Kitchen island or harvest table?

Posted on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 by KiM

Angie wrote in yesterday looking for some inspiration for her kitchen reno:
“I am going to be renovating my 112 yr old home soon. Though the home, itself, is very traditional (10 ft ceilings, gorgeous casings and moldings, wood floors throughout) my personal tastes and decor tend toward a bit more modern. Problem: I am torn between the practicality, functionality and look of a large center island (I just love a dark brown island topped with narrow black and white marble). On the other hand, we lived in Europe for a while and I cannot get the images of old farm tables in the kitchens (surrounded by wooden and upholstered chairs) out of my head. I realize that there are advantages to both. However, I rarely see kitchens with an old farm table (in lieu of an island) in magazines these days. I know what I am getting if I go with the island, but would love to see images of old farm tables in modern kitchens. Help! And thanks!!!” I wrote back to tell her how much I ADORE a harvest table paired with modern chairs, which she loves too. I found some photos of both harvest(somewhat) tables in modern(ish) kitchens and some dark wood islands – but which to choose???!!!

Sarah Eastel Locations Cecconi Simone
Shoot Factory Skonahem
Home Hotel PointClickHome
Sunset magazine Shamir Shah Design
Murphy Burnham & Buttrick Architects 3rd UNCLE design
Chicago Home Magazine Paul Costello
Domino The Apartment
Boligtorvet House and Home Ireland
II BY IV Slade Architecture

mandco says:

Beautiful inspiration! My favorite is the one from PointClickHome!

That’s a hard choice – island or farm table. You could buy an inexpensive farm table and try it out for a while. Love the hot pink kitchen!

OMG, I LOVE the Slade Architecture image!

Cathy says:

I say both – see PointClickHome photo! Gives you plenty of options and room to cook and enjoy time with family and friends!

erin says:

i vote table. sitting on stools at kitchen islands is so uncomfortable.

I’m with ninaribena. The Slade Architecture pic is great. Good selection. There’s something for everyone.

zee says:

I’m all about the tables – a big, rustic table in a modern space lends such a cosy, homey and relaxed, traditional feel. Go tables!

Anonymous says:

Depends on the size of your kitchen, but I have a farm table, chairs and a wood stove and everyone who walks in the kitchen remarks on the table with envy. But I also have a used restaurant supply butcher block counter that serves as an island and cost less than $100 plus elbow grease. I have a hard time getting people to move out of the kitchen to the living room. The Taschen Country Homes series has a lot of great farm kitchen inspiration in it too.

real nice

susan says:

So gorgeous…stunning! What you could do is do an island on legs, and I don’t mean 4″ feet, but 8-12″ legs. It will appear to be a furniture look, but will be functional as well, maybe with seating at one end, and maybe with a reclaimed wood top. You’ll find the answer that is right for you! Beautiful images…

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