How I Repurposed a Bar into a Custom Island Extension
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In the world of home decor, we're constantly bombarded with images of perfectly curated, custom-built kitchens. While I adore those spaces, my reality, like many of yours, involves working with what you have, and sometimes, that means getting creative! Today, I’m excited to share a project that not only solved a storage dilemma but also breathed new life into an old wedding gift: transforming an old bar cabinet into a stylish, functional extension of our kitchen island.
The Story Behind the Piece
It’s been over a decade since we said "I do," and one of our lovely presents, a beautiful wooden bar cabinet from Crate and Barrel, found its way into our home. For years, it served its purpose well, holding spirits and glassware. But as our family grew and our lifestyle evolved, its original function became less relevant.
Yet, it was super well-made, held sentimental value, and frankly, I’m not one to simply toss something still perfectly good. So, it sat, a bit underutilized, until I started looking for ways to expand our kitchen's footprint.
The Challenge: Builder-Grade Kitchens and the Need for More
Our kitchen, while functional, is fairly standard builder-grade. While it has its merits, what it lacked was that extra touch of warmth, character, and specialized storage. My biggest pain points were:
Oversized Platters: Where do you put those large serving dishes that don't fit in standard cabinets?
Seasonal Delights: My collection of holiday-themed dessert plates for the kids (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and even cute Spring cabbage plates!) were taking up valuable space, and I wanted them easily accessible for spontaneous snack-time fun.
Island Extension: Our island was great, but I often wished for a bit more counter space, especially when entertaining or tackling bigger cooking projects.
While I loved the look of a floating kitchen island extension, the retail options were consistently out of my budget for the size and style I wanted. I needed a creative kitchen storage solution that didn't feel like a compromise. That’s when I had a breakthrough: by repurposing our solid wood bar cabinet, I could achieve a custom, high-end look for $0.
The Transformation: Repurposing with Purpose
The first step was to assess the bar itself. It was a sturdy, classic piece with a rich wood tone, perfect for adding a touch of modern heritage charm to our otherwise lighter kitchen. The key realization was that its height was almost identical to our existing kitchen island. Could it really fit flush?
Step-by-Step: How We Did It
If you have a piece of furniture you’re looking to upcycle for your kitchen island, here is the exact process I used to ensure a seamless, high-end look:
The Height Check: Standard kitchen counters are 36 inches tall. We measured from the floor to the top surface and used felt furniture pads on the bottom of the legs to tweak the height by just a few millimeters until it was a perfect match.
The Deconstruction: I started by removing the original wine bottle lattice. These were held in by small wooden pegs, making it easy to pop them out. This immediately opened up a deep, wide space, ideal for those oversized platters that never seem to fit in standard cabinets.
Positioning: We pushed the bar directly against the end of the island. Because it is heavy and filled with ceramic, it stays in place without needing to be bolted down.
The Styling: To blend the wood tones, I added a modern heritage vignette: a small lamp with a gingham shade, some greenery, and my favorite brass accents. The trick is to style it more like a piece of furniture rather than a kitchen counter.
The Hidden Gem Storage: Seasonal Snack Plates!
Now for my favorite part, the interior storage for the seasonal plates. The bar cabinet had a lower cabinet section, previously used for more bottles or cocktail shakers. This space, once the bottles were gone, was absolutely perfect for my collection of small dessert plates.
I have plates for practically every season and holiday:
Whimsical witches and pumpkins for Halloween
Earthy turkeys and fall leaves for Thanksgiving
Festive designs for Christmas
Sweet pastel egg-shaped plates for Easter
And my absolute favorite, charming green cabbage plates for spring!
Instead of being tucked away in a dark cupboard, these fun, kid-friendly plates are now easily accessible. It’s such a small detail, but it brings so much joy. Whenever the kids want a snack, they love choosing a plate that matches the season or their mood. It adds a touch of whimsy to everyday moments and keeps our traditions alive in a very practical way. Plus, it means my main kitchen cabinets are freed up for everyday dishes.
The Style Factor: Integrating into Our Modern Heritage Aesthetic
Beyond the practical benefits, this repurposed bar cabinet has been instrumental in enhancing our home's overall aesthetic. Our style leans towards modern heritage, a blend of classic, timeless pieces with modern comforts and a touch of moody, collected charm. The rich wood tone of the bar introduces a beautiful contrast against our lighter kitchen cabinets, grounding the space and adding depth.
On top, it functions as a natural extension of our island decor. I've styled it with a beautiful lamp (the gingham shade is a personal favorite!), a small plant, and a few curated pieces like my brass candlesticks and ceramic bird napkin holder. It creates a cozy vignette that feels intentional and inviting, rather than an afterthought.
Why Repurposing Works (and Why You Should Try It!)
This project is a testament to the power of shopping your home. Before you rush out to buy something new, take a look at what you already own.
Sustainability: Giving an old piece new life is inherently sustainable.
Budget-Friendly: This transformation cost us virtually nothing! A tape measure and a bit of imagination were all it took.
Unique Character: Repurposed pieces tell a story and add a unique, custom feel that mass-produced items often can't replicate.
Solves Real Problems: It effectively addressed specific storage and counter space needs in our kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the bar cabinet move around? Because the cabinet is heavy and currently filled with ceramic platters and plates, it stays in place on its own! However, if you have small children or live in an earthquake-prone area, I recommend using a simple L-bracket to secure the back of the cabinet to the side of the kitchen island for extra stability.
Q: How do you mix different wood tones in a kitchen? Don't feel like your wood has to match perfectly! In a modern heritage-style home, mixed wood tones actually add more character. The trick is to have a bridge piece, like a rug or a piece of art, that contains both wood tones, or simply repeat the bar's wood tone elsewhere in the room (like in your picture frames or wooden spoons).
Q: Can I do this with a bookshelf instead of a bar? Absolutely! Any piece of furniture that is roughly 36 inches tall can work. Just ensure the depth of the piece doesn't exceed the width of your island, or it might stick out into your walkway.
Q: What if my bar is a different color than my kitchen? That’s the beauty of it! Our bar adds a moody traditional element to the kitchen. If you want a more cohesive look, you can always sand and stain the piece to match your cabinets, but I personally love the collected over time look of the original wood finish.
Your Turn: What Can You Repurpose?
So, next time you're facing a home decor dilemma or just craving a change, look around. Is there an old chest that could be a bedside table? A forgotten bookshelf that could become a potting bench? Or perhaps, like me, a wedding gift that's ready for its next chapter?
This bar cabinet, a symbol of our past, has now firmly cemented its place in our present and future home. It’s a functional, beautiful, and deeply personal addition to our kitchen, proving that sometimes, the best renovations don't require swinging a hammer, just a fresh perspective.
What’s your favorite repurposing project? Share your ideas in the comments below, I’d love to hear them!
I’m a mom of two and wife to a seriously supportive hubby, living our best life in our forever house by the preserve! I'm all about helping you create a stylish, Pinterest-worthy home on a budget. Let's obsess over interior design, home decor, DIY, and home improvement projects to help you create your best home. Follow along and say hello! I love hearing from you.
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