15 DIY Kitchen Islands to Totally Transform Your Kitchen Space
We've got lots of sizes and styles to inspire you.
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The kitchen is known as the heart of the home, and for good reason. It’s where families and guests naturally gather to relax, share stories, and most importantly, cook and eat together! It’s no surprise then that kitchens are the number one to-do on most homeowners’ remodeling wish lists. But according to a recent U.S. Houzz & Home report, kitchens are also the most expensive home renovation, costing an average of $14,000. If a whole new kitchen isn’t in the cards for you financially, there are other, less expensive kitchen decor ideas to maximize all the space it has to offer, especially if you have the time and skills to DIY!
One of the most dramatic and impactful changes you can make to your kitchen is the addition of an island, which is one of the most popular kitchen trends for 2020. Kitchen islands are a great way to add more seating, counter, and storage space to one of the hardest working rooms in your home. They're also visually appealing and bring tons of character and charm to your space, from farmhouse kitchens to modern kitchens and beyond. Whether you dream of creating the perfect storage solution, an area for informal dining, a cozy place to perch, or all of the above, these DIY kitchen island projects are sure to inspire you. (Get more kitchen island ideas here, plus
DIY Coastal Kitchen Island
This DIY built-in kitchen island was made from big box store cabinets and has undergone several makeovers since it was first constructed. The latest features a lovely green-blue paint upgrade, new bar pulls, and of-the-moment shaker door panels.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Chicks Rule.
DIY Kitchen Island with Trash Storage
Hide your trash with this DIY kitchen island complete with a built-in, pull-out trash can. For added convenience, this island also features counter seating, wood slat shelves, and hooks for hanging kitchen towels and oven mitts.
Get the tutorial at Shades of Blue Interiors.
DIY Bookshelf Kitchen Island
Transform an old bookshelf into a handy kitchen island with this easy tutorial. This narrow little island is perfect for anyone with a small kitchen.
Get the tutorial at Little Glass Jar.
DIY Stock Cabinet Kitchen Island
This kitchen island is made from a simple frame built around two stock cabinets. Best of all, you can make it for under $250 using only basic tools.
Get the tutorial at Build-Basic.
DIY Royal Navy Kitchen Island
This kitchen island is made from affordable stock cabinets, painted a trendy shade of navy blue, and topped with a quartz counter. Adding beadboard to the cupboard doors takes this island to the next level.
Get the tutorial at Classy Clutter.
DIY Customized Kitchen Island
You don’t have to start from scratch when creating the kitchen island of your dreams. If you already have an island, this helpful tutorial will show you how to add upgrades like wine storage, a towel rod, and a bookcase at the end that can hold a microwave.
Get the tutorial at Thrifty Decor Chick.
DIY Craigslist Kitchen Island Upgrade
This kitchen island was scored for a steal on Craigslist and then upgraded with a custom-poured concrete countertop and coats of rich gray paint. Gold hardware adds a little extra glam to this piece.
Get the tutorial at Fresh Mommy Blog.
DIY Ikea Hack Kitchen Island
There’s a place for everything and everything in its place in this storage-friendly island. It’s made from three Ikea Billy Bookcases and an Ikea butcher block, with some molding and beadboard for added flare.
Get the tutorial at Golden Boys & Me.
DIY Vintage School Desk Kitchen Island
This clever guide shows you how to breathe new life into a vintage desk with a fresh coat of paint, caster wheels, and a faux marble countertop. This island is full of charming details, including a cutting board fashioned from a sliding shelf that many old desks have.
Get the tutorial at My Old Country House.
DIY Repurposed Bookcases Kitchen Island
Can you ever have too much kitchen storage? Not according to this blogger! This super simple DIY project involves tipping two large bookshelves onto their sides, and adding legs and an old tabletop.
Get the tutorial at Kreating Homes.
DIY Country Kitchen Island
Add the perfect touch to your country kitchen with this charming DIY island. It’s made from decorative molding, barn wood, and old wood porch columns for a rustic feel that will elevate your kitchen.
Get the tutorial at At the Picket Fence.
DIY Coffee Bar Kitchen Island
How serious are you about your morning coffee? If the answer is "very," get inspired by this DIY kitchen island that was specially designed to serve as a coffee bar console table.
Get the tutorial at Jen Woodhouse.
DIY Galvanized Metal Kitchen Island
This cedar wood kitchen island is topped with a custom galvanized metal counter for a unique, industrial feel. Add oil rubbed bronze hardware to complete the look.
Get the tutorial at Remodelaholic.
DIY Wood and Concrete Outdoor Kitchen Island
If alfresco dining is your pleasure, then this is the project for you. This kitchen island is ideal for indoor or outdoor use thanks to a weatherproofed poured concrete countertop.
Get the tutorial at HomeMade Modern.
DIY Galvanized Metal Kitchen Island
Building a kitchen island with stock cabinets gives you the freedom to make your island any size you want, and incorporate whatever type of storage you would like. You can even buy cabinets that match your existing cabinetry. For more tips, check out this helpful tutorial.
Get the tutorial at Domestic Blonde.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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