In a previous post I wrote about creating both function and beauty in the home. I enjoy the process of shaping a lived-in, orderly space because our surroundings influence daily family life — how we feel, how smoothly tasks go, and how comfortable we are welcoming others into our home.
Good design, to me, isn’t about achieving a magazine-perfect look or owning the trendiest items. It’s about shaping how we live. A home that works well and looks pleasing reduces stress, improves efficiency in everyday responsibilities, and makes it easier to open our doors to guests without anxiety.
Redesigning how we live in this house has been a rewarding adventure. Small changes add up, and it’s satisfying to see function and beauty come together in practical ways.
Earlier I mentioned an unfinished kitchen island we brought into the space. By unfinished, I mean the piece is literally unfinished furniture you buy with the intention of painting or completing yourself. My mom had purchased it years ago, considered turning it into a bathroom vanity, but never used it. Now it sits in the center of our kitchen, waiting for someone to transform it into something both useful and lovely.
And yes, we are still waiting {taps fingers on the butcher block top}.
These photos were taken a few weeks ago and the island looks the same as the day it moved into the kitchen. UPDATE: THE KITCHEN ISLAND IS FINISHED!
And yes, those are holes in our floors. Heh heh. This project isn’t finished yet.
Even so, having the island in the room while we work on the rest of the kitchen has been helpful. It allows us to visualize how the piece will fit into the overall design and how it can function for our needs. It isn’t a large work surface and doesn’t offer much built-in storage, but our kitchen is small, and a bigger island wouldn’t fit comfortably.
Given the space limitations and our budget, this little island seems like a good fit. It’s not a permanent investment and it was free to us, so we can refurbish it without worrying if it’s the absolute perfect piece. If it turns out not to be practical, we can always replace it later. For now, I’m excited to start the makeover and see how it performs in daily life.
To bring order and function to our kitchen, there are several things we can do to the island to add style and tailor its storage to our needs. Positioned in the center of the room, it needs careful planning so it contributes both aesthetically and practically.
I had hoped to finish the island by now, but other projects have taken precedence. Progress is steady, though. Our new sconces are installed and look beautiful, and we’re getting closer to reestablishing the pantry. (If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen a small, functional piece I picked up to hold keys in the pantry.)
The cabinets still need painting, but the contractor assures me he’ll be here soon. I’m equal parts nervous and excited to see the paint color. There’s still flooring and other finishing touches to do, but we’re inching toward a point where the kitchen feels “done enough” for now. I’ll share the updates as things come together.
My plan for this season of home refreshes is to spend a month nesting and creating order and beauty, then slow the pace heading into the holidays so I can focus on family and seasonal traditions.
Previously I put together a post with freestanding kitchen island ideas for inspiration. I expect some of those concepts will inform how I finish this piece. Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts.