A Scrappy But Stylish Kitchen Island + More

countertalk

Courtesy of Style-Files.com

Photo by: Courtesy of Style-Files.com
Designed by:

1. Shipping Pallets-Turned-Kitchen Island (above)

Who would have thought that with a few shipping pallets, a can of paint and some creativity you could have yourself a striking kitchen island? Not only is this island inexpensive and environmentally-friendly, it's also a clever way to showcase personal style.  Spotted on: style-files.com

2. Storage Style

Photos Courtesy of shelterness.com

From whisks and ladles to serving ware and other kitchen tools, there’s no arguing that a cook space calls for organization. Behold the kitchen rail! Accessible and easy to install, we love how it transforms kitchen clutter into pretty displays. Spotted on: shelterness.com

3. Pop-up Kitchen Outlets

 

Photo Courtesy of remodelista.com

 

Electric outlets aren't the prettiest parts of the kitchen, but they're essential to cooking. Keep the functionality but disguise the unsightly look with these sleek outlet covers that conveniently pop up for use. Spotted on: Remodelista.com

4. Extra Counter Space 

Photo Courtesy of thekitchn.com

Who couldn't use more kitchen counter space? An integrated sink cutting board is a simple way to make the most of your work surface. When conveniently placed over the sink, it’s guaranteed to make prep work easier and more efficient. Added bonus: It hides those dirty dishes you haven’t gotten a chance to clean. Spotted on: thekitchn.com 

5. Clutter Control

Photo Courtesy of realsimple.com

The key to creating a stress-free kitchen? Clutter management. These twenty-four organization tricks are simple solutions that will keep you—and your kitchen—on track. Spotted on: realsimple.com

Love the article and creativity! However, I'd be very weary of *****ing up shipping pallets and bringing them into your home. I was about to embark on a DIY pallet project when after some research, discovered they are typically treated with formaldehyde and 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA). These chemicals are meant to keep the wood free of pests. Even covering them with a few coats of paint doesn't necessarily seal the nasty contents in the pallets. Perhaps take some scrap wood and build some make shift pallets?

In all reality, your kitchen cupboards are probably treated the same way.

Please post any data if you have any. I'd be interested in learning about whether similar toxic chemicals would be used in production of household cabinetry and the difference between solid wood vs. materials like MDF. (There was a huge TYLENOL recall not too long ago, due to chemicals used to preserve shipping pallets.)

After seeing these pictures, I'm off to find some pallets in reasonable shape!!!! WHat great ideas.

Shop Cultivate Picks
Bistro Kitchen Towels
Buy
Shop Cultivate Picks
Klismos Bar Stool
Buy
Shop Cultivate Picks
Thermo-Clad™ Stainless-Steel 4-Piece Cookware Set
Buy
Shop Cultivate Picks
Rhodes Canister
Buy
Shop Cultivate Picks
Square Lacquer Trays
Buy
Shop Cultivate Picks
Wust Classic Ikon Chefs 6 inch
Buy
Shop Cultivate Picks
Smart Tools for iPad® Sets
Buy
Shop Cultivate Picks
Peterson Pendant
Buy
Shop Cultivate Picks
Benjamin Barstool
Buy
Shop Cultivate Picks
Modular Kitchen Island
Buy
Shop Cultivate Picks
Zig-Zag Recycled Yarn Indoor/Outdoor Rug - Cool
Buy

Our contributors

  • Sarah Latta image
    Christine Heerwagen
    San Francisco, CA
  • Sarah Latta image
    Joanne Palmisano
    Burlington, VT
  • Sarah Latta image
    Eric Corey Freed
    San Francisco, CA
  • Sarah Latta image
    Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan
    New York, NY
  • Sarah Latta image
    Matthew Frederick
    Far Hills, NJ
  • Sarah Latta image
    Amara Holstein
    Portland, OR
  • Sarah Latta image
    Sarah Latta
    San Francisco, CA
  • admin image
    Steele Thomas Marcoux
    Birmingham, AL
  • Sarah Latta image
    Jennifer Gilmer, CKD
    Chevy Chase, MD
  • Sarah Latta image
    Ili Nilsson
    Decatur, GA