I would leave it be. Seems to go with the wood floor.

I second leaving it as is. If you’re set on altering it, consider a stain over paint.

This is not my house. My floor:

My counter -

We had that piece ....IKEA had it . (Ended up giving it my brother). Stained the legs and bottom shelf and the top gets butcher block oil on regular basis. We used pre conditioner and a pine stain to just keep it simple as the shelf gets things placed and there isn't much on this piece to showcase.

@sammy I have an accent wall in the other room and I love the colour. I was thinking of using that colour, but I am wondering if the butcher block needs different treatment.

If you’re using the top for food prep (specifically chopping), I’ve heard great things about using hemp oil. If you’d rather a more finished appearance, while still retaining the wood look, a clear, food-safe sealer (like Waterlox) is the way to go.

@sammy I don’t know anything g about food safe poly. What is it? Could I paint the lower and leave the surface for food prep? I would also be fine using a cutting board

I updated my comment with a link to the product. :)

And here are just a few of the many colorful islands (and maybe some cabinets) I’ve saved over the years for some inspiration:

Sammy, I like these.

I think I could do either look with my new one.

I like the natural look, but if you want color, go with what your accent color in the kitchen/living/dining already is or you're planning on.

I painted all but the top of my island cart with black semigloss enamel. I wanted it to disappear. I used multiple coTs of mineral oil on the top and do it a couple of times a year since.

If it is the Ikea one their butcher block oil is awesome so I would leave it and just oil it and add some colorful baskets underneath

@Patricia Colwell Consulting I should buy their oil? What about painting underneath and legs and leaving the top?

@kel_kat5 You seemed to light up, so to speak, at the thought of a fun colored cart. Do you prefer the look of painted carts/islands with natural tops or do you prefer the look of unpainted? I know which I prefer, but what’ll make you smile when you walk into the kitchen? Yours is the only opinion that counts here.

Edited to say that after rereading your original post, it’s clear that you wanted to paint it and were just looking for paint suggestions, not whether or not you should paint it. Btw, are you putting casters on the bottom? I’d put ‘em on everything if I could. :)

Personally I would not paint it. The contrast for the kitchen is a good thing. If you decide you must alter it then STAIN IT in a contrasting color or there will be no end to paint chipping and scratches. You can purchase stain in any color

I wouldnt paint it either. I like the way it looks now. However, I can see painting it a fun color if that is what you would like. Either way will look great. Please do not do anything to the top, except oil it with the proper oil. The top will be great for food prep. A painted surface would look terrible in a short period of time.

I wouldn't paint the countertop portion even if you paint the rest.