I went to a local antique store a few weeks ago and bought a few pieces, including this workbench…
Jeff was surprised at my choice. It doesn’t have the curvy lines I usually go for and the top is some kind of wood composite. I just had a gut feeling about it. It had a nice shape to it and, with the right additions and changes, I felt like it could be a really special piece.
And here’s how it looks now…
Kriste can’t even look at it. She is so sad she doesn’t have a spot for it! I feel the same way, although I could make an excuse to keep it in the studio, but there are only so many tables and workbenches someone needs…at least that’s what Jeff thinks.
Everything just came together serendipitously for this piece. I was thinking about what to do with the top when I remembered I had a random piece of marble I use as a backdrop for photo shoots. In my head, it seemed like about the right size and I couldn’t wait to get to the studio the next day to “try it on.” It was almost a perfect fit. I just needed to remove the “backsplash” and add a couple of pieces of trim to both sides. (I actually turned the back trim piece upside down, so it’s still there, but it provides trim under the marble instead of behind it. That made the surface the perfect depth for the marble.)
I haven’t glued on the trim pieces, yet, because I might have Jeff run them through a router to give them a softer edge.
Since the marble fit perfectly, I worked from there and opted to paint the piece in Trophy, the warm gray in our MMSMP line. It was just the right gray to work with the color in the veining of the marble. I then distressed and finished with Hemp Oil.
I’ve had the brass bin-cup pulls for a few years and, as soon as I spotted them in my hardware bin, I knew they would be perfect. They were (are?) from the Martha Stewart hardware line at Home Depot.
The workbench was a little low to work as a kitchen island, so I hunted for casters and finally found a set at a local antique store. Kriste pointed them out in one of the “tool guy booths” and, like the top and the hardware, they were perfect. The only downside is they didn’t come with the holder for the “stem”, so they are just inserted in a hole my dad drilled. It still rolls fine, but they don’t swivel as well as they would if they have the proper holder. The holes (and stems) are about 3″ long, so they are definitely staying put when they are inserted.
I found that fabulous wire basket while out shopping last week and it’ll be for sale at the Lucketts Spring Market, too.
I love it when I have a gut feeling about something and then it all comes together in just the right way.
PS – Fair warning to whoever buys this… Kriste may cry and/or tackle you as you remove it from our booth.
By the way, if you’re viewing my blog on a phone or tablet, you’ll notice it looks a lot different! We just launched the “mobile-friendly” version of the blog, which is simplified, so it loads much faster and is easier to read, leave comments, etc. We’re still working on making it pretty, so hang in there with us as we customize everything. If you’re reading on a computer, then everything will stay the same.
I’ve also been having some issues with “rogue ads” that are slipping through my filters. I make money through ads, but I don’t want noise blaring at me, obnoxious pop-ups or ads that cover my pictures. I know you don’t want that, either. I just wanted to let you know I’m aware of it and am working to fix it. (Hopefully you won’t have any idea what I’m talking about, which means it’s been fixed!)
I love the paint color you used for that kitchen island. Great job!
Seng
http://www.sengerson.com
Love the new mobile layout! I’ve never had a problem reading your blog on my iPad, but I definitely noticed it’s more friendly. The table is beautiful, I especially love the props you used this time!
Marian,
What a wonderful transformation. Gray is the perfect color for the marble top, the old casters, and the industrial look basket and crate. I love the blue stoneware/crock holding the plant. Is it for sale?
Judith
i agree the site looks great and loads quickly, and I have not had any ads pop up or block photos.
Love what you did with the island, the color you,painted it and the brass pulls look so fresh. Your work and the blog keep getting better and better!
Love the workbench transformation!
Regarding the new smartphone version of the website, it would be great if there was a button for users to opt out and keep the standard desktop view. I’ve seen it on other websites that have “mobile-friendly” versions. That way, everyone can pick and choose where we see the ads. I don’t mind them down the side of your desktop version because they don’t disrupt the content. On my phone, there’s currently an ad following every one of the lovely workbench shots. One mistimed swipe of the thumb and I’m being whisked away from the MMS site to view cars and kitchen renovation companies. Just thought I’d mention it before the new version is finalised.
Yes, I’ve asked about an opt-out option, so people can pick which version they want to see. Hopefully, that will be available soon. Yes, I need to follow up on the number of ads, since they do seem to follow every picture. On my main blog, they are on the side bar and integrated at the bottom of ads, so they don’t interrupt the flow of the posts. Since we lost the sidebar on the mobile version, the ads go in the post. So, I need to see what my options are. It’s always a balance!
I agree with Kristie….I would be sad and crying also. This is an awesome piece and I would love to have it myself. The things that draw me to is most is the change of hardware and that you put casters on (very functional). Now can we talk about your accessories……I am crushing on the scales and crates!!! Love it ALL.
I must say that although you did a lovely job transforming this piece, I honestly loved the natural look of it. It looked liked it belong in an old summer kitchen from days gone by. I remember something very similar looking from when I was a little girl (well over 50 years ago!) My next door neighbour had a table quite similar that she made her bread on. It was the perfect size for kneading her dough. She has been gone now for many, many years and I often think about that old table and still remember the taste of her homemade bread, warm for the oven slathered in butter. 🙂
WOW. This is just perfect in every way! An amazing transformation – I bet I won’t even see this at Luckett’s it will go so fast!
