This was probably my most ambitious project to date, as it involved working within an existing structure (the wall) rather than creating something smaller and free-standing which is what I had done previously. This meant my measurements had to be spot on.
The idea was to open up the space between the kitchen and living room in my flat, hopefully creating a more ‘open-plan’ feel, making the space feel a bit bigger and letting some more light into the kitchen from the large windows in the living room.
The existing wall had a glass block feature wall that I wanted to remove, although this had to be done with the help of a builder as each block was binded with incredibly strong mortar!
I measured the space and got some timber posts cut to measure from my local builder’s merchants, to create a frame that I could fix a breakfast bar to. I stained these first, and then fixed them into place using Unibond adhesive and filling in any gaps with filler.
Online research was useful to get some design ideas for the breakfast bar, and making plans for the materials that I had at my disposal. It also helped to identify those that I would need to buy (also taking into consideration my own limitations and knowledge).
Fortunately for me, when I moved into the flat there was a wooden IKEA bed frame that had been left behind. I had salvaged the slats that the mattress sits on as I thought they would be useful to use future use. I decided to use these to form the worktop of the breakfast bar itself.
This not only helped to reduce overall costs, but it was a nice way to turn some old and unused wood into something new and fresh.
I sanded the slats down, cut them into various sizes for an extra design feature, and fixed them to a plywood sheet underneath for support using glue and clamps. Next, I then trimmed off any excess on the ends, to create an even tabletop.
I was really happy with how the slats had turned out once sanded, and I finished them off with beeswax and a layer of varnish to help to keep them waterproof from stains. The combination of the two gave a really beautiful finish, that looked even better after a polish.
I used another plywood sheet for the tabletop to sit on, and then attached some IKEA adjustable legs underneath for stability. It was then finished off with a small shelf on the kitchen side for additional storage, and a breakfast bar style chair.
Overall, I was really happy with how it turned out as there were a few moments of uncertainty along the way. It’s helped to open up the space between both rooms and is something that I use in some way or another pretty much every day.
