Dresser Turned Kitchen Island

Last night I dragged my sister with me to buy a dresser I found on Craigslist. I've been searching the site for a couple weeks, looking for a piece with just the right lines to turn into a kitchen island - success is sweet!

Here are the photos that inspired me:

Ohhhhh. Amazing, right? (I first saw this on Nesting Place)

A bit less fanciful, but still wonderful. (From Faded Plains - her whole kitchen re-do is inspiring!)

And here is my beauty. She needs some work... the previous owner put on a very thick layer of high-gloss navy blue paint. And there are drips and scuffs and a drawer that sticks. But she's full of potential! I think I'm going to live with her for a while as I decide on a color. I'm dreaming of a butcher block top, with a little overhang on the back to tuck a couple of stools under.

One thing I might do right away is paint the rustic back (which I LOVE!) with chalkboard paint for Finley. We'll see...

Real life moment: This is probably what the "island" will primarily be for the next few months - a place to put baby's bouncy seat!

UPDATE: For photos of the finished product, read the post titled "Finally Finished!"