Since I’ve had my kitchen island for over 3 years, I tend to take it for granted. Then it will appear in a post, like it did this past week, and it will get lots of comments. I think it’s time to talk about it again and share some more details on just how the transformation came about.

I wanted an island and I had this idea. I was on the lookout for a vintage buffet or sideboard. I wanted one rather like the one in the photo below – long, with drawers and cupboards. I’ve had to use this photo from Pinterest because for some reason, I didn’t take a photo of the sideboard in its original state.

Once the primer was on, he relaxed. Mission accomplished. You just have to be able to visualize what a piece can become. A couple of coats of primer later and I was able to start painting the top coat. Meanwhile, here was the back:

Not a problem if the piece was being used for its original intention – then it would have been placed against a wall. What to do? I immediately thought of beadboard. I love beadboard. I went on a little trip to Lowe’s, had two pieces cut to fit the back, and bought some trim. I nailed it on with finishing nails and then cut the trim to fit.

You recall there was a piece of decorative trim at the back of this piece. I didn’t want it there, so I took it off. That piece of trim (which was awfully pretty) became this:

Reuse. Recycle. One old, dark piece of furniture became two pieces – a beautiful island and a chalkboard.

I replaced the old hardware with glass knobs. See how painting it this creamy color really makes the details pop?

Here it is today. The paint gets chipped from all the banging around the kitchen we do. So every year or so, I give it another coat of paint. Then I don’t let Don touch it for a while. Eventually, I give up being the “island monitor” and Don can relax once again.

It also separates the eating area from the rest of the kitchen. I painted the kitchen table the same color. (I’m not sure why the floor appears to be slanting down and to the right in this photo, but I assure you it isn’t.)

And there’s all sorts of fun decorating possibilities with the beadboard backing. Like this banner. Or you could hang a chalkboard on the back. Or a yard-long rose painting. Or a sign.

I’ve seen this type of sideboard everywhere. Often, you’ll find them at Goodwill or the Salvation Army. I found mine at an auction. Because they look dark and heavy to the average shopper, they are passed by. So, you benefit! You can get one for very little money.

It’s one of my favorite transformations. And it’s pretty darned easy.

To review: I had this piece left over from my sideboard turned kitchen island.

I am very excited about this project! I will post a tutorial in the next few days explaining what I did and what I learned not to do.

I’ve been craving a chalkboard in my kitchen for a long time. I was going to buy one, but one day I was staring at that leftover trim and a lightbulb went on in my brain. I could make a chalkboard. And so I got to work and over the next 3 or 4 days, I put it together, painted the frame, painted the chalkboard, aged the frame and ta-dah! Here it is!

Since the chalkboard is between a window and our side door, which also has a big window, it has been hard to get a photo. Wouldn’t you know it – the one day I want it to be cloudy in order to take a picture, the sun is shining away. The color of the frame is a bit more turquoise than indicated, but it is pretty accurate. The turquoise was so intense that I “antiqued” it this morning and I like it much better. The chalkboard has to be seasoned yet but I haven’t any chalk! My dog, Riley, hasn’t been feeling well at all, so I am staying home today. We’ve had a worrisome two days, but he seems to be getting better as the day goes on. I am very relieved!

Hope you like it. I promise more photos (with chalk) and the tutorial in the next day or two.

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