• Home
  • DIY Projects
    • Home Office
      • Home Office Desk for 2
    • bathroom projects
      • Kid’s Bathroom Makeover
      • Guest Bathroom Makeover
      • Update: How to Refinish Bathroom Vanity
      • Stencil Bathroom Floor
      • Refinish Bathroom Counterops
    • Living Spaces
      • Easy Window Trim
      • Board & Batten Wall Family Room
      • Board & Batten Wall Living Room
      • Sliding Barn Door
      • Hanging Succulent Wall Garden
      • Hairpin Tables
      • How to Shorten Bamboo Shades
    • Kid’s Bedrooms
      • Platform Twin Bed Frame
      • Kid’s Bed Headboard
    • playroom
      • Magnetic Chalkboard
      • Hanging Basket light With Macrame Cord
    • Kitchen Projects
      • Kitchen Island
      • Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets
  • Home
    • Holiday Decor Centerpiece
    • Best Gray Paint Colors
    • Top 5 Stencils for your home
    • Playroom Makeover
    • 10 Neutral Floor Poufs
    • Family Room Decor
  • Contact Kelly

Domestic Blonde

DIY - LIFESTYLE

  • Home
  • DIY Projects
    • Home Office
      • Home Office Desk for 2
    • bathroom projects
      • Kid’s Bathroom Makeover
      • Guest Bathroom Makeover
      • Update: How to Refinish Bathroom Vanity
      • Stencil Bathroom Floor
      • Refinish Bathroom Counterops
    • Living Spaces
      • Easy Window Trim
      • Board & Batten Wall Family Room
      • Board & Batten Wall Living Room
      • Sliding Barn Door
      • Hanging Succulent Wall Garden
      • Hairpin Tables
      • How to Shorten Bamboo Shades
    • Kid’s Bedrooms
      • Platform Twin Bed Frame
      • Kid’s Bed Headboard
    • playroom
      • Magnetic Chalkboard
      • Hanging Basket light With Macrame Cord
    • Kitchen Projects
      • Kitchen Island
      • Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets
  • Home
    • Holiday Decor Centerpiece
    • Best Gray Paint Colors
    • Top 5 Stencils for your home
    • Playroom Makeover
    • 10 Neutral Floor Poufs
    • Family Room Decor
  • Contact Kelly

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

A few years back, I created a diy kitchen island for our home. You can find that island design HERE. It saved us a ton of money! And we were able to design it to fit our needs. When we purchased our new home back in July, I knew I would be updating the kitchen right away, and planned to design and build an island again. This time, instead of seating on just one side, it would have seating surrounding one entire half, and would be much longer.

This is a project that truly anyone can do. Just have the proper tools and follow the steps. You will absolutely love the result. Let’s get started!

Tools needed for kitchen island build

-Chop Saw

-Table Saw (optional, can be completed without one)

-Finish nail gun

-Screw gun

-Impact drill

Steps to building the kitchen island

The first step to designing your kitchen island is to tape off the floor with painters tape. This will give you a good visual of the sizing that would work best. A general rule of thumb for the distance from the surrounding countertops to the island top, is approximately 36-42″ walk through space. In this kitchen, I have about 42 inches around the entire island. On the side where the oven is, I gave myself about 48″ of space. If you have the extra room, take it! I love that the area in front of our oven is spacious, allowing the family to all pass through that area if needed.

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

I ordered all of my kitchen cabinets from a place called RTA Store. The cabinets are delivered to your house in pallets and you have to put them together yourself. I chose to also order base cabinets from them to use for my island as well. This is something you cam also do for yours.

I ordered 2 base cabinets. (Here are two very similar options)- A 15 inch wide one with drawers, and a 30″ microwave base cabinet. So, my island base is 45 inches wide.

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

To attach your cabinets together, use a small piece of scrap wood and screw through the insides of the cabinets to connect. Do this at the top and bottom of both sides of the cabinets. They should naturally have about a 1/2 inch gap in the back, so that should be the size of your scrap wood.

