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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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“Why bring in a designer when I could do it on my own?”
You absolutely can. Most people can get a space to look good but does it function and translate over time?
But what you don’t always see is everything happening behind the scenes: the planning, the sequencing, the material decisions, the scale, the problem-solving when something doesn’t quite work.
It’s not just about choosing pieces. It’s about making hundreds of small decisions that all need to relate to each other.
We’ve been doing this for years, we know what to look for (and what to avoid), we have access to resources you won’t find online, and we manage the chaos so you don’t have to.
If you’re ready to take that off your plate, you can inquire through the link in bio!
Because I know I’d be overwhelmed by this list if I wasn’t privy to the industry.
Send this post to someone who is considering hiring a designer!
It gave us a lot of left hooks- but we are still standing. 💪
When I talk about holding our clients hands through projects- I sure wish I had someone holding mine on this one! There were plumbing debacles… we discovered pipes running every which way, structural issues, electrical wires that were a fire hazard, a layout that tested my creativity… the list goes on and on! 
Feeling so grateful for all the trades who helped us get here. 
The window coverings still need to get installed (the prettiest cafe curtain if you can picture it ) but I just couldn’t wait any longer to share with you…
Now tell me, what is your favorite detail? Because I truly can’t decide. And if you could share/like/save… all the things, to show her some love I would appreciate it so much. 🥰
Life is too short to live in a flat, one-note space.
The details that don’t immediately stand out are often the ones doing the most work. This is one of those.
• Satin on trim
• Eggshell on walls
• Flat on the ceiling
Save this for when you’re picking paint... it makes more of a difference than you think.
Nothing makes me happier than getting to reveal our long awaited upstairs guest bath!
Comment ‘BATH’ and I’ll send you everything to get this look.
This was the very first room we demoed at the Sixth Street Bungalow, and easily one of the biggest transformations. What started as a simple update turned into redoing floors, vaulting the ceiling, and completely reworking the plumbing.
Now it actually works for how we live and host. With proper storage, a place for guests to hang clothes, built-in linen space, and a layout that finally makes sense.
At the core of every project for us is this idea: designing for how a space feels and functions, not just how it looks on paper. Every decision here was about creating something that feels lived-in, thoughtful, and quietly layered.
The details are what bring that to life. The custom sink skirts might be my favorite. They’re slightly feminine, but grounded in a way that still feels tailored and not too precious.
A long time coming, but exactly how it was meant to be! Hope you enjoy it:)
Don’t mind the current state of things... it’s a bit of a disaster in here right now. I shared the vision on stories, but I’m such a visual person that I wanted to pull everything together (both for you and honestly for myself) to see how all the elements will work together.
The first things I knew I wanted in this space:
A fun pop of color (Charlotte’s Locks by @Farrow&Ball)
A mosaic floor
An inset mirrored medicine cabinet
I think this is going to be such a fun space for when we have people over. A powder bath is the perfect place to do something a little unexpected (or a few things) and really lean into it.
I’ll share more as we go!