Great post! This is a great transformation.
I do see a lot of pop up ads as I read this which is unusual.
It does detract from the blog.
Seriously, everything you touch turns into something special. This piece is beautiful! Great work!
I will be tackling Kristie as she tackles the person trying to purchase this piece. :).
Stunning.
I love this workbench. If I had the time off and wasn’t going to be big and pregnant, I might just drive all the way to Lucketts to get it. It’s just SO fabulous and would look amazing in my newly renovated kitchen!!!
Adding the marble to the top just made this piece shine. It will go quickly as I am sure some one already has mentally pictured it in their kitchen. I just wish I had room!
I think this is one of my favorites! Only wish I had room for it. Lovely!
You can’t even tell it has a composite top (in the original picture). This piece is so fabulous! I LOVE the casters and the new top. Serendipity is right!
This piece will be gone in the blink of an eye!!!!! Gorgeous.
So beautiful!!! I have a piece painted in your MMSMP typewriter (I think?) and those are the perfect pulls for it!!!! Just ordered, thanks for the inspiration!
I would LOVE to purchase this and would do so in a heartbeat!!! Do you ship????
Oh my, I love everything about this piece! The wooden casters are an a-mazing touch!
LOVE IT!!! And guess what….I have room and I am planning a girls trip to Lucketts from upstate NY. So when you see a few crazy ladies running to your booth, don’t be scared. Hoping to make it there early Friday morning!
Love this so much! I look at it through a different lens, though: I see the composition for your photograph and see an amazing dessert table set up and backdrop — so thanks for the inspiration!
Also, I’m thrilled about the mobile-friendly changes. I usually read your blog at the bus stop, and the new version is so much improved. Congrats and thank you!
Love it. How clever of you to make the marble fit with the trim. I have a Victorian dresser with
“glove boxes”. The flat part had a piece of marble but not the top of the glove boxes. I was way far away from home at a yard sale and spotted two rectangular pieces (glove box size) and bought them hoping they would fix. They did! Years ago I was at a yardsale in RI and almost bought a slab of marble like years until the guy told me it came from a morgue. lol
I absolutely ADORE this piece and you are so right…. it came together PERFECTLY! There may well be a bunch of folks fighting one another to purchase this one!!!
That island is TO DIE FOR!!
Did you sell it yet? How much?
What a great kitchen island! Who would have thought an old workbench could have such an exciting new life?!
I love it. The grey and marble look so good together and love the shelf to put things on. Would be great in any kitchen or dining room or craft room. Very cool!!!
Hi Marion,
It looks fantastic. It reminds me of my potting bench. Although mine is natural wood it has a similar function. What I do is transform mine in the warmer months to use as I would a kitchen island but out on the patio instead. That way I can keep all that is needed together.
Its fabulous,as usual, Marian! Great repurposing! Love the color, the marble, and the casters!you’re brilliant!
Nope, I am reading your blog on my home computer, and I have had one pop-up appear twice, and it won’t go away, as well as a loud blaring female voice saying about eight words and then gone. I’m glad you know about it, and are working to fix it.
This is really a favorite piece you have done! You repurposed it with things on hand and whoever is the lucky buyer is getting a terrific piece! I’m antiquing this weekend in spokane and I’m going to keep my eye out for something similar….
wow.WoW.WOW! Your vision is endless, and II really live this too (I pretty much love everything you do). You’re going to have an awesome event at Luckett’s.
*I *love
Love the island. I have those same pulls in my kitchen, love them too!
Gah! You are killing me! I’ve been looking for a marble topped pastry table for our kitchen island but this would totally fit the bill too! LOVE!
I love love this island! Its creative and easy on the eyes. I was wondering when you were going to fill us in on your new web layout. It loads a lot faster but I’ve never seen so many random ads on your site, but I love seeing everything up close and personal.
This is really hard to comment
Love the table! I really wish you would just keep it in the studio for awhile. It is so Kriste!
The island is a great up cycle esp love the marble and those casters. As far as the adds I find those scrolling ones pretty dang annoying .. It seems to me most bloggers don’t care which kind of makes me not too enthusiastic about them.
This turned out so beautifully! 🙂
I love this island so much! It’s like the stars aligned and everything came together perfectly making a beautiful, functional and unique piece. The styling is perfect and that wire basket…..sigh!!! LOVE
this is HORRIBLE…too many ads EVERYWHERE!!!!!! yuck.
I simply adore this work bench. Everything about it makes my heart dance a little, and your right everything fits perfectly I can see why Kristi will be sad I would be to!
Lauren | LB Designs
xx
THIS is why I visit your website again and again! Your “sense” about old things and what can be done –sometimes just simple thoughtful changes–to make them outstanding is right on the money! Thanks for always providing inspiration to think outside the box!
Wow!!! So beautiful….I wonder what shipping costs to Australia would be. ;P
Very interested in the workbench-whatever-am in Northern Va-pls let me know about price-measurements-whatever-thanks-Jane
tomsey
Another amazing transformation. I love how you follow your instincts when you spot a piece of furniture and then give it a stunning lens look that is full of character. Reading your blog and seeing your projects is my favorite way to begin the day.