Cutting Board Art and Built in Help Needed!

This piece of wood came off of a table that had a cutting board installed underneath. I'm not sure it was ever used as a cutting board though because it is in really good condition. I used this bench that I did last year as inspiration. Please be totally honest here....I'm not sure what I think of it. You won't hurt my feelings!

So this "art" was just an excuse so I could post my dilemma. We have this closet in our kitchen that I all but gutted yesterday (read: took all of the crap out of it and found new spots for things) and then my mind started spinning with ideas

 I want to do a DIY built in desk/command center. Here's where I need your help...I need inspiration pictures, instructions...whatever you can send my way. What type of surface do I use? Wood? What kind? Brackets or legs? I have about 42" in length and 13" depth to work with. I can paint a piece of furniture, but cannot create something like this on my own. I know my father-in-law will help execute it once I have a plan. Because I cannot live much longer with this as my kitchen island (shield your eyes from the oak cabinets...thy will be dealt with some day):

Any and all thoughts are appreciated!!

~Allison