Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
SUBSCRIBE
Design

What To Do When An Island Just Won’t Fit

October 5, 2023
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

Shop
Vintage Wooden Kitchen Island
2

Vintage Island #2

Shop
Paige Farmhouse Kitchen Island
3

Vintage Island #3

Shop
Carson Reclaimed Kitchen Island
4

Vintage Island #4

Shop
Tobago Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Island
Leave A Comment
Join the Conversation

explore
More You'll Love
Design

Inside a Virtual Design Project:
From Concept to Execution

Design

The Best Blue Paint Colors I’ve Ever Used

Bathroom

Tile Patterns To Try If You Love Checkerboard But Are Tired Of Seeing It Everywhere

get inspired
#clouzhouz
follow along
@clouz_houz

If you’re going to be creative, you have to be willing to stay in a bit of a playful mindset... not everything can be overthought or perfectly safe, because that’s usually when things start to fall flat. I see this all the time, even in my own home, where the moments I almost didn’t do something end up being the ones I love the most. The same goes for our client work. The best spaces don’t come from playing it safe, they come from trusting the process and being open to ideas you might not have considered at first. That’s really the point of hiring a designer, especially at a higher level. You’re not bringing us in to repeat what you already know you like or to be directed every step of the way. You’re bringing us in for our perspective, our resources, and the ability to see things a little differently. We’re never going to lead you in a direction that doesn’t work, but we are going to push you a bit, because that’s where a space starts to feel more thoughtful, more layered, and ultimately a more thoughtful, refined version of your vision. Brought to life with a level of detail that’s hard to achieve without a clear plan behind it.

16 2
Open
If you’re going to be creative, you have to be willing to stay in a bit of a playful mindset... not everything can be overthought or perfectly safe, because that’s usually when things start to fall flat. I see this all the time, even in my own home, where the moments I almost didn’t do something end up being the ones I love the most. The same goes for our client work. The best spaces don’t come from playing it safe, they come from trusting the process and being open to ideas you might not have considered at first. That’s really the point of hiring a designer, especially at a higher level. You’re not bringing us in to repeat what you already know you like or to be directed every step of the way. You’re bringing us in for our perspective, our resources, and the ability to see things a little differently. We’re never going to lead you in a direction that doesn’t work, but we are going to push you a bit, because that’s where a space starts to feel more thoughtful, more layered, and ultimately a more thoughtful, refined version of your vision. Brought to life with a level of detail that’s hard to achieve without a clear plan behind it.

Part 2!

Make sure to subscribe to us on Substack if you like these types of updates and casual content about our renovation journey! There’s a reason we call it Between the Layers 😉

57 11
Open
Part 2! Make sure to subscribe to us on Substack if you like these types of updates and casual content about our renovation journey! There’s a reason we call it Between the Layers ;)

Kaylei in the Oregon studio, while I’m in the Tennessee office together, collaborating on building out a client’s space... this is what our Premier Virtual Design actually looks like behind the scenes.

Most virtual design services stop at a moodboard, but we’re thinking through how you actually live in your home... what’s working, what’s not, and how every material fits together before you ever click “add to cart.” From detailed floor plans and elevations to fully curated selections and a complete spec guide.

Just delivered in a way that lets you implement it on your own timeline. If you’ve been wanting a designer but don’t necessarily need the full-service logistics, this is exactly where we see this working really well. If that sounds like you, you can inquire through our website or fill out our inquiry form to get started (link in bio) 🤍

19 2
Open
Kaylei in the Oregon studio, while I’m in the Tennessee office together, collaborating on building out a client’s space... this is what our Premier Virtual Design actually looks like behind the scenes. Most virtual design services stop at a moodboard, but we’re thinking through how you actually live in your home... what’s working, what’s not, and how every material fits together before you ever click “add to cart.” From detailed floor plans and elevations to fully curated selections and a complete spec guide. Just delivered in a way that lets you implement it on your own timeline. If you’ve been wanting a designer but don’t necessarily need the full-service logistics, this is exactly where we see this working really well. If that sounds like you, you can inquire through our website or fill out our inquiry form to get started (link in bio) 🤍

Work in progress but here’s a closer look at our living room and some of the pieces that make it sing!

Come back for part 2 to round out this space. I love being able to candidly talk about the progress and special elements that went into designing this room.

144 25
Open
Work in progress but here’s a closer look at our living room and some of the pieces that make it sing! Come back for part 2 to round out this space. I love being able to candidly talk about the progress and special elements that went into designing this room.
Design Services
Shop
Browse
Contact

64654 Cook Ave Suite 3,
Bend, OR 97703, US

Located inside Tumalo Home

(503)422-5682