Butcher Block Island

I have been doing a ton of research on the pros and cons of various countertop materials because I really want to install a butcher block island in our new kitchen.  I think that there is just something so classic about a kitchen island covered in traditional polished butcher block and I think it would be really functional as well with all of the cooking that I do. Some people say that they can be challenging to maintain because you can't use regular cleaning supplies on them, but I think if I am carefully and use the right products, I will be able to maintain it's beauty for years.  Plus, I think that using a higher end material like this will make our current cheap kitchen cabinets look much more high end without spending the money to replace them.

A butcher block island is a fantastic and trendy addition to any kitchen that provides both beauty and functionality.  By adding a butcher block table attached to your island like we did here you achieve two major design successes -- providing extra seating and prep space as well as providing another unique decorative accent to anchor the space.  These units can accommodate either traditional or contemporary designs because of their elegant and timeless look.  Whether you choose to install a bleached wood top to a kitchen island table like we did in this modern style home, or prefer a stained and highly polished countertop to accent a beautiful traditional white cabinet, the material will be absolutely stunning and a focal point of your design.

I am always a fan of a shiny butcher block island especially when it is used as part of a traditional style kitchen.  This is such a unique design because the interior decorator mixed white and gray kitchen cabinets to provide some depth to the color palette.  I think that this was a great idea because it breaks up the design and does not overwhelm the space.  My favorite part is the duel islands featuring contrasting countertops -- one in marble and the other in butcher block.  Each unit serves its own purpose with the butcher block kitchen island serving as a makeshift bar with stools for entertaining and a small sink. The marble topped unit, on the other hand, has a full size sink, dishwasher and lots of storage to make it useful as a prep area. 

If I see a kitchen with a butcher block island, I instantly fall in love with the design no matter what type of decor style they may have used.  This particular home is one of my favorite examples of a butcher block island top done well because the shade of the wood pairs beautifully with the gorgeous custom paneled cabinetry used throughout the rest of the kitchen.  They managed to achieve an elusive contemporary farmhouse style that utilizes rustic elements of your classic country interiors but in a uniquely modern way.  A brick backsplash kitchen is rare, and that large focal point paired with the butcher block island is what makes this unique dichotomy of styles work so well. 

I am a huge fan of the recent butcher block island trend because I think that it is a fantastic way to add a fun rustic element to any style space whether it be ultra modern or traditional and elegant.  I always thought that a butcher block countertop would be very expensive because it is more of a designer item, but after doing some research to add one to our own kitchen, I found that they were actually quite reasonably priced.  As you can see, we did  the butcher block on our square island with seating in the center of the kitchen but did not replace the granite on the remaining counters.  I think that the small butcher block island was the perfect accent to our French country style home. 

A butcher block island is one of those classic and luxurious pieces that never goes out of style.  I think that this is partly the case because all butcher block island ideas only get better with age as they are worn in from lots of use and polishing over the years. This is actually a brand new kitchen we recently finished, but our contractors worked hard to give the island top that work in finish so that it would look like it had been there for hundreds of years. Part of the key to achieving this was using butcher block oil as part of the varnishing process.  This product gives you those darker worn spots when used in conjunction with a lacquer and then can be utilized to clean and maintain the piece later.