Did you guess that we were going to go full steam ahead with the butcher block in the cottage? We did. And we love how they look.
This was such a simple and easy update to make- and inexpensive too. Todays post is all about a Before & After- a first look at our yet unfinished counters and why we chose butcher block for the guest cottage.
Guest Cottage Kitchen Before
Well, the Before Before is a little different- it was a non existent kitchen when we moved in. We thought this is where they original guest cottage kitchen might have been through finding that old antique bank of cupboards in the basement that fit this space perfectly and old plumbing details in this area- we figured this corner in the cottage might be where they had the kitchen area.
We brought that cupboard back in and mounted it on the wall and then went about building custom lower cabinets. We kept them open shelves and added drop cloth curtains – and put quick and easy granite countertop using leftover granite from another project. Fun fact: We had to get the kitchen put together in a pinch since there was a last minute photo shoot out there happening- so it really was grab and use what is on hand or can get here and get done the quickest kind of project.
Guest Cottage Kitchen – In Between
Once that was all wrapped- this is how it was looking. These photos are after I took photos for my first book- Incidentally I just noticed that they have copies of French Country Cottage in stock at Amazon – FINALLY. It has been out of stock for about 4 months- but they are finally getting restocked.
While we liked how the kitchen turned out- I was ready for a new look. I wanted the kitchen to more match the rest of the feeling in the cottage. More rustic. More masculine. More horse country or English style with rich moody colors and details.
We changed the lighting and that instantly changed the feeling. I shuffled some of the decor and then removed the small shelves by the range in favor of simplicity like stacked breadboards and a small plate rack turned upside down.
Then it was time to tackle the sink and counters.
New Butcher Block Counters
I am Obsessed with how these turned out. They are such a simple classic look- and I love how they instantly made the kitchen feel more old world. We picked up the butcher block from Home Depot. They had several types and sizes to choose from and ranged from around $150- $800 a piece depending on what you choose. Installing them was fairly simple. I would recommend getting a new saw blade so that you have a cleaner cut without splintering- and of course, some sandpaper to smooth and round the ends after cutting.
These are simply attached to the cupboard frames from underneath. To note: Butcher block slabs are Heavy. Especially when they are longer ones. Make sure to have some help on hand to lift and move them.
Up Next & Why Butcher Block
We haven’t picked the stain yet- so we need to do that. We also need to ‘mend’ the seams by filling and sanding them smooth.
As I mentioned, I wanted something classic and simple- but that also brought a more rustic, more ‘cottage’ feeling. I am a huge fan of the marble in our kitchen in the house- but it just wasn’t the feeling we were after out in the guest cottage. We are also considering that we may rent it out at some point and wanted something that we weren’t worried about oil or stains as much with.
Wood counters don’t feel as precious. And I love the way that well loved wood looks as it ages. I think that the dings and slices on old cutting boards is such a beautiful patina. So, I am not as concerned about the surface being damaged by those. It is character and full of charm. The other side of that is that if they are damaged beyond what we would like- they are inexpensive and easy to replace.
I love the big amount of warmth and the feeling that wood adds to the kitchen. These countertops already have warmed this room up considerably and they aren’t even done yet.
I also love how they mingle with this old painted table that I placed here to use as a temporary island. It is from the 1930’s I believe and has the most lovely old floral painted accents. Those wood tones in the counters go perfectly with painted and stained pieces alike.
Things to consider
Food Safety – Mind the safety with sealers and stains, etc. with butcher block. You don’t want to use a sealer on butcher block counters if there is any chance of them being used as a butcher block.
Oil- Oil them about every 6 months or so to keep in best condition. Good news- you can sand out stains or dings before oiling if you would like to keep them more pristine looking.
Cutting Board- yes you can use them as a cutting board if you prepare them properly (food safety so no sealer). But you can also layer a regular movable cutting board on top and use that as well.
For more on adding an old world charm in the kitchen- you can find that Here.
We are working on cleaning up all the sawdust and work mess and freshening the paint out here- as well as finishing up the install of the counters and sink area. Stay tuned for the final look soon- but wanted to share progress as we go.
What do you think of how these counters are coming together?
Not sure which of Your two kichens is more attractive but, I really like the rustic feel of the wood in this one
Hi Courtney! I love this look. I was a huge fan of how it was before, but the butcher block counters really ad to the warmth AND rustic charm, especially once you stain and protect THEM, they’ll really POP. Nice floral color choices! Are those straw flowers, or delphinium?? Curious if you will still incorporate that cute olive tree in the mustard pot. It’s all coming together so beautiful!
They are straw flowers- I hang them up in the cottage kitchen on the rafters to dry along with a few others. And yes, the olive tree will be back- it is just being enjoyed in another spot at the moment and soaking up some sunshine and water.
HI courtney. Im so glad i STUMBLED upon your site a few weeks back. I am just loving it and everything you post is beaUtiful! Im getting ready to build my little retirement place and cant wait to use some of yOur ideas. Including butcher block on my island. Looking forward to getting your book as well.
That old pinkish cupboard is what pulls that whole room together for me. I wish we saw more of that on design shows.
Courtney,
I love butcher block countertops and the rustic warmth they offer. This looks great.
Karen
We just installed our butcherblock countertops from home depot too! Love them! Lightly stained with Special Walnut and have applied Howard’s butcherblock oil on them. Yes, they ARE heavy! You will love them!
We ll be doing ours soon ! We have to put two TOGETHER. 45/104”.
Right now theres 43 yr old butcher block formica! Lol We ll doIng The base CABINETS also . Best wishes
Did you miter the corner of the butcher block or straight edge where the ends butt together?
The best way to connect the corner would be mitering- we have a unique situation out there in the corner with the range being changed shortly (one of the reasons the counters are not fully installed yet) For now- it is simply butted up against the end. I should note that butting up against the piece actually works really well. So I don’t know if you would need to mitre it if you weren’t comfortable with doing that- I think it works just fine as is.
Hello Courtney,
This is my first time commenting on a blog, (I don’t usually do that), but I have to say that your style is so beautiful and I look forward to receiving every e-mail from you. I am so glad your book is back in stock. I have been waiting to buy it. Anyway I just wanted to say that you have remarkable talent and thank you for sharing it with us.
If you rent, make sure you put something heat proof ovr the butcher block next to the stove. i once let a cast iron skillet get too hot and without thinking dragged it off the stove top onto the one piece of butcher block counter in the kitchen. it left a terrible burn ring that could never be repaired.
Hi Courtney,
It would be wonderful to make the guest cottage a B &B. You would be booked solid.. it is so adorable. I go thru your books all the time. I’m ready for a new one..You have such amazing talent. Thank you for sharing your lifestyle…
Please share Where you purchased your cottage kitchen window curtain. Love the soft pale floral look. Cottage looks wonderful
Hi Christa!
That was from JCPenneys – probably 10 years ago. It was a scarf curtain that I turned into small curtains.
I wanted butcher block countertops when we redid our kitchen a few years ago… My husband didn’t… I HATE what I settled for… this makes me want to grab that bull by the horns again!!! Love it!
I’m so glad I ran across your post today because we are planning a kitchen reno in a few months and I really want to use wood counter tops, too. Can’t wait to see what stain you select.
Hi Courtney!
Your counters look great – I love that look! I’m planning on installing butcher block counters in my kitchen full of white cabinets. The island has counters behind it that are configured in a large L shape. Would it be too much to butcher block them all including the island?
Will you post an updated photo of the way the oil/ stain turned out? Did you purchase the maple, hevea, ash, Birch or acacia option from Home Depot? What oil did you use?