My only concern would be how high the marble is with the ergonomics of rolling or kneading dough. It's likely too heavy to move to and fro when you want to use it, yes?

The dark bottom really doesn't bother me with the oak top on your island.

It is fairly heavy, so I won't be moving it very often. I did use it earlier this week when I made sourdough bread just to try it out. I didn't have any problems regarding the height of the marble.

Would you ever remove the wood from the marble, router a circle in your island then set it in--permanently so the top of the marble is even with the top of wood of the island so it is an inset?

I like it as is and would only clean up the base on the marble. You might want to put the self adhesive rubber picture frame bumpers on it so it's not sitting directly on your counter.

Arcy, I did consider making the marble inset. Unfortunately, that would involve my DH, who is a carpenter/house builder/jack of all trades. Our house is always last on his list of things to do. In fact, he didn't even make the island top - he had a friend of his make it.

Dlm2000, thank you for the suggestion. I'll pick up some of them tomorrow. I definitely don't want the island top to get scratched.

I agree that all it needs is cleaning.

Is the space between your two chests open?
What if you devised a base for the table top that you could put on locking casters, and then keep rolled up underneath until you need it? That would also put it at a better height for rolling out dough.

The obvious disadvantage is that you'd get flour and other bits on the floor, no doubt...but if you're like me, you do that anyway!

Hmmm...I hadn't thought of a table top on casters. There is open space between the chests, so I could fit a table in there. This is a good idea bronwynsmom!

Paint the dark wood white to match the rest of your kitchen (prime it first), glue a circle of felt to the bottom to protect the countertop, and you're golden! Great re-purposing idea.

I would leave it as is....it would look really nice on your island, right in the center with the flower vase on top. That is assuming you don't mind removing the runner.

I don't think it looks bad black but I'd sand off the paint, see what that looks like, then maybe refinish it in a lighter color. Light seems to fit your kitchen more and the base wouldn't stand out so much on the island. Marble is delicate looking. I think a more subtle base would be good.