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)
DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

We cut the flooring out to allow the island to sit at the same height as the surrounding countertops. If you have LVP, it is fairly easy to cut with a skill saw that is adjusted to the depth of the cut you need to make, which was actually TERRIFYING because we just put these floors in!

Another reason we decided to cut out the flooring, is that you aren’t really supposed to have anything affixed to floating floors (like LVP). These types of floors are made to float as the temperature changes.

Side note– The kitchen island I built in our previous home WAS sitting on top of the floating floor, and we never had an issue with it. Although, I cannot speak to long term if there could possibly be an issue. I personally wouldn’t be worried about it- but the correct way is to cut around it.

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

Once the cabinets are attached to one another, I added 2 x 8″ boards to the back side to create a frame. I wanted the entire island to be wider that the 24″ depth that base cabinets come in. This makes the island look more substantial and custom made. The center board shown was cut too short but I replaced it.

Essentially you will just create a box out of the boards, with a center support board. This will eventually be covered with plywood and the island backing. Screw all boards together and then screw the frame to the cabinets from the inside.

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

To secure the island to the floor, you will need to use concrete screws and an impact drill, and screw through the bottom board of the frame. The screws should be about 4 inches long. Two screws should be fine and will keep your island from shifting in any way.

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

These outlets were already in place in the floor from the previous island, so I cut holes and fit them in. One inside for the microwave, and one on the outside for everyday use. (You will need to consult your electrician/ or handy electrical friend for how to tackle your own electrical situation)

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

Just ignore the massive mess.. my entire house was a mess for about 5 straight months. No real way around that with kids and a construction zone. Yikes. Anyway…


I attached a piece of 1/4″ plywood to the back opening. Then, covered all three sides with 1/4″ MDF panels. You will need to prime first and then paint these panels. I recommend this primer. Most primers are water based, and if they aren’t quality, thick primers, they can cause the MDF to slightly bubble. This primer is excellent for MDF. I would do all the painting before you install- so much easier.

As you can see, I didn’t get around to this step until after the countertops were installed.

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)
DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

Once the painted MDF is glued and nailed into place, I attached 1×5″ boards around all four bottom edges. Mitering the edges first with my chop saw at 45 degree angles.

TIP** For the corner edges on the sides of the island. I found these corner pieces of treated MDF in the trim section at Home Depot, and I had to try them out for the corners. They worked so well! I would call this a shortcut trick for sure! Not having to miter these corners saved a lot of time.

Here is a photo below- I just primed and painted to finish.

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

Caulk and touch up paint all over the island. Add any other detailing with trim that you chose. I haven’t added anything yet. Not sure I even will!

That is all you need to know to create your kitchen island. Just adjust cabinet sizes to fit your individual space. For the island overhang, I decided to order solid white oak leg posts, and apron trim pieces to add some warmth to it.

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)
DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)
DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)
DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

These are the Table Legs I ordered (obsessed). And these are the Trim pieces I ordered.

It can be a little daunting to take on a project like this, but in the end it is so worth the results. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

XO,

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

Personalize Your Gift Wrap For a Special Touch

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

I had so much fun wrapping presents this year! I decided to take it up a notch and add some fun touches to the gifts for the fam with some personalized wrapping paper. If you haven’t been to JOANN’s Craft and Fabric Stores yet, you are missing out! They have TONS of creative and festive items there for literally every occasion.

Personalized Wrapping Paper

Personalized Wrapping Paper by popular San Diego DIY blog, Domestic Blonde: image of Joann's stamps, letter stickers, twine, wooden snowflakes, gift tags, gold sleigh bells, and black clothes pins.

I stopped in one day when my husband was home with the kids, so I could take my time strolling down the isles of the store. I picked up items like paper gift tags, twine, string, tiny black clothespins and stamps. They also had wrapping paper that comes in solid white, black, or natural, which I was SO excited to find! I got all three colors to use for my gift wrap.

Personalized Wrapping Paper by popular San Diego DIY blog, Domestic Blonde: image of presents wrapped in Joann's black, white, and natural wrapping paper.

