I would like to see a selection of butcher blocks. Specifically I am looking for one which allows for a seating capacity around a storage unit - do you have any I can just access by website as I am in Peoria, Illinois.
Thank you for your help.
- Pat
Pat, this is a good question. Butcher blocks help create more storage and workspace in the kitchen, and they can be good for limited dining space too.
The one at the top of the page is an antique from one of our house tours: CHI House Tour: Christy & John's Logan Square Bungalow. You might be able to find an old piece like this on Craigslist or in the classifieds.
The one directly above is also from a house tour: AT Europe: Paris - Chez Debra. We love this one and would like to hunt at flea markets for something like it! A couple more suggestions below...
• Crate & Barrel has some nice big kitchen islands, like the Somerset Kitchen Island. Plenty of storage and also a big top - you could use barstools for seating.
• Maxwell wrote about the IKEA Groland butcher block which also could function as a dining space. One caveat: you MUST oil this piece and use bee's oil wax to preserve the wood.
Any more suggestions for Pat?
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I would recommend something along these lines:
http://www.butcherblockco.com/cucinarustica.html
because of that fact that this style is most like a table. An important feature I would take into consideration is that it does not have the lower support which would hinder stools, chairs and possibly knees.
In addition, this one also has drawers for storage. If you need more substantial storage for the island, I would consider a ceiling rack that is suspended above the island.
The link I directed you to also has a few models that are smaller and more practical for two people.
High horse has some nice (expensive) looking alternatives.
http://highhorseranch.net/Butcher_Block_Island.htm
I was pretty impressed with the look of the new Dacke island at IKEA last week as well.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90116992
whoa ikea!
where did they get that idea? http://www.flickr.com/photos/art_chel/2086736913/in/set-72157603998828089/
now, can it be equipped with a cooktop without hindering the drawers?
Ikea, Ikea, I you keep drawing me nearah....
We have a Boos Block in our kitchen. At the time, I thought it was crazy expensive, but it has really been worth the investment. We use it more than anything else in our kitchen, and being on casters is great for parties when it can double as a buffet table.
We have the "CUCT" Cucina Technica model:
http://www.johnboos.com/residential/products.cfm?category=jbc0005
sorry, I forgot to mention that Boos blocks are made in Effingham, Illinois.