This Couple Saved $8K by Hacking an IKEA Pax System Into Their Dream Walk-In Closet

Megan Righelato from Essex transformed her bedroom and added a walk-in wardrobe using IKEA Pax units, saving approximately £800 in labor costs by completing the renovation herself. Having moved into her home in October 2020, Megan aimed to create a soothing sleep space and a functional walk-in wardrobe. The original bedroom featured beige walls and carpet, curtain-free windows, and numerous scuff marks, necessitating a complete overhaul. A small mirrored wardrobe in the room also failed to meet her storage needs. Working within a budget, Megan and her boyfriend dedicated their weekends to the project, completing it over roughly six weekends. This hands-on approach allowed them to keep the total cost for the bedroom renovation and walk-in wardrobe build to about £1,000, significantly less than if they had hired professional help. The average daily rate for a laborer, estimated at £200, would have added substantial costs to the project. The transformed bedroom now boasts a glamorous hotel-like ambiance. The drab walls and decor have been replaced with a stylish design featuring a smart bed, elegant wall paneling, and sophisticated lighting fixtures. Megan chose a neutral color palette to promote a calming atmosphere, incorporating black accents such as sockets and a statement chandelier to introduce modern touches. For the walk-in wardrobe, Megan drew inspiration from YouTube tutorials. The space, though appearing luxurious and expensive, was created using IKEA Pax units, costing around £600. To customize the units and integrate them seamlessly with the bedroom's traditional style, Megan added beading to the drawers, mimicking the wall paneling. The units were then painted in Crown’s Satin White and fitted with cup-shaped handles, giving them a more bespoke and high-end appearance. Despite initial challenges in understanding the wardrobe construction, Megan persevered, emphasizing the importance of not fearing mistakes and recognizing that renovations often look worse before they improve. The final walk-in wardrobe now provides ample storage for clothes and shoes, features a small dressing table area, and is completed with vinyl herringbone-effect flooring. Megan's successful DIY project showcases how careful planning and creative execution can result in a significant cost-saving and a beautifully transformed living space. More details of her home can be found on her Instagram account, @megsathome. #BedroomMakeover #IKEAPax #WalkInWardrobe #DIYHomeDecor #BudgetRenovation #HomeImprovement #StorageSolutions #GlamorousBedroom #InteriorDesign

The article details how Chris and Julia Marcum, known for their blog Chris Loves Julia, transformed a void adjacent to their main bedroom into a walk-in wardrobe using IKEA Pax systems. The couple had initially planned to use the space, created by the dining room's two-story ceiling, as a TV or playroom for their daughters. However, a follower's suggestion on Instagram led them to consider a closet, a concept Julia initially dismissed due to the area's size. After receiving a custom build quote of $30,000, they decided to pursue a more budget-friendly approach, leveraging their prior positive experiences with IKEA wardrobes. Their goal was to create a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing closet on a $3,000 budget. The Marcums prioritized a routine-inspired layout. Julia designed her side with ample hanging space and a "denim bar" to easily access her jeans, which she typically chooses first when getting dressed. Chris opted for mostly closed storage, primarily for his extensive T-shirt collection, with a shared sock drawer. A floor-to-ceiling section was designated for luggage, extra hangers, and a laundry hamper, ensuring all items had a dedicated place. To achieve a custom, built-in look, the couple integrated several clever hacks. They constructed bases for the IKEA cabinet boxes, elevating them to match the height of their existing baseboards. MDF crown molding was added to the top of the units, effectively concealing the freestanding nature of the IKEA pieces. For a cohesive and high-end finish, all components were painted in Farrow & Ball’s Lamp Room Gray, matching the trim in their bedroom. This detail contributed significantly to the bespoke appearance. Further enhancing the custom feel, thin pieces of wood were applied to the fronts of the cabinets, covering seams and aligning the boxes with the top and bottom moldings. This not only improved the visual continuity but also added stability to the shelves. For the drawers, they replaced the standard IKEA fronts with new ones crafted from simple pinewood and adorned them with brass knobs from Rejuvenation, adding a touch of sophistication. A common issue with IKEA cabinets—visible pre-drilled holes for shelf adjustments—was addressed using wood filler. The filler was allowed to dry overnight and then sanded smooth, creating a seamless interior finish. The most luxurious element of the renovation was the backlit shoe shelving, featuring a 360-degree rotating swivel mirror on a brass pole. This addition served both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing clear visibility and an elegant display for shoes while also making the space feel brighter and more like a vanity area, especially given the room's window placement. #IKEAHacks #PaxWardrobes #CustomCloset #DIYRenovation #HomeOrganization #BudgetDesign #InteriorDesign #StorageSolutions

