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What To Do When An Island Just Won’t Fit

Island. Source: Amber Interiors

When an Island Just Won’t Fit

In the world of kitchen design, the centerpiece often takes the form of an island – a versatile hub for cooking, dining, and socializing. But, what happens when your kitchen simply won’t accommodate a piece of this size? Well, this fantastic alternative not only saves space, but also adds a touch of style and functionality: freestanding tables.

The Beauty of Freestanding Tables

On our hunt for the ideal kitchen setup, we understand that limitations can sometimes spark creativity. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the art of selecting the perfect freestanding table when an island just won’t fit. Whether you’re working with a cozy kitchen nook or seeking a flexible dining solution, the world of freestanding tables offers a world of possibilities. 

We always strive to turn our design challenges into opportunities, and our Tumalo Ranch project is a prime example. Nestled in a charming cottage-style kitchen, the available space was going to be a bit tricky to lay out. Our solution? A vintage butcher block table that serves as a functional food preparation surface and doubles as a captivating centerpiece. To enhance its decorative appeal, just add a simple vase with a stunning flower arrangement. It’ll transform it into a picturesque focal point.

Source: Anthroliving

When it comes to upgrading your kitchen while dealing with a smaller space, you have a variety of fantastic options to choose from: vintage tables, butcher block countertops, and even custom-made solutions. We’ve been searching high and low for the perfect addition to our small kitchen area. Each of these choices brings its unique charm and practicality to the table (no pun intended).

These vintage finds fit seamlessly into the heart of our small kitchen, bringing with them a sense of rustic charm that compliments our desired aesthetic for the space. And now, we’ve selected a few pieces that we think would be the perfect addition to incorporate into your space. They fuse vintage charm and modern design, and each one offers a unique character and style. So … let’s take a look!

1

Vintage Island #1

Vintage Wooden Kitchen Island
2

Vintage Island #2

Paige Farmhouse Kitchen Island
3

Vintage Island #3

Carson Reclaimed Kitchen Island
4

Vintage Island #4

Tobago Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Island
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A renovation is rarely undone by a lack of inspiration.
It’s undone by a lack of clarity.
Because the reality is this: building or remodeling a home requires hundreds of decision, many of them invisible, all of them connected. The materials, the proportions, the lighting, the flow, the sequencing. The details that don’t feel urgent until they are the only thing you can see.
And while hiring a designer can feel like a significant investment, what you’re truly purchasing is certainty.
The assurance that every choice has been thoughtfully considered.
That the vision is protected.
That the entire home will come together cohesively. Beautifully executed, down to the smallest detail.
Because the real expense isn’t the design fee.
It’s completing your renovation and realizing it doesn’t feel the way you hoped it would.
If you’re planning a remodel or new build and want it done with intention from the start, we’d love to work with you!
We’re big fans of the IKEA PAX system! And if you’ve been following for a while, you might recognize it from the High Desert Tumalo Ranch, our last home.
We originally used these wardrobes as closet overflow in our bedroom and primary closet, and they worked so well that we’re bringing the same idea into our upstairs bathroom at Sixth Street Bungalow. With limited storage in the adjoining guest rooms, this felt like the smartest, most functional (and let’s not forget affordable) solution.
The key is making it feel intentional. We always add trim and base molding for a built-in look, upgrade the hardware, and paint them so they feel custom. In Tumalo, we even used curtain panels for a softer, layered feel.
It’s proof that good design isn’t about reinventing the wheel but about using the right tools, the right way.
Save this if you’re short on storage but want it to look beautiful.
Possible? Sure.
Recommended? ...not so much.😅
A kitchen renovation isn’t just cabinets and tile. It’s hundreds of decisions stacked on top of each other.
Even in this phase alone, I can easily count 60+ choices we’ve guided our clients through: layout, lighting, functionality, finishes, details you don’t think about until it’s too late.
That’s the difference between a kitchen that’s pretty... and one that truly works beautifully for the way you live.
Our experience helps you avoid expensive “oops” moments and get it right the first time.
And don’t worry, this is just the beginning. The reveal is coming soon, so stay tuned
If you’re planning a kitchen (or already overwhelmed), explore our design services — we’d love to help.
Idea creds: @gldesignhome
✨ A new chapter of the Monthly Edit ✨
(The February Edit goes live tonight at 5pm CST.)
Almost two years ago, I started sharing these little roundups as a way to collect the things I genuinely loved. Pieces for the home, beautiful finds, items I’d saved or purchased again and again.
But over time, it’s evolved into something more.
Because design inspiration doesn’t come from just one place.
It comes from what we’re watching on a cozy night in…
the places we travel…
the fashion trends we can’t stop pinning…
the beauty products we swear by (I’m always testing something new 🙋‍♀️)…
the music that brings us right back to another season of life.
Everything we experience shapes the way we see, and the way we design.
So each month, I’ll be sharing a peek into what’s inspiring me right now! Home, lifestyle, culture (all of it) downloaded from my little world into one Edit.
If you want a glimpse into my (slightly chaotic) designer brain, follow along. 🤍
Save this Reel! The full February Edit goes live tonight at 5pm CST.