An Antique Work Bench Turned Kitchen Island

     I don't want to flatter myself, but...I think this transformation is pretty dramatic. I picked this antique workbench up straight from the 19th century mill where it had been built and used since probably the 1940s. The section of the mill where I got it had been used to make motor cycle parts. I got the work bench from the gentleman who had purchased the property and intended to turn it into shop space and condos. He thought I was off my rocker at how excited I was to get both this big bench, and a smaller one on casters from him. I included a before and after of the smaller one down at the bottom of the post as well.
      So, first I removed the giant casters that made this piece about four and a half feet tall. It now stands 39" tall, which is the perfect bar height. I had to clean the thing thoroughly, as it was gross, and spidery *shudder*. I removed the little dividers on the bottom shelf and replaced one of the cross braces which had cracked. I added the top and trim, as well as the supports below. I also added the pine boards to the bottom shelf to give the piece a little more visual heft. The base is painted in Annie Sloan Cream, the top is a mixture of dark walnut and English chestnut stain, with high gloss poly on top. I wanted to honor the rustic feel and history of the piece, but still make it feel fresh and handsome. What do you think?

*Before*

*after!*

Here it is with the matching dining table that is going to the same gal.

and here's the before and after on the other work bench I got from the guy. He was going to chuck both these pieces into the dumpster if I hadn't taken them. I'm glad I snagged them before he got the chance :)

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