Kitchen Island Cabinet Update

If you have been following along in my Instagram stories, You know I have been talking about a kitchen island cabinet update for months now. Well, I finally pulled the trigger and I am so glad I did! I have wanted to tackle this project for SO long, but wasn’t sure what direction to take it. I am happy to report my idea was a success and it might have to make some additional appearances in the future around the house. Are you ready to check out my kitchen island update?

A close-up of a sleek kitchen island with dark cabinetry and a speckled countertop. The backdrop reveals a living area featuring a table, chairs, and a ceiling fan. Large windows and a fireplace accentuate the bright and contemporary space.

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First, let me give you a little back story. When we bought our house it came with a 1990s era kitchen renovation complete with pink granite. It was something, let me tell you!

A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets and a granite island countertop exudes elegance after a dated 90s kitchen makeover. It features stainless steel appliances, including a microwave and stove. Green apples in a glass bowl sit on the island, with two stools nearby. Red towels hang by the sink.

While the layout was actually not too bad, the colors had to go and we hired a local company to paint our cabinets. At that time we also replaced all the countertops and backsplash. But one thing has always remained from that 90s renovation. The glass cabinet on the front of the kitchen island.

A modern kitchen features white cabinets and a tiled backsplash with stainless steel appliances. The black kitchen island, adorned with glass-front cabinets displaying dishware, is complemented by bar stools tucked underneath and a bowl of fresh fruit gracing the countertop.

I know there are plenty of folks who love these glass front cabinets, but I am just not a fan, especially since ours is at prime kicking height. I am honestly amazed the glass has survived as long as it has. Either way, it was time to swap it out for closed storage. I spent a ton of time considering my options but ultimately landed on something a bit unconventional. Peg board. I know you just rolled your eyes, but have a little faith 😉

Peg Board
Tape Measure
Table Saw
Miter Saw
High Density Foam Roller
Cabinet Clips
Paint

Step 1

Measure out your cabinet and purchase your peg board. I was able to find 2×4 ft sheets of peg board that fit easily in my hatchback and were just under $12. Unfortunately, the size of our cabinets put me just over the half mark and I had to buy two sheets. But for $24, I wasn’t complaining.

Shelves in a hardware store are stocked with various sizes and types of wooden boards, perfect for crafting a custom kitchen island or cabinet. The labels and price tags are clearly visible, showcasing different options and costs for the materials.

Step 2

Cut the peg board to size. Since I was going from glass cabinets to closed storage, I simply pulled out the glass panels and traced their size directly onto the peg board. I positioned the glass so none of the holes would be awkwardly cut off.

A clear glass rectangle lies on a white perforated surface, with an orange pencil on top. In the background, tools and parts of a car are visible, resembling a mechanic's cabinet.

I used the table saw for most of the cuts. If you do not have one, your local hardware store can probably make the cuts for you.

A white perforated panel is placed on a table saw outdoors near an open garage, possibly for customizing a kitchen island. The saw, with its bright green base, rests on a concrete surface, while a black garage door is partially visible in the background.

I did have to make one of the cuts on the miter saw since the width of the cut exceeded the expansion width of the fence on the table saw. This cut just barely needed two passes as well, even with a 12 inch sliding saw.

A miter saw is positioned on a saw stand outside near a garage, ready to transform a white perforated panel, perhaps destined for a kitchen island feature. A wooden fence and part of a building frame the scene, with rocks and a grassy area nestled at the base.

After all the cuts were made, I checked to make sure the peg board panels fit.

The sleek black kitchen island boasts a granite countertop and glass cabinet doors, perfectly showcasing organized pots and pans. A tool rests on the counter, while pegboard detail adds charm. Modern white cabinetry, barstools, and a stainless steel trash can complete the elegant space.

Step 3

Paint the peg board. I used Benjamin Moore Espresso Bean because that is the color our island was painted years ago. I did paint the white side of the peg board since it was smoother and I used a foam roller to avoid any brush strokes.

A can of Benjamin Moore Aura waterborne interior paint in satin finish is on a table, ready to transform your kitchen island or cabinet. The can, adorned with a floral design, sits beside a paint roller, with the backdrop of a perforated board and part of a garage door.

A paint roller with a blue handle rests in a black paint tray filled with black paint. In the background, there is a can of Benjamin Moore Aura paint sitting on a black drop cloth, ready to transform cabinets or refresh the look of your kitchen island.

Step 4

Secure the peg board panels to the kitchen cabinet. I used these screw in clips. The old glass panels were held in place the same way, but more than half of ours had broken over the years and it was time for a replacement.

An open cabinet door reveals a mounted perforated pegboard in a black frame, perfect for organizing kitchen essentials. Set against the warm wooden floor and with a hint of the countertop nearby, it adds functionality to the space alongside the elegant kitchen island.

Step 5

Add a shelf and contents. I used an old shelf we pulled out of the linen closet, cut it down to size and painted it the same color as the kitchen island. While this cabinet previously had a glass shelf, this just never felt super sturdy.

Open kitchen cabinet with wooden shelves. Upper shelf holds white ceramic bowls and vases. Lower shelf contains a silver kitchen appliance and a trash bin. The cabinet, adjacent to the granite-counter-topped kitchen island, has pegboard doors and is bathed in bright natural light from windows.

Step 6

Enjoy the extra storage! Because let’s be honest, you can never have too much kitchen cabinet storage, am I right?

A close-up of dark brown kitchen cabinets with textured panels and sleek silver handles frames the elegant kitchen island. The marble countertop holds a large white bowl filled with assorted fruits, while a modern light fixture hangs above, casting a warm glow over the scene.

I know going from a glass kitchen cabinet to closed storage might not be for everyone, but for us, it made a lot of sense! And I love the extra texture the holes in the peg board provide.

Modern kitchen with dark cabinets and light countertops, complemented by a sleek kitchen island. A microwave is mounted above the stove, while the backsplash showcases a geometric tile pattern. A dining area with a chandelier is visible in the background, and the floor is polished wood.

Modern kitchen and living area with dark wood beams overhead. A large, stylish light fixture illuminates the granite kitchen island, which features sleek cabinets and holds a white bowl filled with colorful apples. Grey curtains and a metal railing complete the look.

A modern kitchen boasts a striking black kitchen island with metal accents and seating, topped with a fruit bowl. Beside it, stylish cabinets enhance the space's allure. The inset shows a "before" image, capturing a remarkable transformation as sunlight floods through the large window behind.

The modern kitchen boasts sleek white cabinets and a stainless steel stove, complemented by a microwave. A granite-topped kitchen island with a black base is surrounded by metal bar stools, adorned with a fruit bowl. Wood flooring extends into the dining area, while natural light fills the space.

If you enjoyed my Kitchen Island Cabinet Update, please share it on Facebook or hover over an image and save to Pinterest! And if you don’t already follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook, I would love for us to be friends!

A modern kitchen boasting a sleek island with perforated cabinet doors, complemented by a countertop adorned with a bowl of colorful fruit. White upper cabinets house essentials like the microwave and stove, while the knife set stands ready. The backsplash is a mosaic of neutral tones.

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A modern kitchen showcases a sleek black kitchen island with a stainless steel top and bar stools. A decorative backsplash complements the mounted microwave. Visible in the image is a diagram of a pegboard labeled "Kitchen Island Cabinet Update.

This post, Kitchen Island Cabinet Update, appeared first on Garrison Street Design Studio.

Kitchen Island Cabinet Update