Although some folks love the look of blonde, unfinished wood and butcher block, that doesn't mean they fit with everyone's decor. Check out how this kitchen cart went from basic blonde to rustic and distressed with more than a bit of charm.
This kitchen cart is traditionally found, unfinished, at IKEA retailing for $59.99. It's since been taken from it's original unfinished state to something a bit more roughed up and the results are fabulous. Although the stain on the top will prevent it from being as food safe as a simple sealing oil might, it's still a great piece for the kitchen, even if you end up using an actual cutting board on top of it.
Sometimes it's great to see what others do with pieces like this to help us think outside the IKEA box, because even if you're not a fan of the blue and yellow retailer, they still have some classic pieces that are perfect for small spaces and serve great purpose.
• Read more on this transformation over at Homeroad
Related: DIY Project: Build Your Own Kitchen Island
(Image: Homeroad)
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Wow! I've never though to alter an IKEA piece, it looks like a much more expensive piece of furniture than it's $60.
This belongs on the IKEA hackers blog. Love the redesign and the added towel bar really ads a lot!
Redo looks great, but the non food safe stain would be a dealbreaker for me.
Is that a little bottle opener on the right! Dig it! Then again, let's hear about how many hours of "labor of love" were put into it, as well as the misc parts tally! Love D.I.Y!!!... but then again there is a reason why it's also sometimes just as smart buying a bonafide antique for the time/money!
Love this! The towel bar and bottle opener make it perfect.
i've been combing Craigslist for months to find an actual vintage piece to make into an island. if i get frustrated enough i'll end up doing something like this. great job!
Wow! That's fantastic. Although, I wonder if there is a stain that can be used and is food safe. It's too bad it can't be used as a cutting board with the stain that gave it that great distressed look.
I would think you could rub the original surface with thinned acrylic paints (lots of water) to simulate age, air dry and top with a food safe sealant.
Black walnuts can be used to dye wood. Also, strong tea or coffee, repeatedly, for a lighter tone, but still antique-y. Turmeric and beets for more yellow/reddish tones to brown. Red wine will make a cool purple; add its complement yellow to even out. Experiment first to get right mix. Will have to re-apply every so often, but it will at least be non toxic.
This is a great transformation!
just cover it with a polyacrylic safecoat. You can't use it as a cutting board, but it's fine for a countertop.
I have this very IKEA cart and although mine looks like the 'before' model, I have to vouch for this product. If you are in the market for such an item (and lacking storage and counter/prep space as I am), it's definitely one of the better purchases I have made from that store.
I am SO doing this with mine. But I think I'll paint the base red! :D
Awesome. I have the same kitchen cart that I painted green to match my kitchen decor. Hooray for Ikea hacks!
Thank you for your nice comments everyone! I called Minwax today and they assured me that the water based Polycrylic I used on this table top was food safe. Good to know!
Susan
Over done. There aren't very many shipping containers made out of butcher block.
I love the results. I was searching for a way to re-do my ikea cart (found in a thrift store) and this is a great idea. Love it.