Turn an ordinary kitchen table into a practical island.
If you find yourself struggling for cooking space in your kitchen, it may be time for a kitchen island. If your kitchen is small, an island can double your counter and storage space. You don't even have to purchase a prefabricated piece. Simply repurpose an old kitchen table. You can either recycle your current table or find one at a flea market or thrift store. Kitchen table islands not only fit easily into most kitchens, they're non-permanent. This means you can move the island out of the way when you're not using it. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Flip your kitchen table upside-down. Rectangular tables suited for two people work well as kitchen islands. Circles may not complement the shape of your kitchen, and larger tables will cramp the space instead of opening it up.
2. Measure from the end of each table leg down 10 to 15 inches. Mark the measurements with a piece of chalk. This is where your island shelf will sit; think about your storage needs when deciding where to put the shelf. Leave more space for large kitchen appliances and less space for shorter baking supplies.
3. Screw an L-bracket into each of the legs, lining the corner of each bracket up with the chalk lines. The upper arm of each bracket should point to the leg directly opposite. For instance, the lower left bracket should point at the lower right leg.
4. Flip the table back over and set a board down on top of the L-brackets as your shelf. Most hardware stores will cut the board to size for no extra cost. Screw the board into the L-brackets from the top down.
5. Spray-paint the entire table one color. You can choose any color you like, including hammered or matte metallic, stone effects or faux leather. Pick something that matches your kitchen and your style.
6. Drill a row of eight to 10 holes along both short ends of the table, spacing the holes at least an inch apart. Secure a screw hook into each hole, turning them so they're flush against the wood. These hooks can hold lightweight pans and large cooking utensils you use often.
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