Laura and Rian, a couple from the Midlands, successfully reconfigured the ground floor of their home to create a dream open-plan living space, saving over £30,000 in building fees by opting for a room swap instead of an extension. They transformed their overly large living room into an open-plan kitchen and dining area, and subsequently converted the old kitchen into a cozy snug. This innovative approach allowed them to achieve their desired home layout, which better suited their growing family with two young children, without incurring the substantial costs associated with a traditional extension. Upon moving into their home, the existing kitchen was small and separate, posing challenges for Laura, a homes journalist, who needed to supervise her toddler while cooking. Initial quotes for a kitchen extension were around £30,000, a sum that was prohibitive when combined with the cost of a new kitchen, flooring, and finishing touches. Laura, drawing on her expertise, decided to explore alternative layouts by printing floorplans and sketching new configurations. She realized that their existing living room was excessively large, with furniture only occupying a third of the space, making it an ideal candidate for conversion into a spacious kitchen and dining area. The adjacent old dining room was then designated to become an open-plan sitting area, and the original kitchen was reimagined as a snug living room. The couple undertook a significant portion of the renovation work themselves. They stripped out the rooms, removing old wallpaper, carpet, and a fireplace. Rian, on furlough from his job as a pilot, taught himself plumbing through YouTube tutorials to reposition radiators and manage the kitchen's plumbing. While they largely agreed on design choices, a minor disagreement arose over keeping a 1960s archway, which Rian initially wanted to remove but later grew to appreciate. A family friend who was a builder assisted with structural changes, including adjusting window openings, adding a side door, and relocating the room's entrance to offer a view of the garden upon entry. Professional help was enlisted for kitchen fitting and flooring installation, acknowledging the limits of their DIY capabilities. For the kitchen design, they utilized a free Zoom consultation with Magnet, opting for a modern take on a traditional style with blue and grey Shaker units and white quartz worktops. The layout featured a U-shaped kitchen with an island that served as a breakfast bar, equipped with an AEG double oven, induction hob, and integrated fridge, freezer, and dishwasher. Finishing touches included herringbone luxury vinyl flooring from Karndean and marble hexagon tiles from Topps Tiles for the splashback. The dining area was furnished with velvet sofas from Swyft and a black glass storage cabinet from JYSK. Approximately a year after completing the kitchen, they tackled the transformation of the old kitchen into a small living room or snug. Again, they performed most of the work themselves, aside from plastering and floor fitting. This snug, completed in March, became a perfect retreat for watching TV after the children were asleep. It featured a corner sofa from Next, accessorized with cushions from Dunelm, and walls painted in 'Good Intentions' from COAT Paints. A natural rattan lampshade from MADE.COM added to the ambiance. Travel photographs from before they had children adorned the walls, adding personal touches and complementing a bottle green velvet snuggle chair from Next that offered garden views. A bespoke, built-in media unit, painted by Laura in a color matched to 'Green Smoke' by Farrow & Ball, provided storage and concealed the TV, serving as a display for books, plants, and decorative items. The entire renovation project demonstrates how strategic room swapping and dedicated DIY efforts can result in a personalized, functional, and cost-effective home transformation. #HomeRenovation #OpenPlanLiving #KitchenDesign #DIYHomeImprovement #CostSaving #RoomSwap #FamilyHome #InteriorDesign