Once my gifts were wrapped, I could have some fun. Who wants to look at these boring boxes? I created my own patterns on the paper with stamps. This is the part my son liked helping with. (His present creations didn’t make the final photo shoot.. they were a little to eclectic. Lol)

I didn’t use ribbon or the usual stick-on bows, I opted for string and twine to wrap around the boxes. Then, I used the clothespins to hold the name tag in place. I think it gives them a rustic, pretty look.

Personalized Wrapping Paper by popular San Diego DIY blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a boy and his mom stamping wrapped presents with pine tree stamps.
Personalized Wrapping Paper by popular San Diego DIY blog, Domestic Blonde: image of personalized presents wrapped in twine and embellished with a pine twig, wooden snowflake, and monogram gift tag.
Personalized Wrapping Paper by popular San Diego DIY blog, Domestic Blonde: image of personalized presents wrapped in twine and embellished with a pine twig, wooden snowflake, and monogram gift tag.

I love them so much, I may not let anyone open their gifts. Too cute!

Joann’s is such a fun place to shop for crafts, decor and holiday items. Check out my previous post on a Holiday Centerpiece I created from Joann’s products as well.

Happy Gift Wrapping!

XOXO,

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

Do you wrap your presents in personalized wrapping paper? Let me know in a comment below!

A Simple Home Office Desk For Two

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

I never imagined I would be a homeschool Mom, but here I am! 2020 has thrown as all for a loop. Am I right? So many things happening that we never saw comin. Yikes!

When I made the decision that I was going to homeschool my 2nd grader this year, while the dust (hopefully) clears from all of the madness, I knew I was going to need a space where he could learn. Not just a space for him, but for me too. I was on the hunt for a BIG home office desk. Everything I found was the wrong configuration or just not my style.

I knew I would have to make it myself, but I was being super LAZY. I wasn’t in the mood for a big project at the time- I wanted to snap my fingers and have a desk. Lol. Weird how you can’t just make that happen… I did see other desks similar to this online, but they had made the tops of the desk themselves with boards and, like I said, I was lazy. So I came up with a much better way.

This is THE easiest desk you could ever make. I wouldn’t even say I “made” it, because I did no building of any kind. And, the best part? It’s so affordable too.

DIY Home Office Desk

Here is how to create this fabulous, two-person desk for your home office-

Step 1- Find two file cabinets or drawer units that are right around 27 .75 ” tall. This is the perfect height for a desk used with standard height chairs.

I purchased 2 Alex drawer units from IKEA. They also have a style with large file drawers at the bottom too. But the shipping is pricey, and they don’t always have them in stock in the store. So, if this is the case I found some other similar alternatives that are the correct size for your desk.

Ellie Pedestal 2 Drawer Mobile Vertical Filing Cabinet

DIY Home Office Desk by popular San Diego DIY blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a Ellie Pedestal 2 drawer mobile vertical filing cabinet.

Both of these options comes in multiple colors to choose from and also has a locking file drawer.

Premo 3-Drawer Mobile Vertical Filing Cabinet

DIY Home Office Desk by popular San Diego DIY blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a Premo 3 drawer mobile vertical filing cabinet.

Step 2- Get your desk surface! I went to Lowes and picked-up an 8 foot butcher block counter top.

They are 1 3/4″ thick, so it is super solid (and heavy, bring a strong helper). They come unfinished which is so nice to be able to add your stain to it.

Put your butcher block right down on top of the file cabinets.

DIY Home Office Desk by popular San Diego DIY blog, Domestic Blonde: image of Varathane ultimate Polyurethane.

Step 3- I wanted to keep the natural look, so I just put 2 light coats of Crystal Clear Satin Polyurethane, water based.

Before I added the top coat, I did a very quick sanding over the top and edges with a 400 grit sandpaper. This may not have been necessary, you will just need to see how smooth your block feels to the touch.

