source {butcher block countertops}

The big-picture idea for the apartment was scale and simplicity...the exact opposite of most home improvement stores/showrooms.  I know hatin' is bad but I really hate the whole granite countertop scene.  Really.  It is not a must have.

I spent a crazy amount of time trying to track down and purchase Ikea butcher block countertops (without paying insane shipping).  I was defeated.  We were running out of time and options and my husband made a great discovery...the John Boos Outlet store.  He was in daily contact with a very nice guy at the store who saved two beautiful maple countertops for us.  One was extra wide and we used it to wrap around one end of the counter (a big "L" shape)...perfect little breakfast bar with stools.  I sealed them with a few coats of satin poly and they are so pretty.  

• John Boos (this is a true factory outlet): 507 E Fayette Ave. Effingham, IL 62401
• Flooring: pretty and simple maple; Pergo Emerson Maple at Lowes 
• Ceiling: wide plank pine stained with semi-opaque white (thank you Sarah's House)
• Tile: mini subway tile at Lowes

 

Comments

[Sarah]

Ha, I hate granite too.

But I will say outloud (again) I hate my butcher block counters. Hate them. I think in this application they will be great, but with 2.5 kids, 4 cats and a million visitors? They suck. Mine look like trash constantly. Must find a replacement that is not granite.

[julie thompson]

Hey Sarah! Had to tell you that I laughed out loud this morning at your post about setting $40 on fire ;-)
The counters are only a few months old and my mother-in-law is 85 so they still look good..fingers crossed.

[Barbara]

If that place weren't occupied, I'd be inquiring. It's gorgeous.

[Sarah]

Julie, I really think for a single, older woman they would be fine. They are just horrible for families. Crayons, paint, markers (sharpies!), glue, super glue, food, climbers, shoes, you name it - it's on my counters and just totally ruining them no matter what we try and cover them with.

[Suzy]

John Boos, yes! That is the brand of butcher block I just installed onto my kitchen island. Luv it! Got it on Amazon for a crazy reasonable price including shipping. Delivered it right to my driveway and even put it in the garage for me. I've been oiling it constantly, just cuz it looks so good. I guess they take a bit of upkeep but so worth it. I mean, I clean my countertops anyway, so what's the big deal?
oh, and I so agree about the granite. Overrated and boring. I am so not about the brown kitchen look. My kitchen redo, which is a current work in progress, is all about 70's color and pop!

[Jenelia]

You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree with your blog.

[julie thompson]

I hear you....sounds like my kitchen table ;-)

[Robbie Marinero]

The butcher block is great for that kitchen, as it goes beautifully with the wooden floor and cabinets. It makes the kitchen feel warmer when the lights are on, and that will make for a great atmosphere for preparing food and eating!

[Chase Conely]

Oh wow! That’s just beautiful. Your butcher block countertops made your kitchen look neat and elegant. And I have to agree with Sarah about having this kind of countertop in a family kitchen with a lot of kids. My sister has one and it’s full of doodles from her kids. Butcher block countertops are definitely suitable for homes that do not have little kids. Otherwise, better monitor the kids 24/7! =)

[Electrician Brisbane]

What a wonderful home. Those counter tops are surely something to be amazed about. I think black is a sexy color when it comes to houses, it has something to it that just gets me.