We extend our sincere gratitude to Stikwood for generously providing the essential supplies that made this kitchen bar transformation possible. Their innovative products truly brought our vision to life.
The allure of old barns has captivated me since childhood. I was a mere eight years old, a quintessential “girly girl” who adorned everything with glitter and embraced all things sparkly. Yet, amidst my love for all things bright and new, a weathered, abandoned barn on a quiet backroad near my childhood home held a special, mysterious charm.
Each day, as my mom drove me past it on our way to elementary school, I couldn’t help but gaze at its decaying structure. My young imagination would wander, picturing its former glory before the roof began to collapse and wild weeds started to reclaim its foundation. I often wondered about the hands that built it, the stories it held, and the pride someone must have felt stepping back to admire their craftsmanship.
One day, emboldened by curiosity, I asked my mom if we could stop and explore inside. Her response was a cautionary look and a swift “Um… it’s probably filled with snakes and spiders.” That was enough to deter my adventurous spirit, and we continued driving. Nevertheless, my affection for that rustic structure remained, admiring its beauty from a safe distance.
Years later, that deep-seated appreciation for the character and history embodied by aged wood found a new expression in our own home. I finally managed to bring a piece of that beloved barn aesthetic into our space, and I found myself falling in love with it all over again.
The Magic of Stikwood: Authentic Reclaimed Wood, Simplified
Thankfully, achieving this rustic look didn’t involve battling any snakes or spiders. My solution was far simpler and infinitely more appealing: Stikwood. For those unfamiliar with this ingenious product, Stikwood offers a revolutionary way to incorporate the timeless beauty of reclaimed wood into your home. It’s comprised of actual, sustainably harvested reclaimed wood, but with a fantastic twist – it features a peel-and-stick adhesive backing.
The convenience of Stikwood is truly remarkable. It arrived neatly packaged in a box, a stack of perfectly cut planks ready for installation. This eliminated the need for heavy tools, specialized skills, or dealing with the inconsistent quality often found in traditional reclaimed wood sourcing. It’s a game-changer for DIY enthusiasts looking to add authentic texture and warmth without the typical hassle.
I had been eager to try Stikwood ever since I first learned about it a year prior. Its promise of genuine reclaimed character with effortless application resonated deeply with my desire for both beauty and practicality in our home projects. This kitchen makeover presented the perfect opportunity to put it to the test.
The Vision for Our Kitchen Bar: Style Meets Durability
From the initial planning stages of our comprehensive kitchen makeover, I knew that our kitchen bar, or peninsula, needed a distinctive woody element. This wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was also a matter of practical durability. I anticipated that constant foot traffic and playful kicks would inevitably scuff and chip our newly painted cabinet surfaces, creating an ongoing maintenance headache.
Adding a layer of authentic reclaimed wood would provide robust protection, standing up to daily wear and tear with grace. Beyond its protective qualities, the wood would also serve a crucial design purpose. Our kitchen featured a significant amount of white, and I wanted to introduce a natural contrast. The reclaimed wood would beautifully break up the monochrome palette, adding much-needed texture and visual interest. Furthermore, it would seamlessly tie into the rich brown tones of our existing wood beam doorway, creating a cohesive and inviting modern farmhouse aesthetic throughout the space.
UPDATE: Don’t miss our full kitchen makeover reveal here!
Gathering Your Toolkit for a Rustic Makeover
One of the most appealing aspects of working with Stikwood is the minimal and accessible toolset required. You won’t need a full workshop, just a few basic items to achieve a professional-looking finish. Here’s what we used to bring our vision of a rustic kitchen bar to life:
Essential Supplies: (Affiliate links are provided below for convenience. For more information, see my full disclosure here.)
- Stikwood in Reclaimed Weathered Wood
- Jigsaw
- Square tool
- Rubber seam roller (or a sturdy paint roller as an alternative)
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Level
The Simple Process of Installing Stikwood
When Robert and I first started this project, our enthusiasm got the better of us. We began by simply peeling and sticking the wood planks wherever we fancied, a little too excited to meticulously plan. However, as we settled into a rhythm, we quickly discovered that a more considered approach yielded the best results. The trick was to strategically alternate the light and dark tones of the reclaimed wood and vary the cut lengths to create a dynamic, authentic, and organic pattern across the surface. This thoughtful placement adds depth and character, mimicking the natural variations found in true weathered wood.