This article details an innovative IKEA closet hack by Laura Crombie, who transformed standard IKEA Pax units into a custom-looking built-in wardrobe, saving approximately £1,200 compared to a professional carpenter's quote. The project aimed to achieve the highly sought-after built-in wardrobe aesthetic, typically a costly addition to a bedroom due to intricate labor. Laura's DIY approach provided a cost-effective solution, costing just £409 for materials. The process began with purchasing three 50x58x236cm IKEA Pax wardrobes and assembling them according to the provided instructions. These units were then securely attached to each other and to the wall. A crucial step involved leaving a 10cm gap between the final unit and the wall, which was later filled with a custom panel to create a seamless, integrated look. This attention to detail is key to mimicking the appearance of a truly built-in fixture. Following the basic assembly, Laura utilized two 62x240cm IKEA Forbattra kitchen end panels. One panel was used for the left-hand side of the wardrobe assembly, while the other was strategically cut to form both the top and right-hand side panels. A significant technique employed was scribing, where an offcut of wood and a pencil were used to trace the precise contours of the uneven walls and ceiling onto the panels. This ensured a flush fit, eliminating unsightly gaps that would otherwise betray the DIY nature of the project. The article emphasizes the importance of this step, suggesting that viewers consult YouTube tutorials for guidance on this potentially challenging task. After marking, a jigsaw was used to cut along the scribed lines, followed by light sanding to ensure smooth edges and a perfect fit. To attach the slim top panel and the right-hand side panel, Laura first secured a baton of wood to provide a stable anchoring point. The panels were then affixed using a strong adhesive, specifically a product referred to as "Sticks Like S**t," which she describes as highly effective. Further refining the built-in appearance, caulk was applied along all joints where the panels met the walls and ceiling. This was then smoothed with a damp finger, and any excess was wiped away, creating clean lines. The final steps involved attaching IKEA Bergsbo doors and gold handles, sourced from Amazon, to the wardrobe units, completing the elegant and classic aesthetic. Internal shelving and rails were then installed to customize the storage space. The article concludes by praising the finished product for its sophisticated look, making it indistinguishable from a professionally installed built-in wardrobe, and highlights the significant cost savings achieved through this clever IKEA hack. #IKEAHack #DIYCloset #BuiltInWardrobe #HomeImprovement #StorageSolutions #IKEAPax #InteriorDesign #BudgetRenovation

This article details the home renovation project undertaken by Victoria and Marcus Ford, focusing on the transformation of their bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room. The couple's approach to home decor is described as "intentional," selecting items that reflect their personalities and bring soul to their living spaces. The bedroom makeover centered on creating a tranquil retreat using a light blue paint color for the walls, complemented by darker blue tones in a patchwork quilt and a Kazak-style rug. Personal touches such as souvenir pennants, vintage tennis rackets, and an old state fair sign were integrated to add meaning. A gallery wall above the bed features reproduced "Black ABCs" flash cards, reflecting Victoria's appreciation for African American culture. For functionality, a multipurpose desk replaced traditional nightstands, accommodating work-from-home needs and paired with a repurposed barrel chair. The bedroom also incorporated a pillow-top mattress from the Country Living Welcome Home collection to enhance comfort. Nautical elements, including a flag with Captain James Lawrence's famous order and wooden African American sea captains, were introduced on a dresser, which was painted in Sherwin-Williams' Courtyard, to align with Marcus's interests. The bathroom underwent a significant reconfiguration, moving from an off-center vanity layout to a symmetrical design featuring two wooden vanities. This transformation incorporated a mix of ribbed hardware, brass sconces, chrome faucets, and brass-framed mirrors to create a layered, evolved aesthetic. A large-scale, four-inch hexagon tile flower motif on the floor provided a fresh yet nostalgic feel. A key design element was the sixty-inch-tall blue beadboard wainscoting, adding both height and texture to the space. The shower area was also expanded by removing a glass door, and its walls and ceiling were covered with handmade dusty blue subway tiles, designed to seamlessly integrate with the bathroom's blue theme. For the laundry room, an unused bedroom and an extra hall closet were combined to create a dedicated and spacious area. The new layout features a space-saving laundry tower, built-in cabinets with folding space, and a small work sink. The couple chose a navy and white striped shirt motif wallpaper, which Victoria found appealing and appropriate for the room's function. A large checkerboard tile floor, laid diagonally, was selected to visually expand the space and complement the wallpaper and navy high-gloss paint on the millwork. A vintage sink, reminiscent of Victoria's childhood, was installed, accompanied by a print from artist Elizabeth Mayville. The article highlights the detailed choices and personal touches that defined each room's renovation, resulting in spaces that are both functional and deeply personal to the homeowners. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #DIYProjects #BedroomMakeover #BathroomRemodel #LaundryRoom #DecoratingIdeas #CountryLiving #HouseTour

