Monday, July 9, 2012

Summer Island Views


 Ha!
Now that I have your attention,
I am not talking about 
a tropical summer island.... 
but instead
a wooden kitchen island.
Boring.... I know.

Zzzzzzzzz. 
Wake up!





This is our kitchen island.
You've seen it before.

It's nearly ten feet long 
and almost 3 feet wide
and has a lower shelf area --
 perfect for storage
and the keeping of my
larger serving pieces 
and antiques.




When planning the kitchen, 
I wanted to find an antique
to use as an island -- something
with a little more character
than what the cabinet maker could make. 

So when I saw this antique (reproduction)
sideboard at the furniture market
in High Point, NC
it seemed like it could work
perfectly in the long space.



This is the back of the island.


It was not meant to be a free-standing piece
(as you can see in the photo above)
but luckily it was stained on the back
so all I had to do was find some decorative
wooden appliques and some frame molding
to make the back a little more decorative.
We also added a towel bar since it is across from the sink.






The medallion on the right is repeated on the island on the front and sides. I found a similar version (seen on left) to add to the back section to try to make it more finished since it would be free-standing. 






Two marble slabs are built into the top of the sideboard. We replaced the original ones with white Carrera marble to use for baking prep surfaces. They are 1" thick slabs but half of their depth falls below the wooden surface of the piece.













Old wicker suitcase and picnic basket for storage.







Vintage aluminum horsehead fence post top with a bowl of limes.






Guess what?
Illinois is having a cold spell!
So excited, the temps this
week are going to be in the mid-eighties
all week. THIS is great news!

Hope you are 
enjoying a little less heat this week
and maybe even some rain?
(We're still hoping for some of that.)


xoxox~
A


51 comments:

Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home said...

Love your summer island views! Your kitchen is so gorgeous, and the island adds so much character to it. We're having a "cold" spell, too, and it's wonderful!!

Ron said...

You had me at the title! Lol. I love using furniture pieces as islands!!!! Great kitchen. Great island. Great post. xo

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

Absolutely beautiful! I love when someone takes a piece and repurposes it for another reason. What a great work space!

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Alison,
Your kitchen is lovely. I love the island! I love the horse on the island, too!

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Love your island. I think it is so great to use furniture for these sorts of things, islands, vanities, etc.

Have a great day

Laura @ duke manor farm said...

wow! what a stunning piece. Looks great in your kitchen but I am sure it would work in most places in your home. Enjoy the chilly temps!

Linda said...

Alison your island is amazing.
Your kitchen is amazing.
This post is amazing.
Our temps are finally back to normal and no humidity. Thank goodness.
But we are in for another hot spell later this week. No complaints here,
remember winter....

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I just love that island and wish I had room for one. Great styling. Love the mason jars filled with hydrangeas. We are supposed to get in the eighties this week, too. Looking forward to that and hopefully some rain.

Debra@CommonGround said...

This is incredible, just like your kitchen!!! Love that lower display shelf!

Michele Smith said...

That is my kind of island :) Your kitchen is just beautiful as always!
We are having "cooler" temps here in NC along with some storms come in the afternoon.

michele said...

yep, i'm freezing right now!

your kitchen is looking glorious with all the bright light and styling/whatev maybe it looks like this all the time!

stop by if you have a moment as i just posted a giveaway:
http://hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com/2012/07/summer-sale-giveaway.html

smiles to you.

michele

NanaDiana said...

That is an absolutely gorgeous island. You would never know that you added the medallions to make it match. I love all the storage it gives you..AND the marble pieces are a really nice touch for baking! Perfect!- xo Diana

Dixie Delights said...

It's so beautiful that I'm speechless!!!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

LOVE that gorgeous island Alison and love your pretty displays too!

Kelly said...

I've always loved your kitchen. I never knew your island had marble slabs installed in it. How cool! That island is beautiful! I love how you've accessorized it too. I also love the skirts you added to your bar stools. It softens the wood and adds a touch of femininity to the room which I love.

Our French Inspired Home said...

This piece looks great as an island. It's a nice size and like you said has great storage from the shelf below. Looks great with the boards and decor below also.

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Lots of area to stag and put pretty things! This is such a great piece. We are having a cold spell too!

Calypso In The Country said...

Yes, you caught my attention with the title...your island really is a gorgeous piece. It works so well with that beautiful kitchen of yours!
-Shelley

Sarah said...

Alison, loved the island visit! ;-) It's charming and your new mason jar holder looks terrific center stage.
Yes, yes, yes, ~ the rain finally found us! A thunder storm rolled in late afternoon and there has been a steady rain since. So nice to hear the sound of rain once again. Enjoy your cooler days........Sarah

The Tuscan Home said...

Seriously, your kitchen is my dream kitchen. You are one lucky girl. Your island is amazing and the accessorizing is equally amazing. Well done, Alison...luv, luv, luv it! xo ~Liz

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Fabulous island, so big and beautiful, I love it in wood, just perfect. Your kitchen is lovely too. I've missed you pretty girl from the great Polo House!
FABBY

La Vie Quotidienne said...

This is such a spectacular piece of furniture and looks amazing in your kitchen. It is just beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Alison,
The island is just stunning, I love everything about your kitchen!!
Have a great week,
Jackie

The enchanted home said...

Your island is truly PICTURE PERFECT well so is the whole kitchen! What a spectacular idea you had and love love the wondeful vignettes you have created.....you are one talented lady!