Despite our initial impromptu start, the process itself proved incredibly straightforward. Whenever a wood plank required trimming, we simply used the square tool to ensure a perfectly straight line, then cut it precisely with the jigsaw. The ease of cutting these thin, reclaimed wood pieces was a pleasant surprise, making customization effortless.
The true genius of Stikwood lies in its peel-and-stick application. Once cut, we merely peeled the protective paper backing off the industrial-strength adhesive strips on the back of each plank. Then, with a firm press, the wood was securely in place. These aren’t just any stickers; they are robust, permanent adhesive strips designed to hold the wood firmly for years to come, making them arguably the most durable “stickers” on the market.
To guarantee maximum adhesion and a flawless finish, we used a roller to press down firmly on each plank. This ensures that the adhesive makes full contact with the surface, eliminating any air bubbles and creating a lasting bond. While a dedicated rubber seam roller is technically the ideal tool for this step, we improvised with a standard paint roller – another testament to our “fly by the seat of our pants” DIY style! It worked remarkably well, though for those aiming for absolute precision, investing in a rubber seam roller is recommended. Our little “DIY shenanigans” proved that flexibility and resourcefulness are key.
With every piece we installed, Robert and I found ourselves “ooohing” and “ahhhing” over the transformation. The rich textures, the varied tones, and the authentic aged character of the reclaimed wood were truly captivating up close. And, as you can probably tell from the photo, Robert was particularly proud of how effortlessly this project came together. His unspoken “I am Handyman. Hear me grunt!” attitude was palpable – a testament to the satisfying feeling of completing such a impactful yet simple DIY.
The Enduring Appeal of Our Reclaimed Wood Bar
Our newly transformed kitchen bar now stands as a beautiful and functional centerpiece. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it also provides invaluable protection against the inevitable scuffs and marks from swinging feet, ensuring our painted cabinets remain pristine. The addition of Stikwood instantly injected a generous dose of rustic charm into our kitchen, which is always a significant win in my book when it comes to interior design.
Beyond its immediate beauty and practicality, the flexibility of Stikwood offers long-term peace of mind. Should our tastes evolve, or if future homeowners desire a different aesthetic, these wood planks can be carefully pried off without leaving behind nail holes or extensive damage to the underlying surface. This ease of removal underscores the versatility and non-permanent nature of the peel-and-stick installation, making it an ideal choice for both renters and homeowners who appreciate design flexibility.
Continuing the Kitchen Transformation Journey
This reclaimed wood bar is just one exciting piece of our ongoing kitchen makeover. I’m actively dreaming of the day we can install beautiful hardwood floors throughout the space. Our current vinyl flooring, while functional, simply doesn’t offer the warmth and character I envision for our home. Perhaps that will be Phase 2 of our extensive renovation plans. Until then, every small update brings us closer to the cohesive and inviting kitchen we’ve always wanted.
With the reclaimed wood bar complete, the next item on our checklist is to select the perfect set of bar stools. Once those are in place, this particular area of the kitchen will feel truly finished and ready for entertaining. Just yesterday, we celebrated the delivery of our shiny new stainless steel range (snagged at a fantastic 30% off appliance sale at Lowe’s – woot woot!), which has already made a huge difference in creating a more harmonious and modern look within the space.
We even have a few leftover pieces of Stikwood, and my mind is already buzzing with ideas for future small projects. After all, genuine reclaimed wood is far too precious and beautiful to waste. The mission continues: Must. save. all. the. pretty. barns! This project truly shows how a simple material can have such a profound impact on a space, bringing warmth, history, and unique character into the heart of the home.
In case you’re eager to catch up on any of our other inspiring kitchen makeover adventures and DIY projects, be sure to explore these previous posts:
- Kitchen Makeover Plans and Mood Board
- DIY Industrial Pendant Lights
- Installing an IKEA Farmhouse Sink
- DIY Feather Finish Concrete Countertops
- How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro
- Faux Rusted Vintage Scale Makeover