The article details a creative IKEA hack by homeowners Frances and Benjamin to construct a built-in closet that seamlessly integrates into their 1899 Victorian home, addressing the common challenge of blending modern flat-pack furniture with period property aesthetics. Faced with the high cost of bespoke carpentry, the couple opted for a DIY approach using IKEA PAX wardrobes and EKET cabinets to create a sophisticated, turn-of-the-century-style storage solution in their bedroom. Their renovation journey, documented on Instagram as @itsnotsogrimupnorth, began by tackling an awkward structural element, likely a chimney flue, within their master bedroom. Instead of expensive custom units, they planned an IKEA-based system to achieve the desired symmetry and conceal the architectural anomaly. The process involved careful planning with IKEA's PAX planner builder tool. To bridge the gap between two PAX units in their alcoves, they incorporated two EKET cabinets with double doors. With assistance from Ben's father, who possessed more DIY expertise, they meticulously cut one of the PAX units to conform to the alcove's shape and slimmed down the EKET units to align perfectly with the PAX frames. After ensuring all individual systems were flush, a timber frame was constructed to elevate the units off the floor, giving the appearance of a built-in structure. MDF boards were used to fill the gaps between sections, and the entire assembly was plaster-boarded and lightly skimmed from the ceiling down, integrating it into the room's architecture. This step also served to cover existing artex on the lowered ceiling. Further enhancing the traditional aesthetic, an MDF window board with a bullnose edge was installed as a DIY shelf atop the EKETs. The most transformative step involved adding pine wood molding to all the cabinet doors, effectively creating a classic paneled look reminiscent of Victorian design. Following the structural and decorative additions, the units were prepared for painting. The couple chose to 'color drench' their bedroom using Lick’s Pink 03, aiming for an elegant yet modern ambiance inspired by Parisian boutique hotels. After applying a coat of Zinsser B-I-N primer, the chosen pink shade was applied. The painting phase proved to be the most time-consuming, requiring light sanding between coats and a meticulous technique of painting molding with a brush before using a small roller on the doors to achieve a smooth finish. Finally, the wall closet received a coat of clear furniture varnish and was accessorized with modern brass hardware from Plank, featuring STACK ribbed T-bar handles and LOVELL circular knobs, lending a transitional style. To complete the authentic period look, coving was added around the top edge of the built-in unit and extended across the entire ceiling, ensuring the new installation appeared as an original feature of the property. The homeowners expressed immense satisfaction with the final result, highlighting how the hack allowed them to achieve their desired blend of traditional and contemporary design without the expense of custom carpentry. The bedroom has garnered significant admiration on Instagram, earning the moniker 'the pink room of dreams.' #IKEAHack #BuiltInCloset #DIYHomeImprovement #VictorianHome #PeriodProperty #HomeRenovation #ColorDrenching #InteriorDesign #StorageSolution

A couple in Aliso Viejo, California, successfully renovated their primary bathroom without an extensive budget, demonstrating that smart design choices can lead to significant savings. The homeowners, who had previously undertaken DIY updates in other parts of their home, enlisted Julie K. Beuerlein of JKB Home Design to oversee the bathroom makeover. The primary suite's bathroom, built in the 2000s, was described as bland, boring, and beige, but crucially, it possessed a functional layout. This existing good layout was a major advantage, as it meant extensive construction or demolition, which would have been costly, was not required. The project focused instead on cosmetic changes, termed a "lipstick remodel" by the designer. The design objectives were to transform the outdated bathroom into a sophisticated yet comfortable space. Since the budget did not permit significant structural alterations, the team maximized