Resurfacing My Lovely Island Butch Block

If you haven't read my previous post about my DIY kitchen island (Part 1 and Part 2), then let me introduce you to my kitchen island.

It's been at least 6 months since I completed this project and I've succeeded in beating up the counter top like no other.  I did the initial conditioning of the top and didn't do any follow through.  I know better!  No really, I do.  I've already stained it with beet juice (the ugly dark gray blob) and there are small water spots on it.  It's begging me to be oiled.  Overall, the top was just looking dull and much lighter than when I started, which is a sure sign that it needs some love.  

Kitchen Island: Part 2 and Reveal

As I said in Part 1, the easy part of building my custom DIY came to an end with the conclusion of Part 1.  I finished that portion a few months ago and took a break to figure out the finishing details.

The original plan was to finish it with beadboard and some molding.  After some thought, I realized that this would definitely require some straight cutting and intricate painting.  I also wasn't sure if that was the look I wanted for the kitchen.  In hind sight.... I should have went with the beadboard.

Kitchen Island: Part 1

Let me start by saying that this project is (so far) 10 months in the making.  It's, by far, the most complicated project I have tackled thus far and it has been..... A Learning Experience.

But before I get into that, I'll start from the beginning!  My house has a square kitchen with cabinets along 2 walls.  It's very open but it was lacking work space.  All the counter space was in the corners or just long enough for a cutting board.  I take up the whole counter when I cook, I needed more room to move!

 See all that open space in the middle of the room?