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Monday, January 18, 2010

Inspiration for New Countertops

I had the idea to put a butcher block counter top on a section right next to my oven. Then I thought, would it look wierd to have just one section of butcher block and it not match with the rest of the counters. I decided No, it would look fine - BUT wouldn't it look great if all my counter tops were done in butcher block? So I started googling some butcher block images to see how much I really liked it in other kitchens.

image from Duir Designs  



image found here 

Isn't this kitchen grand?I like the darkness of the butcher block here. It looks so warm and rich.  Also I love, love, love those diagonal black & white floors. Hmm... maybe something to think about. Our kitchen floors are definitely on the list of things to do... although I'm sure that's pretty far in the future.

image from artistic furnishings


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The following three photos are from the cutest blog ever, called A Country Farmhouse. Take a look around her blog and you can't help but want to live in this house! Its like she lives in a dream. Ohhh sooo beautiful and classic.





 
Again, I am liking the warmer wood much better than the light beech color. This all white kitchen is instantly cozy with the dark wood.
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I love the brightness, openness, and cheeriness of this kitchen. It looks like nothing bad could ever happen in there. It doesn't look possible to burn the toast when your kitchen looks this light. =)
Maybe a little too perfect... like Martha could live there.

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This picture makes me want to paint my cabinets...

image from Design Sponge

image from decorpad.com 

After looking all over for exactly what I wanted, and what is attainable... I found it!

Drum Roll Please.......




From the wonderful blog This & That written by Vanessa I found my ultimate inspiration. It was then I made my decision that yes I will do this. Even if it takes a while to save up and get it all done DIY style. I LOVE these counters, they are different, timeless, warm, and surprisingly really affordable.

Ikea sells 96" by 26" butcher block counter tops for $59. and 49" by 26" for $39! I did the math and I would only have to spend $157 on the wood. Of course then we would need a new sink. We really like this undermount stainless number that Vanessa and Eric have. 

I did some "ebaying" and some "craiglisting"... and I found one just like it on craigslist for $80. I'm not going to buy it yet, but that at least tells me the deals are out there.
This is sooo on my To Do list for 2010. Hopefully before my birthday in March... maybe FOR my Birthday (hint hint Ryan). We'll see how that works out.

10 comments:

  1. I just finished installing new butcher block counter on my island , I also used Ikea butcher block in oak "numerar' its called , the oak is a darker wood than the beech , its lovely such a nice thick edge ,its a little more than the thinner stuff but well worth it I think.
    come on by and see , I don't think it would look weird if just one section was done in butcher block .

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  2. Love all of the photos! I am doing the math right now - I want new counter tops!

    Chelsea

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  3. I LOVE butcher block counters!!! I saw a kitchen reno on HDTV and wanted to do them in our house, but as usual, mom didn't approve :( I can't wait until we have our own home to redo! lol

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  4. Those will be BEAUTIFUL!

    We're looking at options for out counter in out bathroom and I hadn't really considered Ikea- what a great idea!

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  5. I saw this last night and finally have a break to comment I don't mind at all, I'm flattered!! My husband thought he was famous haha. I searched and searched for pictures before we did ours and I only found like 2, I guess I was looking in all the wrong places because these are beautiful!!
    V

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  6. I want an under mount sink so bad. We have lovely counters, and the world's ugliest plastic sink. It's awful. I'm afraid when we do replace it we'll be forced to put in an overmount :(

    I love the butcher block - it's so warm :)

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  7. I have been dying for butcher block countertops, white cabinets and a beadboard backsplash for like...forever!!! In fact that picture from the Old Painted Cottage has found it's way to my hubby's inbox on multiple occassions! (Can't for the life of me figure out how...LOL!) I was sitting here drooling over your post and had to comment! I wish we had an IKEA around here!!! I'm going to have to find one! At that price it's worth driving a couple hours!!! Thanks for an amazing post!!!

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  8. LOVE that butcher block. I didn't even know you could do an undermount sink with it! I'd love to use that in a house one day, even if it isn't mine!

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  9. What lovely kitchens...ahhh. I have the magazine out of which your first unknown picture came. It might be Country Living. I bought a large butcher block countertop at Costco last year (which I've yet to take out of the box) I plan to set it on an antique counter...give it routed edges..and would love to stain it a deeper shade of brown.

    Your projects look wonderful!

    : )

    Julie M.

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  10. The best oils to use for both the initial treatment and ongoing counter top maintenance are Walnut Oil, Pure Almond Oil and Mineral Oil. These oils will not become rancid and will properly protect your counter tops. Nature Oil, a proprietary blend of oils designed for safe butcher block care is also available in pint sized bottles. Nature Oil can be used daily. Lastly, Raw Tung Oil (only the pure, raw variety) can be safely used to treat butcher block counter tops. Several coats of oil are needed and may be applied every 24 to 48 hours. Raw Tung Oil dries via oxidation and need only be reapplied monthly.
    butcher block

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