the existing layout and retained elements that were still usable. The bathroom featured separate vanities, a walk-in shower, a whirlpool tub, and a separate water closet, a configuration that already met the homeowners' needs structurally. The renovation's primary focus was to address the dated materials, vanilla color palette, and an outmoded tub. Julie and her team implemented several cost-effective strategies, including painting the existing vanities a dark charcoal, adding custom wood frames to the large, unframed mirrors, and replacing the countertops with a subtly veined quartz. Hardware and fixtures were updated to brass, chosen for its moody and rich contrast against the dark paint and tile, and its timeless appeal, avoiding trendy finishes like black that might quickly become dated. Brass hardware was installed on cabinet drawers and doors, complementing the new quartz. To ensure a cohesive aesthetic between the primary bathroom and the connected primary bedroom, wood-look porcelain tile from Bedrosians was installed throughout both areas, as there was no door separating the spaces. One of the most significant transformations involved the tub and shower area. The original setup included a dated drop-in whirlpool tub and a cramped, doorless shower, complicated by two large, off-centered windows. The solution involved installing a new bathtub, centering it perfectly with the picture window. The same quartz used for the countertops was extended to create the tub surround and a bench within the new shower, designed with a generous ledge for practical use. Glossy black wall and ceiling tiles were introduced as a dramatic contrast to the white quartz, and a woven light fixture above the tub added softness and texture. The homeowner's previous complaints about the shower, such as its perceived small size, lack of a comfortable leg-shaving spot, and coldness due to the absence of a door, were addressed in the redesign. The homeowners were particularly impressed by how key decisions, such as strategic lighting, painting existing fixtures, and leveraging the existing layout, created a dramatically new look without the need for a complete overhaul or moving out during construction. Julie emphasized that a successful "lipstick remodel" hinges on considering the overall layout, and the condition of existing vanities, plumbing, and lighting fixtures. If the layout is functional, painting, adding hardware, and replacing fixtures, countertops, or flooring can yield a substantial impact. She also advised against chasing fleeting trends, recommending classic materials and colors, and creating a layered look by mixing materials and tones that harmonize with the home's architecture rather than appearing as if everything came from a single store or design style, ensuring a timeless and natural feel. #BathroomMakeover #BudgetFriendlyRenovation #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #DIYProjects #HomeTours #DecoratingAndDesign #BathroomRemodel #CostSavingTips

The IKEA PAX wardrobe system, despite its large size, is a popular choice for home customization due to its sturdy build, practical dimensions, and extensive range of organisational accessories. Pinterest reported a 60% increase in searches for 'IKEA PAX wardrobe' in the past year, highlighting a growing interest in transforming these flatpack units into bespoke pieces. Interior stylists Sienna Brooks and Sam Sutherland from Flitch emphasize the PAX system's flexibility as a framework for creativity, accommodating both maximalist and minimalist design preferences. This article details seven effective IKEA PAX hacks that elevate the standard flatpack wardrobe into a statement piece. One popular hack involves creating a built-in look, which, while not a simple DIY, offers a luxurious finish at a fraction of the cost of custom-fitted wardrobes. This involves raising the wardrobes, adding skirting boards, and using MDF to fill gaps, as demonstrated by content creator Joanna Fletcher. Another straightforward method is painting the wardrobes. This can be done to match existing wall colors for a cohesive feel, particularly in smaller bedrooms, or to create a striking contrast. For renters or those seeking a no-drill option, removable vinyl wraps offer a versatile alternative. A panelled finish is another effective hack, with experts recommending fluted MDF panels in heritage colours like olive or deep charcoal blue. This technique aligns with 2025 interior trends for ribbed and reeded wall panelling. Replacing the standard, often uninspiring IKEA handles with more decorative options is an easy way to add a custom touch and a boutique-hotel aesthetic. For those with access to tools like a jigsaw, adding cane panels involves cutting out sections of the wardrobe doors and replacing them with rattan or cane webbing, introducing texture and reflecting light in smaller rooms. Alternatively, incorporating colour and pattern through wallpaper is a way to elevate panels without cutting, and also provides an opportunity to use leftover wallpaper. Finally, integrating motion-sensor lighting inside the wardrobes is a practical and luxurious addition, making the space feel more sophisticated and functional, especially in low-light conditions. These hacks demonstrate how the IKEA PAX system can be creatively transformed into highly personalized and stylish storage solutions. #IKEAHacks #PAXWardrobe #DIYHomeDecor #CustomFurniture #BedroomStorage #InteriorDesign #FlatpackTransformation #HomeImprovement #WardrobeMakeover

