I Was Dreaming of a Sprawling Kitchen Island – Until Martha Stewart Convinced Me That This Small Space Alternative is Better
Martha Stewart's 1970s kitchen proves that butcher blocks are the perfect blend of style and function – and they're the ideal substitute for a costly kitchen island
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Taking pride of place in my dream home is a sprawling kitchen island. I'm not sure what it looks like just yet, but I know it simply must be enormous – since my current kitchen happens to be rather small.
However, since I can't yet fit a magnificent kitchen island in my city apartment, I've been hunting for alternatives. And recently, an archival picture of Martha Stewart's Turkey Hill kitchen has sealed the deal: my kitchen needs a portable butcher block.
Shop Martha's Look
If you're looking for a butcher block that won't break the bank, this one is a brilliant choice. Crafted from solid wood, it features slatted shelves and even a handy set of wheels.
This butcher block still boasts a shelf and wheels, but it's complete with a thicker wood base that's ideal for food prep. You can even wheel it into your living room and use it as a serving cart during parties.
If you're interested in recreating Martha's look, you'll want to invest in a butcher block like this one. It's constructed from solid maple wood, with a base that's sturdy enough to handle any kitchen task.
Don't have the space for a butcher block? Wood cutting boards can still transform your countertops. I love this warm-toned acacia wood board from Crate & Barrel.
Caraway is known for producing some of the best non-toxic cookware, but it also boasts an impressive selection of kitchen tools and accessories, like this stylish butcher board.
Ina Garten swears by John Boos cutting boards; they're sleek, durable and versatile, and there are plenty of different sizes available. This one is ideal for both prepping and serving food.
If you're short on kitchen space but desperate to maximize countertop real estate, many designers argue that butcher blocks are the new kitchen islands. Compact, sturdy, and often portable, they're a brilliant investment.
Admittedly, Martha herself had plenty of room in her Turkey Hill kitchen – but this is what makes her butcher block a particularly fascinating addition.
Harking back to the days when butchers would chop cuts of meat on their counters, butcher blocks are designed with food preparation in mind. So, for an expert like Martha, they create a dedicated work space that transforms both cooking and entertaining. (There's no better place to set up a pasta-making station, it seems.)
Of course, butcher blocks can't provide as much space as a kitchen island, and they don't have quite the same potential. (You can't plumb sinks or build appliances into them, for example, and they won't offer as much storage.) Yet the biggest benefit of a butcher block is, crucially, cost: it's definitely one of the most budget-friendly ways to replicate an island.
If, like me, you know that a kitchen renovation isn't on the cards, a butcher block will still give you plenty of extra counter space with minimal fuss. There's no need to plan out new kitchen layout ideas; simply unveil your shiny new butcher block and you'll be ready to go.
Butcher blocks blend practicality with rustic charm
I might not be able to replicate Martha's entire Turkey Hill kitchen, but I love the look of a butcher block. No matter the style of your space, this particular addition is guaranteed to introduce rustic charm and a dash of eclecticism.
That's not to say it doesn't look impressive, of course. Crafted from solid wood, butcher blocks are ultra-durable and chef-approved – and as Martha demonstrates, they're the perfect way to create a stylish yet functional work zone within your kitchen.
Experts say that butcher blocks really are a time-honored part of kitchen design – and they're beloved by home cooks and professionals alike.
'Chefs love butcher blocks for their anti-microbial properties and how the end-grain wood doesn’t dull knives,' explains Lisa Bosio, Director of Consumer Products & Strategic Marketing at John Boos & Co. 'Home cooks love butcher blocks because they provide extra countertop space and assist with serving when you're entertaining. Butcher blocks are designed to be the heart of the kitchen.'
Since they're designed to epitomize practicality, butcher blocks are aldo impressively versatile.
'The butcher block bridges the gap between workspace and gathering place,' says Molly McGuire, Brand and Project Manager at Studio IQL. 'Its mobility and natural materials keep your kitchen feeling alive and adaptable.'
Determined to replicate Martha's look? You'll want to invest in a particularly heavy-duty butcher block – and consider the type of wood you prefer.
'Maple, walnut, and cherry are the most popular wood choices for butcher blocks today,' says Lisa. 'If you're looking for a butcher block to last a lifetime, get an extra-thick version like Martha’s. Opt for one that is at least 16 inches thick and make sure it has sturdy legs, since they can be very heavy.'
I might not be able to bring my entire mood board to life just yet, but I can't wait to set up a butcher block just like Martha's. Who says every kitchen needs an island, after all?
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