Hey there! So, for the past 2 years, I have been trying to add more custom features to our home. This week I tackled our kitchen island even though it wasn’t in my plans for a few more months.
See that pretty circle on the left? That’s the reason for the early revamp:) Long story short….I tried to touch-up paint around our house with our old paint from the builder and it was darker than our walls so….. our walls were pretty much two-toned throughout the ENTIRE house (note to self: test an inconspicuous area next time;) I cut a GIANT chunk of wall from our island, had it matched at Home Depot…nightmare over:)
With the chunk of wall back in place, it was time to revamp the island:) After having kids eat at the bar for 2 years, it had definitely seen better days. I actually didn’t realize how nasty it was until I started demolition!
I started by removing the old (dirty) baseboard with a utility knife. (Purchased at Home Depot for about $2.00) I just cut a seam along the caulk line.
Next, I pried the baseboard away from the wall by hammering a flat head screwdriver behind it.
Once the demolition was complete, I drew out where I wanted my battens placed.
I used pre-primed MDF boards for the battens because they are very straight, smooth and easy to paint. I used 1×6 for the top and bottom trim and 1×4 for the battens.
I mitered the corners with my compound miter, however, you can buy a miter box and hand saw at a hardware store and do the same. 
To attach them to the wall, I applied Liquid Nails to the back side and then nailed it to the wall.
Now for the fun:) I used 1/4″ plywood sheets for the boards. ( I chose to cut the boards down to fit between the battens because it was cheaper and easier).
To cut the board down to size, I used the new Kreg Jig Rip Cut™ and I LOVE IT! It will be available in stores in April and it is only $34.99! It allowed me to cut every board exactly to size, it was super easy takes up very little storage space! It has a guide at the end to keep your cut straight and an adjustable ruler to make your cuts accurate!
I attached the boards to the wall with Liquid Nails and my nailer. (I used a router to cut out spots for the electrical sockets;) I finished by caulking the gaps and painting it my trim color (also matched at Home Depot).
So easy and so cheap! I only spent $50 total and the best part it, I can wipe it down when it gets dirty! (I used a semi-gloss latex paint).
This was so easy and I feel like I got a lot of bang for my buck:) Now I’m off to upgrade more builder grade:) If you love it, I would LOVE pins! Thanks so much for stopping by! ~Ashley
The back is the easy part. Did you have to deal with toe kicks in the front? How did you do the baseboard – toe kick transition? What about the sides?
Hey!
I just need tips on the corners. How’d you make those ends seem less? The vertical battens. Not the horizontal ones. I saw that you did a miter cut in the baseboard. But what about the corn pieces/ends. I need help with that part!
Hi! I know it’s been awhile since you’ve posted this project, but I would love to see a side view so I can see how you did the batten on the small pieces of drywall.
Hi there! We are totally going to do this.
Can I see a pic of the sides/end? How you finished that part?
Hi, Great Job
Can you please tell me the dimensions of your island. I want to do this to my 67 inch island, but am in sure if I should do three sections or four on the back. What is the spacing of your sections looks like 18-20 inches.
Where are the MDF boards from?
I have been dying to do this for years too and love it! What did you do on the smaller sides? Any pics of those?
I’m wondering the same so you have a photo of the sides
what color did you use??