning, you can transform your kitchen island into a stunning and functional addition to your home.
