Need help deciding on a kitchen cart/island

[Beth76]

That's it. I've decided I'm getting one of these finally. I really need extra storage and counter space in my kitchen. I don't want to get a built in island because we will eventually replace the cabinets and countertops. Right now I have my old kitchen table sitting in the middle of my kitchen. It's tacky as all get out, but I've been using it to keep the clutter off my table and counters.

So I'm trying to decide if I should get a pretty granite counter top cart like this one.

Or something with a breakfast bar, so the kids can sit at it and there's more workspace.

Any thoughts, opinions, suggestions?

 

[famofsix]

mine has fold down leaves so that when I need more space I have it but it not a clutter catcher.

I like the granite one.

 

[WDW~Lover]

I like the granite one also

 

[Beth76]

mine has fold down leaves so that when I need more space I have it but it not a clutter catcher.

I like the granite one.

do you actually sit at it? I know my kids would love that, but then that means storing stools too. The granite one is just so pretty, but I haven't found one with the drop leaft too.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I think you should get the one you like best!!!

But, since you've asked for opinions...I like the coloring on the first one better. The other looks a little washed out (might just be the pic.) Not a fan of granite, though, so I'd probably get the first one and cover the top when not using it.

 

[Beth76]

Yes, I like the color of the wood of the first one better, but it's the same company so I wonder if it's just the lighting. And I do think the granite is so pretty. But if form follows function, then I should get the one with the seating option.

Here's another option with a stainless top with the seating. I worry about the stainless being to hard to clean though.

 

[famofsix]

do you actually sit at it? I know my kids would love that, but then that means storing stools too. The granite one is just so pretty, but I haven't found one with the drop leaft too.

We don't sit at it because the area is two narrow where it is currently placed.
However, it is great for parties and baking. Mine has a cabinet so the stools would not have any leg room unless we pulled them out.

We are actually in the process of redesigning the whole kitchen and putting a sitting area island on the other side of the kitchen that is attached to the counter and putting the whole kitchen on the other side. But we are in the baby stages. In the meantime I like the island. I wish we could sit at it.

I don't kno whow to post the pic but here is on that has a flip top like the one you posted but with stainless

http://www.allkitchencarts.com/Home-Styles-5017-95-88324-HO1241.html

Mine has leaves on the sides.

 

[JR6ooo4]

Do you want it to match the existing kitchen at all? (sorry if I missed that) How much counter space is in the existing kitchen? And are any of the counters as deep as the wood version? That might be nice. For preparing and serving.

Could you actualy wheel it somewhere?

Mikeeee

 

[Beth76]

I don't kno whow to post the pic but here is on that has a flip top like the one you posted but with stainless

http://www.allkitchencarts.com/Home-Styles-5017-95-88324-HO1241.html

Mine has leaves on the sides.

hehe, very similar to the one I just posted. We defintely have room to sit at it. And the kids would like to sit there.

Do you want it to match the existing kitchen at all? (sorry if I missed that) How much counter space is in the existing kitchen? And are any of the counters as deep as the wood version? That might be nice. For preparing and serving.

Could you actualy wheel it somewhere?

Mikeeee

It doesn't really need to match exactly. I already have 3 different colors of wood in my kitchen. I don't have very much counter space, so I would definitely use this as counter space. Also I need more storage. I wouldn't really wheel it around except to clean under it.

 

[golfgal]

Just an observation, those carts aren't really that big. Are they really going to be useful or just get in the way? Can you get something bigger? Will it fit? The first one will barely hold a mixing bowl and baking ingredients on top, for example.

 

[Beth76]

Just an observation, those carts aren't really that big. Are they really going to be useful or just get in the way? Can you get something bigger? Will it fit? The first one will barely hold a mixing bowl and baking ingredients on top, for example.

Yes I could get something deeper, but I'm not sure I want something that big. But good point, maybe I should get the one with the leaf so that I have deeper counter space. I don't really need deeper cabinet space.

Either way, it won't be in the way. I have my old kitchen table sitting in that spot right now. So I want to get rid of the tacky table and get something that actually has some storage.

 

[Imzadi]

I think you have to think about function before looks. Can you use the extra space of the drop leaf? Will it be nice to have the kids actually sitting at there while you are working? Are you planning on just using it for storage, or to actually work off of, where the extra counter space would be essential? What's missing in your kitchen now, that you decided to get it: the storage space, or the counter/work space?

 

[MareQ]

Honestly - I'd go with the first one. The second one looks like it would topple over easily if the kids were on a stool and leaned too hard or put too much weight on it etc. Plus stools means more clutter. I have a built in island with enough seating for 5 to sit at and I got tired of seeing all those stools so I put two downstairs and only have 3 for the kids.

 

[juligrl]

I'm really non-comittial in my decorating choices cause I like to change decor somewhat regularly. That said, when we built our house I knew I would need the storage but didn't want to commit to having an island installed.
Since I knew I wasn't going to be moving an island around anywhere, I figured wheels weren't necessary and I wanted something with legs. The one pictured above is what I got at a local unfinished furniture shop. We painted it white and finished the top and it looks great in our kitchen now, but is exactly the direction I eventually want to go in the kitchen decor. Plus, I have a nice, sturdy piece that isn't going to be toppling over - definately a concern with my little kids - and some of the portable units looked like the might.

 

[crz4mm2]

I almost bought the granite one too!! You have great taste

I ended up not getting it at all. Got new counter tops instead

I don't really NEED more counter space (although I could use more cupboards...).

Good luck and let us know how it looks when you get it.

 

[Beth76]

Thanks for all the ideas everyone. Now we're on a completely different path. DH has decided that the 18" depth isn't big enough. So now we're looking for something like this.

It's more than I wanted to spend, but I still think it's cute and it would be a lot sturdier than the others for sure. So now I'm going to look around at some furniture stores to see if I can find something like it. I definitely don't want anything permanant because we will likely be replacing the cabinets/counters in a few years.

 

[Disney Doll]

Do you have a cabinet-maker or unfinished furniture store in your area? I'd look there? Or maybe even check in Home Depot and see if they have anything.

 

[crz4mm2]

OOOH. that's gorgeous. I really like it.
What are the dimensions?

 

[panfan]

lol....juligrl , I have the same un-finished one as you!

We stained it to match our existing cabinets and just love it!

You can find a lot in the un-finished stores.

Good luck

 

[Beth76]

OOOH. that's gorgeous. I really like it.
What are the dimensions?

Here's the whole link. http://www.ekitchenislands.com/islands-&-carts/wood-top/juliankitchenislandwslidingtiletop.cfm

I could look into an unfinished place. That might be more work than I want to do.