Kitchen Island

I’ve been looking for a “bean and seed” counter to use as a peninsula in our kitchen when we redo it…one day.  So far, all of the ones I’ve found have been a minor fortune…at least for my budget.  An example of the loveliness to which I refer:

 

Obviously, this one is much longer than what we would need…but you get the idea.  And I want to put it…

in place of this counter with the curved shelves on the end.  Neat-o, huh?

All of the counters I’ve found so far cost thousands.  Not.in.the.budget.  So, when I was at an estate sale a couple of weeks ago, I found this…for $75 (please pardon the poor photo – it’s currently sitting on its side in my still-unpacked garage)

It was in an old barn for a long, long time, but I love the wood handles and the metal tag-holders (not sure of correct name for those) and for the most part, the paint.

I’m love the chippiness and worn away areas, but not too fond of the red spray paint.  I haven’t had a chance to see if I can sand away to spray paint and get a more consistent finish. I know if I keep the chippy look, I’ll have to seal it so my daughter doesn’t eat it.  If saving the current finish doesn’t work, I’m planning to just sand the whole thing and re – paint it.  It needs a new top – I’m thinking butcher block….what do you think?  What would you do (please don’t say, “throw it in the trash.”)?

I need some advice on this one, so any you have to offer will be greatly appreciated!

I’m linking this to

Thanks and take care –