Robin said...

As much as I love white kitchens, they can look a bit cold. You sure warmed things up with this island. I like how you went big with the ligth fixturet too. Of course, all the accessries finish it all off. Truly, a dream kitchen, very well thougt out. Looks like the rest of the country has cooled enough to match our temperatures here in FL!

Robin
Robin Flies South

Tina said...

Love the island! I hope I can find a large piece like that when we redo our kitchen.

Have a great week.

Rebecca said...

I've enjoyed the detailed view of your "summer island". I like that footed cutting board and most of the other objects you've placed so beautifully on it...

We're enjoying the "cool", too....and, like you, hoping and praying for some rain.

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Hi, I'm back! Wanted to tell you about my Flair. I am so inlove with her. I cook on it all the time. Hubby thinks it was a good buy, lol! It is from 1965 and the old show Bewitched had one for several years in Samantha's kitchen. They are just the coolest! This one, I found in Peoria on ebay. It was put in the house when it was built in 1965 and I bought it from the home's second owners, so she was in pristine condition. The unit weighs about 350 lbs, so it was a job getting her out of her space and into mine. My girlfriend and I went up in my Dad's truck to get her. The weather is soooooo much better!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your island is absolutely gorgeous. Love having an antique piece instead of a normal cabinet. You also always decorate it beautifully. Hugs, Marty

Pamela Gordon said...

Oh my! I love your island...in any season! It is beautiful and suits your kitchen and home style. I'm happy that you are getting cooler temperatures. Enjoy!

renae said...

Nice! Very Nice! I'm making a dresser into an island and it needs to be slightly higher. You gave me some fab ideas on what I can do. Your photography is breathtaking! awesommmmmmmmmmee!!!!!!!!!!!!

Andrea said...

I utterly adore your entire kitchen, and your island is spectacular! I love how you've styled it also. perfect!

Terri~terrileeauthor said...

I love your ISLAND VIEW.....ha ha
Seriously, that island is to die for and if I only had the space I would love something just like it.
Your kitchen is so inviting. It's just right. Elegant, but warm. You've done a wonderful job in there.

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

i am so in love with your kitchen island...I just wish I had the space for that beauty...Isn't High Point grand?
Love the ability to style both the countertop and the shelf below....I could gaze at the island for hours looking at your incredible items so meticulously styled....Glad your temps dropped..we are getting some relief here too!....a good thing!

Olive said...

That island is my favorite of any island I have ever seen. One could nap under it with a sleeping bag if you were pressed for beds....just kidding.

Garden, Home and Party said...

Alison,
I love your kitchen and the island...that's my kind of island. LOL. I really like the way you display items there and I actually wouldn't have known it was a piece of furniture, I mean I thought it was a custom built piece.
Karen

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

YOUR island views are wonderful! I love your kitchen and the island is traffic stoppingly beautiful. The medallions you found are a GREAT match! I wish I would have room for an island in the new kitchen but I know I will be happy. It is mid 80's here too and low humidity!!!! YEAH!!!! XO, Pinky

Babs said...

Alison, I can't tell you how much I absolutely LOVE your island and the way you "accessorized" it. Do I see those water purification balls hiding under there?
Gor-ge-us!
Hugs,
Babs

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

Love your summer island view! We're having a lovely cool weather spell too, and I can finally feel some breeze through the windows. May I ask what tile you used for your backsplash? It has s nice shimmer to it.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Such a beautiful island, Alison...love the marble pastry panels! We are much cooler here, too!

La Maison des Plaines said...

Hi! Alison,

Your kitchen is stunning! Wish mine was as spacious as yours ;o)

The island was a perfect choice! Gorgeous! Your storage and decor is inspiring.

I also have a marble slab that I use and love for prepping my pastry dough. They are great.

Soooo pleased to hear you are having a break from the heat. We are having the same. Feels great!

Have a wonderful week!

Blessings & Hugs,
Marlene

Maria Elena said...

Nothing boring about your kitchen island! It is so gorgeous! Even without decor is just a masterpiece! The beautiful decor you used is just icing on the cake! You have an amazing kitchen!

Richard Cottrell said...

We have cooled down here in Missouri as well only in the 90's today. Cooler at nite. Thank you Jesus.Richard from My Old Historic House.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Beautiful and a perfect piece for the island!

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

I have kitchen island love........

Dee

LL from KS said...

There is not one thing that I don't absolutely love about your island! I love how you decorated it! Just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I love love love your kitchen and especially of course the island. I'm now seriously going to start looking for a nice piece for when we freshen up the kitchen. Lovely.

Linda in AZ * said...

*** I am IN... LOVE... with that ISLAND of yours, Alison!!! It's SOOOOO F*A*B*U*L*O*U*S!!!

We just bought a lot on the golf course in the mountains (for a summertime getaway from the Tucson heat!), & I get to design it!!! THANKS to you, I can DEFINITELY get the "EXTRA SPECIAL TOUCH" I'm looking for in the kitchen!!!

Again, beautiful, and thanks sooooo much for sharing!

Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net

Janette - The2Seasons said...

Your displays are beautiful. Can you come and help me?

Land Development Engineering Massachusetts said...

Having a house facing sea view is truly inviting. Love visiting your blog, it inspired me a lot.

Unknown said...

Please tell me about your light fixture - I've been looking for one like it to no avail!