Noticed lately in high-end projects: appealing dark wood countertops, finished with a sheen. Here’s how to get the look for less.

The Inspiration

There’s a lot to like about this kitchen by UK designer Patrick Williams of Berdoulat; the polished dark wood countertops, the wall-mounted dish rack painted white, and the sparkly glass pendant lights.

Above: A kitchen by Patrick Williams of Berdoulat in London has a pleasing mix of warm and cool, glossy and matte surfaces.

Above: The dark wood countertops contrast with the pale walls and the clear glass light fixtures.

Above: The space is traditional yet feels modern in its pared-down simplicity.

A Trio of DIY Projects

Three design bloggers document their experiences creating low-cost, high-impact polished wood countertops using Ikea components and a bit of elbow grease.

Above: Erin of Stillwater Story shares a DIY tutorial on staining Ikea butcher block countertops; she used low-VOC Miniwax Dark Walnut 2716 Wood Stain. Go to Stillwater Story for step-by-step instructions.

Above: Vanessa of This and That used Beech Butcher Block from Ikea, prepped with Minwax Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner and finished with Minwax Special Walnut 224. Go to This and That for full instructions (Vanessa says, “Warning: This is a really long post that is not that interesting unless you want to know how we stained our butcher block countertops and installed an undermount sink”).

Above: Catherine of In the Fields, a blog documenting one family’s adventures in remodeling, spent $240 on countertop materials in her kitchen, including an $80 slab of Ikea butcher block finished with a Safecoat food-safe stain in cedar; for more info, go to In the Fields.

Interested in more low-cost remodeling projects? See A DIY Kitchen Overhaul for Under $500 and 15 Secrets for Saving Money on a Remodel. Trying to decide if wood is the best surface choice for your kitchen? Go to Remodeling 101: Butcher Block Countertops.