Reuse A Thrifted Knife Block For Charming Floral Kitchen Decor

Many kitchen gadgets usually aren't worth the space they take up inside your drawers or on top of your countertops. The results you'd get from an avocado slicer, for example, can easily be replicated by a chef's knife. But if there is one item that definitely deserves pride of place among your kitchen tools, it's a knife block. Not only does it keep your knives organized and protected, but it also can be repurposed into stunning kitchen countertop decor. With a few dried flowers, the kitchen tool becomes a unique, rustic vase.

If you happen to come across a knife block on a thrifting excursion, you may want to think twice before passing it up — even if it's past its prime. It turns out that the little slits in the wood are actually perfect for holding dried floral stems. In addition, because knife blocks tend to be quite hefty in weight, they can also serve as a handy bookend to keep all of your cookbooks in place. Combine these two uses together, and you can turn a plain old knife block into a gorgeous dried floral bookend. It's a simple, budget-friendly DIY that serves as a statement decor piece for your kitchen. Plus, there are a variety of ways you can customize it for an extra stylish look.

What makes a knife block an ideal rustic vase is that the slots are usually tiered, which allows you to stagger the heights of the flowers. This creates a beautifully layered look that is pleasing to the eye. Start by trimming the stems of your dried florals to match the depths of your knife block slots. Then, carefully slide the stems into each opening. Use only one or two stems per slot for a minimal look or stuff several stems in for a fuller, more bountiful design.

Dainty dried florals with slim stems, like baby's breath, star flowers, and lavender, work best for this DIY. You can also use dried leaves or herbs. Once you're happy with the arrangement, be sure to spray your flowers with an aerosol hairspray to preserve their color and keep them from crumbling. Also, avoid placing your bouquet too close to the stove or any other heat source.

Want to elevate the look of the knife block? Try painting it in a vibrant hue for a fun pop of color. Alternatively, to add a touch of modern farmhouse or nail the cottage-chic decor trend, you could paint the block with chalk paint and distress the edges with sandpaper. You can also add a pattern to the sides by using a stencil or gluing on appliques. If you prefer to preserve the wood look, try sanding off the original finish and restaining it with a new color.