Use a sponge brush like the one above, and paint on the poly top coat in small sections so you don’t miss any spots. Smoothing out any bubbles as you go along. Wait 2 hours, do a light sanding with the 400 grit wherever needed to smooth it out, and add another thin coat.

DIY Home Office Desk by popular San Diego DIY blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a home office desk, fabrick chairs, Mac laptop, Mac Desktop, and gold wire baskets.
DIY Home Office Desk by popular San Diego DIY blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a home office desk, fabrick chairs, Mac laptop, Mac Desktop, and gold wire baskets.

That’s it!! So dang simple, quick and pretty too! This will last forever, and I can choose to change the look by adding a completely different stain, or cabinets as my needs change.

You can shop all of the items I have in the office space below!

Have you made a DIY home office desk before? What current DIY project have you been working on recently? Let me know in a comment below!

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

LOVE this one!

XOXO,

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

Kid’s Bathroom Makeover

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

This sad, sad kids bathroom has been staring at me for years. I just put it on the back burner while finishing other projects throughout the house, and decided it was time to give it a little update. Yes! So excited for this one!

Here is the bathroom before I started the update… very similar to our master bath and guest bathroom before I updated those rooms also.

Kids Bathroom by popular San Diego interior design blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a dated bathroom.
Kids Bathroom by popular San Diego interior design blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a dated bathroom.
Kids Bathroom by popular San Diego interior design blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a dated bathroom.
Kids Bathroom by popular San Diego interior design blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a dated bathroom.
Kids Bathroom by popular San Diego interior design blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a woman demoing a bathroom.

Kids Bathroom Makeover

I cannot tell you how satisfying it was to demo this tile with a giant hammer and crow bar. This was the first time I’ve taken out tile. It was tough, but almost like therapy smashing away at it. I was actually pretty nervous about putting in the wood floors, but the process was shockingly easy! Anyone could do it. The floors I went with are solid, affordable, and really beautiful too.

I know, you’re wondering why I thought it needed updating. It was already so gorgeous. 😂

I considered taking out the tub/shower combo and putting a walk-in shower here, but decided to keep it the way it was and put my money into something else. You can’t always splurge! But I still feel that it turned out so cute with this fun shower curtain. What do you think?

Kids Bathroom by popular San Diego interior design blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a remodeled kids bathroom with a white and grey stripe accent wall, modern lighting, round mirror, white vanity, light wood flooring, and abstract shape shower curtain.

The gorgeous matte black faucet is by Pfister. We also have a Pfister faucet in the kitchen, and love the selection they offer. I chose this one because of the modern look and clean lines. Completely timeless, and won’t ever go out of style.

Kids Bathroom by popular San Diego interior design blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a remodeled kids bathroom with a white and grey stripe accent wall, round mirror, white vanity, and black faucet.
Kids Bathroom by popular San Diego interior design blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a remodeled kids bathroom with a white and grey stripe accent wall, modern lighting, round mirror, white vanity, light wood flooring, and abstract shape shower curtain.

This vanity was a total winner. The construction is so good. This thing is solid! It also comes with the counter top and sink already installed, which was so great. I recommend this vanity 100%

Kids Bathroom by popular San Diego interior design blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a remodeled kids bathroom with a grey shiplap wall, modern lighting, round mirror, white vanity, light wood flooring, and abstract shape shower curtain.
Kids Bathroom by popular San Diego interior design blog, Domestic Blonde: image of a remodeled kids bathroom with a grey shiplap wall, white vanity, light wood flooring, and abstract shape shower curtain.

I added shiplap to the room in Graphic Charcoal by Behr. I love the dark color in this small space. I think most people are scared to add a dark color to the walls when the room is small, but I really feel that it adds such a fun contrast and almost makes it feel larger.

I went with a mix of horizontal and vertical, just because I thought it would be fun. Ultimately, my goal in the kid’s bathroom, was to create a fun space that wasn’t obnoxiously kid-like. Still stylish and pretty.

All of the items I used in the Kid’s bathroom are linked below!

Here is the link for the Faucet, too!

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO,

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

DIY Window Frame In A Snap!

