Creating extra kitchen storage in a rental apartment can be tricky — especially when the space is on the tighter side, because you generally can’t make any permanent or structural changes. Christine Leahy (@christinejleahy) and Nik Sparks (@oscar_sparks) faced this challenge in their loft in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.
“The original kitchen had almost no counter space and builder-grade cabinetry that really served as an illusion of storage rather than a functional space,” Christine explains. “We decided to add a kitchen island and quickly learned how expensive prefabricated islands can be — especially at the scale we wanted.”
But on a fortuitous trip to Lowe’s, Christine and Nik spotted stacks of unfinished butcher blocks. Immediately a burst of creativity inspired the couple to build an island that would provide the storage and look they wanted, and fit their space and their budget.
They picked up an adjustable workbench, which allowed them to customize its height, and then they placed a 30-inch by 72-inch butcher block slab on top. Next, the couple wrapped the island with matte charcoal contact paper. They decided to continue this project onto the cabinets so there was a consistent flow in the room. They also added a white subway tile peel-and-stick backsplash to the wall.
“To further free up counter space, we added storage and a drying rack on the back wall behind the stove and the sink,” Christine says. “We also installed a pegboard for pots and pans, added plywood fronts to the existing MDF shelves over the stove and fridge, and mounted under-cabinet lighting, which was a game-changer for both function and aesthetics.”
The kitchen is now not only way more useful, but it’s also gorgeous. It cost around $800 and four months to transform the entire space via DIYs. Christine’s favorite feature in the space are the thrifted bar stools from AptDeco, which are inspired by the ones at the iconic Murray’s Cheese in New York City.
“It’s a really comfortable place to spend time together,” Christine says. “We both love to cook, and the island provides a place where one of us can relax — by putting on a record or pouring a cocktail — while the other preps a meal. And we can hang out comfortably, but, more importantly, together.”