5 steps to a dream kitchen island – on a budget

A salvaged slab of granite on a hall table instantly upgrades it to a fab kitchen island/breakfast bar. Like the idea? Here’s how. - by Dora Papas

Step 1 Scour the online community and classified sites such as Gumtree for a granite or stone offcut, and an old hall or console table. If the table comes with drawers and a shelf so much the better as you’ll have more room for storage.

Step 2 As you won’t have the luxury of custom sizing your granite or stone slab, choose it with care ensuring it is large enough so it overhangs around all sides. A slightly longer overhang on one side will allow for bar stools.

Step 3 Once you’ve selected your stone slab, choose a matching paint colour. Lightly sand the entire table. Allowing the paint to dry after each coat, first apply a primer sealer undercoat before finishing with two coats of your chosen colour.

Step 4 Attach the slab to the top of the hall table with a high-strength adhesive.

Step 5 Screw swing-arm hooks (or similar) to a leg and you have somewhere for your kitchen towels.