Tuesday, May 20

Kitchen island makeover


This spring has been an adventuresome time for my kitchen.  Not so many culinary adventures, but decorative adventures for sure.  One by one, we're making changes to create a lighter, brighter space that has more of a farmhouse look.

Here's how the kitchen island area started:


And here it is today:



We started the process earlier this year by painting the island a delicious green, Oakmoss by Sherwin-Williams.  Then we added new knobs and drawer pulls, Gilmore from Restoration Hardware.

Now we've finally finished the island makeover.  This final part of the makeover included the easiest project and the most difficult.

We're blessed to have a counter-depth refrigerator in this kitchen, but having that kind of fridge comes with a price: much less space than a full-depth model.  For a long time I've thought that a beverage refrigerator would be a great addition to this kitchen, and I had the perfect spot for one at the end of the kitchen island.  The island had large cabinet at the end that I formerly used for storing miscellaneous items.  Let me tell you:  getting rid of miscellaneous items is good for the soul!


I knew that do this bit of cabinet surgery was not a DIY job--not for me, at least!  After I ordered the right size beverage refrigerator (I chose a U-Line), I called in the pros.  If you follow me on Instagram, you've already had a sneak peek of the process.


And here's the finished product:





For such a low-profile appliance, the beverage fridge holds a LOT:



This model includes dual temperature zones: the top racks are the right temperature for chilling bottles of wine and the bottom area is colder for other beverages.  The very bottom is a half shelf, and it seemed a good place for storing lemons and limes.

As difficult as adding the beverage fridge was, the other improvement was simplicity itself: adding new pendant lights.


I wanted a brighter, more old-fashioned, farmhouse look, so I started searching online--and to my utter delight, I found just what I wanted at Ballard Designs.  The best part?  These are simply adapters that screw into existing can light fixtures.  The only skill needed to install these is a little patience when it comes to getting the cords all the same length.

I like the way they look with Edison bulbs.  Tip: Amazon.com is a great source for vintage-style bulbs! (affiliate link)


Here's how they look all lit up:


So now I'm one giant step and one baby step closer to having the farmhouse kitchen I've been wanting!  I'm hoping to reveal the whole makeover in the next couple of weeks.  I'm really eager now to get this project finished!


**Update: After many years of having maple cabinetry, I decided to update my kitchen further by painting the cupboards white. You can see the newly updated kitchen and read about the changes here. But I still LOVE the changes I made to my island in 2014, so it remained the same. 


Have you completed any projects in your home lately?  

I'm linking to these wonderful parties:

The Scoop at Stone Gable
Inspire Me Monday at Sand and Sisal
Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
One Project at a Time at A Bowl Full of Lemons
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style



24 comments:

  1. I think I am coveting that under counter fridge! That is seriously the best idea! It all looks beautiful. I love your choices.

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  2. Love the fridge, what a fabulous addition and wow, it really does hold a lot. The lights are gorgeous too. Great additions to the kitchen.

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  3. Although it was beautiful before, I really love the changes you have made. I love the green and that beverage fridge is awesome! Looking forward to seeing the finished project!

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  4. Love your island makeover, Richella! Your fridge is great! Love the pendant lights, as well. The hubby and I were just at the kitchen table yesterday talking about kitchen updates. I'd love to add pendants to the buffet/entertainment island. You've inspired me!

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  5. Love the new look! The pendant lights are gorgeous (especially with those bulbs) and I love the addition of the fridge. We just painted our kitchen cabinets white, but are still waiting on some of the hardware that's on back order. Next up is adding a subway tile back splash and "furniture legs" under the cabinets. Busy, busy, busy. :)

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  6. Love, love, love! Where to start? The island is such a pretty green as are the light fixtures! I especially am liking that beverage fridge. pinned on my kitchen board:) Have great week.

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  7. Richella your island turned out BEAUTIFUL!!! Love the color!

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  8. Dear Richella I absolutely love it, the lighter cabinets made a huge difference. The light fixture are a rustic farm house touch! I also painted my kitchen island the same color! Of course still waiting for new counter tops!
    The little frig for beverages is the smartest thing yet. I bet you wish you would of had that when the boys were little.... Happy Memorial weekend to you dear friend! Have a patry in that new kitchen and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Hugs, Roxy

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  9. Hi Richella! Oh, your kitchen is so beautiful and I love your pretty island. The green is gorgeous and is one of my favorite colors. The lights! Oh, and just your entire space is gorgeous and so big and the little fridge is just perfect! Honey, you're blessed!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  10. Richella, I love the color and that fridge is so nice. What a great idea for that wasted space.

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  11. Richella, your kitchen is so much lighter and brighter. I love the green island - what a difference. We have a counter depth fridge too. I love it but you are so right - not much goes in there. We'd never make it without the fridge in the garage. Now I might have to look around and find a spot for a beverage fridge.

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  12. I already loved your kitchen, Richella, but you've definitely added some extra "wow-factor." It looks awesome!

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  13. I love this fridge - it's just perfect in that spot…your kitchen is looking much brighter, too…as always, it's just lovely!

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  14. OK, this is adorable! And I am so jealous about that extra fridge. Love it!

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  15. OMG !! What an amazing kitchen and I super love your island :)

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  16. I LOVE the island makeover! The beverage fridge is very pretty too! (Can a fridge be pretty? Well it is!) I'm sure your family will be utilizing it for sure!

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  17. Richella, I am in love with the changes on your island. Just beautiful! I have been wanting to give mine a makeover for a while now, I think you just gave me the needed inspiration. :)

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  18. I love your island transformation!! The beverage fridge is such a great asset, that would work well around here since most trips into our fridge are for nice cold drinks!

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  19. Wow Richella....what a fantastic makeover...I love the color and love how you placed the beverage fridge in the island...great idea...I so want to paint my island too!....you are inspiring me!

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  20. This is a gorgeous makeover, and the beverage fridge is pure brilliance!!!

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  21. I love it so much Richella!! It looks absolutely amazing and the transformation is fabulous!
    Vanessa

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  22. Beautiful, Richella! I am in love with your kitchen.
    xx,
    Sherry

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  23. OMGosh I love that color and the drink fridge! Great makeover - stopping by from the At Your Picket Fence FB page!

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