Kitchen Cut Out and Counter Project

My apartment, a quirky, little 450 square foot space, is in a large Victorian building. The building has gone through a number of transformations. This large house was sectioned off into smaller rental units many years ago, and since moving into my apartment, I’ve been updating the spaces.

Most recently, I transformed a narrow cutoff galley kitchen into a more inviting and useful space. This space is pretty unique, so I had to get creative to maximize every inch. My solution was to open up a narrow living room and kitchen with a cutout and counter!

Don’t worry, I worked with contractors to turn my vision into reality.

Before

The living room and kitchen were divided by a long, blank wall.

After

The cutout and counter in progress

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission if you make a purchase using my link. I only link to products I think will be useful to you, thanks for your support!

Big box butcher block

I purchased this butcher block and had it cut down to size to use as a countertop. Butcher block is a great-looking, affordable option for countertops!

I opted to seal my countertops rather than use a butcher block oil for less maintenance, with a couple of coats of clear coat, and my counters are pretty well protected against water damage from glasses and things. I used this product to seal my countertops safely. 

Countertop does double (quadruple) duty

I use this counter for so many things. Of course, I keep a plant here. But I also use the counter as my desk to take conference calls, serve snacks here! The space, which had been pretty dead space before, is now super practical. 

The cutout also lets more light in! I’m so lucky to have these amazing large windows in my apartment. Adding this cutout lets more light flow between spaces. 

I’ve been hard at work, updating my tiny kitchen! Stay tuned for posts on all of the big projects!

xoxo, jackie

shop my favorites