DIY Kitchen Island (#2!)

Read more

Next Page »

Search The Blog

Hey, I’m Kelly!

Hey, I’m Kelly!

I love DIY Home Improvement, and I'm sharing all of my projects with you! Not only that, but my favorite products, family life, and more! xoxo

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Pinterest

Follow @domesticblonde

Maybe the update wasn’t necessary? You tell me. Maybe the update wasn’t necessary? You tell me. I do sort of miss the adorable little curtains that were above the mirror 😝
You can find these bathroom items in my LTK or Amazon store, linked in my bio ❤️

#interiordesign #inter #bathroomdesign #bathroomremodel #bathroomdecor #bathroomrenovation #wallpaper #bathroomwallpaper #homedecor #home #neutraldecor #homeinterior #founditonamazon #hometour #powderroom
I’ve gotten lots of questions about wallpaper an I’ve gotten lots of questions about wallpaper and what is safe while installing. I’d say all of these worries are myths, and just hang the wallpaper!
It’s going to turn out great 👏

#homedecor #wallpaperdesign #wallpaperinspo #wallpaper #moderntraditional #howwedwell #homedesign #homerenovation #bathroomdesign #bathroomdecor #interiordesign #decor #diyprojects
Life changer? Yup, I think so… the kids can inde Life changer? Yup, I think so… the kids can independently get things from kitchen without asking for help. 👏 Would this make your life easier too?

Find it linked in my LTK and Amazon Store.
https://liketk.it/41pKd

#interiordesign #interior #designinspo #designinspiration #organization #kitchendesign #kitchenorganization #homedecor #homedesign #kitchenremodel #kitchenrenovation #kitchen
Please tell me I’m not the only one who hates th Please tell me I’m not the only one who hates that glare from the glass on framed art? When it’s possible to use this hack, I do it. Maybe I’m OCD… but it makes me happy. 

#interior #home #interiordesign #diyhomedecor #homedecor #homedesign #walldecor #homeinspiration #kitchendecor #style #interiordecor #kitchen #wallart
When I see something that I want to change, I have When I see something that I want to change, I have to change it. Even if it’s something I haven’t tried before. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And I always love a before and after 💫 

#homeimprovement #homedecor #homedesign #interior #demo #remodeling #remodel #kitchen #diyhomedecor #tools #diy #designinspiration #kitchendesign #interiordesign #homeupdates
This kitchen was one of the most challenging proje This kitchen was one of the most challenging projects I’ve taken on… it wore me down! Long days working on each of the different parts of it. From putting together all of the cabinets,
to designing and piecing together the island. Truly a labor of love (that I thought I may not survive for a while there) 😆 But worth it, now that my family can live here and enjoy it everyday. Will I ever build a million cabinets again, you ask? Not likely! 

https://liketk.it/3ZE9M

#design #kitchendesign #kitchenremodel #diykitchen #decor #kitchendecor #interior #interiordesign #homeprojects #apartmenttherapy #home #kitchenisland #kitchensofinstagram
Hanging photos the FAST way. I used to get frustra Hanging photos the FAST way. I used to get frustrated when there were multiple hooks behind my frame that I had to line up. This method makes it cake 👌🏼 

https://liketk.it/3ZAxH

#homehacks #homedecor #design #homerenovation #homestyling #apartmenttherapy #decor #decorcrushing #diyhomeprojects #diy #interiordecor #interiordesign #kitchenrenovation #walldecor #wallart #kitchendecor #homedesign #doityourself #home
Styling open shelves in the kitchen. I love open s Styling open shelves in the kitchen. I love open shelves ❤️ they add so much character and warmth in the room.
Find all of these items in my ltk, or comment and I can send you the links ❤️

https://ltk.app.link/Y4Ns7cssAwb

#decor #openshelving #openshelvingkitchen #interiordesign #kitchendecor #kitchendesign #homedecor #interior #homeinterior #design #home

Copyright © 2023 · Theme by Blog Pixie

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Domestic Blonde
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.