These days I am a sponge and constantly gathering ideas for our future home, sketching plans out, and bookmarking sources all over the internet. I mean, how else is a gal going to temporarily tiny live while waiting for her future home and NOT lose her mind, you know? Today I am sharing a handful of incredible repurposed kitchen island ideas and inspiration!

Last week in my Instagram stories I shared a peek into dinner at our house and a delicious jumbalaya we enjoyed. I also shared how much I love getting time to cook with Blake in the kitchen (she is an amazing cook and baker and I can’t wait to see her develop that talent even more). I’m trying to be patient for when the time comes that the whole family can be in the kitchen cooking together comfortably, but there is something special about working side-by-side with my daughters in there. One of the things we love to do while we get our hands dirty in preparing meals is talk about our future kitchen. We discuss the ideal layout, we talk about the features we want it to have (ahem…double range oven), and we even get into deeper details. We both agreed that we love the look of a unique and repurposed kitchen island. 

So, I thought that I would share with you some looks and designs I have been saving for myself for when the time is right. 

I love how rustic this first one is. And I really do love the European approach to kitchens. More space and at the center of it all is a place to get all of the work done in preparing meals and bringing people together. So beautiful!

(Image credit via Ilse Geeft Vorm)

This smaller space approach is so well done. I think that we often limit ourselves by assuming our space isn’t adequate enough. However, there is so much we can do to add character and unique touches to our homes.

(Image credit via Beautiful Chaos Companies)

This one might be my favorite look ever. Again with the European approach and layout and I love that the island also allows for more seating. 

(Image source via The Linen Rabbit)

This was a great way to utilize more of a chest or dresser as a repurposed kitchen island. And I love how this one breaks up the clean and modern feel with a touch of rustic texture.

(Image source via All Sorts Of)

This is one of my favorites for a regular everyday kitchen. Zenia from Style It Pretty Home absolutely nailed her kitchen re-do. And her free-standing island is such a beautiful part of it. If you haven’t yet seen her kitchen remodel be sure and catch it here.

(Image source Style It Pretty Home)

As for European-style influence, Joanna Gaines kind of nailed it with the design of the set for her cooking show. I mean, right?!

(Image source via Architectural Digest)

The drawer space as well as open shelves is wonderful on this piece. A way to not lose out on storage, but still achieve that reclaimed kitchen island look.

(image source unknown)

You better believe I am already keeping an eye out for a large piece that I can put some elbow grease into and transform for our future space. You know how I love a good DIY. And don’t ask me if it’s a good idea to do that before we even have found the house, but I just can’t help myself sometimes. I’m already asking the Bearded Gent if we can secure a storage unit to start saving things that I find. I’m nuts, I know. And I’m sure he agrees with you!

Anyway, I have also found a few solutions while browsing that would totally do the trick if I can’t find a reclaimed piece locally. And hopefully they are helpful to you if you have a smaller space or are not looking to do any remodeling, but want to elevate your kitchen.

This one from Overstock also has a great added extension that pulls out for more table-top space as well as allows for seating. Changing out the hardware would be a simple switch to give it a more custom look.

And Pottery Barn has this console table piece that would absolutely work for a repurposed kitchen island. Not to mention, it has the marble top to make it even more kitchen friendly.

For the right space, this option from Anthropologie could be fantastic. Those legs are darling! Not to mention it already comes with a Cararra marble top.

This one from Birch Lane is a great approach for a smaller space.

Another one from Anthropologie and I love how thick and rustic this one is.

And I usually don’t ever think of Etsy to shop for larger pieces like furniture, but there are some incredible makers on there. I came across this kitchen island and I am drooling! So if you are in the market for a piece to complete your kitchen, try there as well.

I love a good upcycle and the idea of creating a repurposed kitchen island for our future space gets me excited. However, I’ve got the ones above saved and I’m going to continue to keep my eye out just in case – wink!

For even more inspiration for the home, be sure to browse here.