Lindsey and Ruth, a couple from Teesside with two young children, Aria and Ivy, faced significant challenges with their home's layout before renovation. The existing structure featured a cramped living room, kitchen, and dining room, offering limited living space and minimal storage. A major inconvenience was the tiny hallway at the entrance, which opened directly onto the stairs, making it difficult to maneuver a baby stroller and causing a bottleneck for entering and exiting the house. Furthermore, the cloakroom's location near the kitchen meant traversing the entire house to store coats and shoes, highlighting a general lack of practicality in their living arrangement. Despite having a beautiful garden, the house's internal design failed to optimize its potential or cater to the needs of a growing family. The couple allocated £52,000 for the renovation, surpassing their initial budget of £40,000, after securing design proposals from architects Laura Jane Clark and Robert Jamison on the BBC2 show 'Your Home Made Perfect.' They were particularly drawn to Laura Jane Clark's design, which promised to transform their disjointed dwelling into a cohesive, open-plan space. The core of Clark's innovative approach involved relocating the staircase to the left, which dramatically opened up the entrance. This created a spacious, light-filled hallway that not only solved the immediate problem of navigating with a pram but also established a clear connection between the front entrance and the rear of the house and garden. This alteration also provided ample storage solutions, addressing a critical need for the family. The renovation also entailed breaking down walls to merge the previously segmented kitchen, living room, and dining room into a single, expansive open-plan area. This change was crucial for Lindsey and Ruth, who desired an interconnected space where they could easily keep an eye on their children while engaging in other household activities. The new design incorporated bi-fold windows, allowing abundant natural light to flood the interior and offering continuous views of the garden. Although Clark initially envisioned the open space primarily for dining and an open kitchen, the couple adapted it to include a central dining table and a comfortable sitting area, effectively extending the living space by 1.7 meters into the garden. Another significant transformation involved the garage, which had previously served as an overflow pantry due to the kitchen's lack of storage. Despite Lindsey's initial reluctance to convert it for fear of devaluing the property, the garage was ultimately repurposed into a functional utility room, equipped with a washing machine and dryer. The comprehensive redesign included the integration of sleek, modern cupboards throughout the kitchen and in the new entrance hallway, ensuring that storage was no longer an issue. The outcome was a home that not only met the practical demands of the family but also garnered widespread praise from viewers for its stunning transformation and thoughtful design elements. #HomeRenovation #OpenPlanLiving #StaircaseRelocation #HomeDesign #InteriorTransformation #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalDesign #SpaceOptimization #StorageSolutions

This article details the transformation of a shared bedroom for two young sisters, Olivia (5) and Amelia (6), in a Montreal home, designed by their mother, interior designer Johanna Leung. The project, executed over four months, aimed to create a maximalist, modern English cottage aesthetic while maximizing space and functionality in a mid-century house with existing 1970s interiors. Leung's approach involved several hands-on updates, including two prominent IKEA hacks and custom decorative elements. A key feature of the room is the creation of a bed nook for Amelia within a formerly underutilized closet. Recognizing the closet's depth, Leung removed the surrounding drywall and constructed a built-in bed frame using 2-by-4s. This design incorporated pull-out IKEA toy boxes, which were then upholstered in fabric, to enhance storage. Above the bed, the original accordion-door recess was repurposed for additional toy storage, and shelves were added at the end of the bed for books, effectively transforming a quirky structural element into a