This post is the epitome of why I love do-it-yourself projects. Repurposing old into new, being able to use my creativity, and saving a ton of money in the process is what it’s all about! My taste in home décor changes from time to time, a lot or a little, so I am always looking at ways to flip a piece I already have and try to make it fit a new style. I tend to let unused pieces sit in our basement for long periods of time, but before I get rid of them I play around with a few ideas. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. That’s just the name of the game! I always figure, what’s the harm in making a last ditch effort!?
This bookcase hadn’t seen the light of day in years. It was a good sturdy piece that I bought at Target so so long ago during my everything espresso days. I had a few ideas for it, but didn’t have the perfect spot for it. Then I had one of those ah-ha moments and hauled it upstairs to our kitchen, and bingo! The perfect fit for a little Bookshelf Kitchen Island! And our kitchen sure needed it!
MATERIALS NEEDED:
- Old bookshelf
- Primer
- Yardstick
- Screw Driver
- 1/4in Plywood
- Saw
- Sandpaper
- Liquid Nails
- Clamps
- Caulk
- Paint
- Paint Brush or Paint Sprayer
- Wood Slab
- Wood Stain
DIRECTIONS:
- I started by wiping down the bookshelf with a damp rag to remove dust, then used some spray primer to prime the piece so the paint would stick better.
- I didn’t know before I primed it what my exact end look would be, but I ended up removing the back paneling of the bookshelf to create an open shelf look.
- I had several different options in mind to give the sides of the bookshelf some added character, and ended up going with a shiplap look. I used 1/4in thick plywood that I measured to the size I wanted and cut with a saw, then sanded the edges smooth.
- Next, I used liquid nails and clamps to attach the shiplap to the sides and inside.
- After the plywood was glued on, I caulked the edges to give it a smooth, clean finish.
- Next up, it was time to paint! HomeRight was so kind as to provide me with a Finish Max Paint Sprayer and large Spray Shelter, that I pretty much am in love with! This paint sprayer is a total game changer, and the shelter worked so well to keep the wind from messing up my sprayed paint. Both will come in handy for future projects and really cut down on paint time!
- For the top, I just cut a slab of wood, stained it with my favorite wood stain, and attached it with Liquid Nails.
Volia! Bookshelf turned kitchen island! There are so so many other ways you can add your own personal touch to something like this. So be sure and raid your Goodwill piles for pieces you can give a makeover to and recycle back into your home!
***HUGE thanks to HomeRight for providing their Finish Max Paint Sprayer and Spray Shelter for this post!!!
Tammy says
I know that this is an old post but I am so thankful that I found it. I have this exact bookcase as I, too, had a period of everything espresso and was thinking of turning it into a kitchen island so to find this post with my exact bookcase was wonderful. I don’t have a paint sprayer though.
Ashley Broviak says
That is so great to hear! And you absolutely don’t need a paint sprayer for this project! Just some primer and good old can of spray paint would do fine! Or regular paint! Whatever works for you!
CoralleeT says
For everyone looking for this bookshelf – it’s from Target!
Fawn says
I had the same exact book shelf! Saw this and couldn’t help but turn it into an island! The only thing I did different is I didn’t do the plank look on the sides (too lazy honestly lol), and I cut off the legs and used liquid nails to glue some finished wood to the bottom so that I could put wheels on it. LOVE IT!
Jauquetta says
The shiplap totally makes this piece! It just goes from nice to decorator! Well done.
Stephanie says
I am absolutely in love and am currently making it do you know how thick and how big the slab is on top
Cee Cee says
I love, love, love your kitchen island project Ashley. I need a kitchen island for food preparation, as I have very limited counter space in my small kitchen. I absolutely love the detail you give on how to DIY.
On another note: Can you tell me what kind of counter tops you have in your kitchen area? What color are they & what material are they made of? They would go perfectly in my kitchen & give it a much needed updated look?
Thank you for the inspiration.
Kaitie Lynn says
This is amazing! What is the height or dimensions of your bookcase?
Rachel West says
Love this ashley! What were the dimensions on the book shelf? Trying to do something sinilar
Lisa Bonanno (@cottagestyle) says
Love this, Ashley! You’re so creative! I want to try this with an old bookshelf that I have on hand. Thanks for the inspiration! xoxo
Cheryl says
This is so clever. I miss having an island. This would be perfect for our kitchen. We need something narrow and this fits the bill.
Joanna says
I absolutely LOVE this! I was surfing around yesterday and stumbled on your blog-a new favorite! This is the cutest thing ever-great great job!
Cindy says
This is adorable and the shipload adds so much character
Cindy
Linda says
Absolutely stunning!! Love it. This is the perfect idea for my very small kitchen and I will be pinning this to copy. Thanks so much for sharing this idea.
only1barbi says
In complete agreement. Now I am torn between using an old, smaller dresser for an island, or this. I have come to love my tiny kitchen but more storage is ALWAYS plus. This is perfect for the space and extra sorage. Beautifully done.
Leigh says
Love your creativity!
Patty says
GREAT idea! As always, love the staging you do and yes, I was sooooo scoping out your fun kitchen, too!
Sarah says
This is AMAZING!!! Well done.
Lisa says
That is awesome before and after Ashley!