functional and charming sleeping area. To compensate for the loss of hanging space from the closet conversion, Leung implemented another IKEA hack. She built a platform along an opposite wall and secured two IKEA Pax wardrobes to it. These wardrobes were then customized with decorative molding and DIY doors featuring fabric-adorned cutouts, giving them a bespoke appearance. Further enhancing the unique cottagecore theme, she crafted curtain panels from Zara Home bedsheets that possess a glow-in-the-dark feature. The layout of the 10-by-14-foot room was designed to provide individual personal space for each sister despite sharing. By positioning the beds in opposite corners, Leung created a central, clutter-free play area, facilitated by the built-in wardrobes. The room also features an eclectic mix of patterns, including large and small-scale designs. Notably, a bedsheet was used as wallpaper inside Amelia's bed nook, applied with liquid starch. The other walls showcase real floral wallpaper by Sandberg, unexpectedly paired with a strip of azulejo tiles, which Olivia, one of the daughters, chose. Additionally, the article highlights how Leung addressed builder-grade windows to align with the room's traditional aesthetic. She installed hinged shutters on the lower halves of the windows for light control and created cornices from plywood, 2-by-4s, and batting. These cornices were then covered with peacock-print upholstery fabric. Decorative details, such as hand-painted trim inspired by the Bloomsbury Group on Olivia's antique Facebook Marketplace bed and the wall's tile trim, contribute to the room's layered charm. A black-and-white striped awning with scalloped edges hanging over Amelia's closet bed, inspired by the movie _Ratatouille_, adds a whimsical, French-inspired touch, much to the children's delight. #IKEAHack #KidsBedroom #CottagecoreDesign #SharedBedroom #DIYHomeDecor #SmallSpaceSolutions #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #PatternMixing

Mallory Fletchall, known for her Instagram account @reserve_home, transformed IKEA Pax wardrobes in her two-bedroom Brooklyn apartment to appear as custom-built fixtures. Faced with a lack of closet space, Fletchall and her husband, David, utilized affordable IKEA Pax units and added a personal touch by cladding them in trim and picture frame molding. This DIY project aimed to make the wardrobes blend seamlessly with the existing architecture, giving them the appearance of being original to the home. The couple previously applied this hack to a Pax closet in their primary bedroom and subsequently updated a wardrobe in their spare bedroom, which functions as a movie lounge. The design for the second wardrobe was directly inspired by the original molding details found in their kitchen. The entire project, including the storage unit, cost approximately $400, with the DIY materials themselves amounting to about $150. Fletchall outlined a step-by-step process for replicating this hack. The necessary supplies included an IKEA Pax wardrobe (the 93-inch-tall version), 3/8” x 1 1/4” x 8′ general-purpose solid wood molding for the edges, and 5/16” x 11/16” x 8′ general-purpose solid wood molding for the interior shapes. Other essential items were 1 gallon of Valspar Interior-Exterior Bonding Primer, 1 gallon of desired paint color (they used Setting Plaster by Farrow & Ball), miter shears, 1” x 3 1/2” x 8′ wood trim pieces for the base and crown, and a 1 1/2” x 1 1/2” piece of wood for the crown molding's attachment point. Additional tools and materials included a paintbrush, nail gun, blue painter’s tape, caulk gun, drill, chop saw or hacksaw, and knobs of choice, along with optional items like a level, tape measure, and hammer. The first step involved assembling the IKEA wardrobe according to the manufacturer's instructions. Following assembly, blue painter’s tape was used to map out the desired molding design on the wardrobe doors, allowing for a visual preview of the placement. Fletchall and David replicated the exact dimensions of their kitchen's existing wall moldings, experimenting with both simpler and more ornate designs before finalizing their choice. The second step focused on creating and attaching the embellishments. Wood moldings were cut to size using miter shears, a tool that functions like heavy-duty scissors. These cut moldings were then secured to the doors with a nail gun. The outer edges received 3/8” x 1 1/4” moldings, maintaining a 2 1/4″ gap before the application of the interior 5/16” x 11/16” moldings. To achieve a built-in appearance, it was crucial to eliminate any gaps around the wardrobe. A 1 1/2” x 1 1/2” x 8′ wood plank was cut into three pieces (for the front and two sides) using a chop saw or hacksaw and drilled into the top of the wardrobe to serve as an anchor for the crown molding. Next, 1” x 3 1/2” x 8′ wood trim pieces were cut to cover the top front, sides, and bottom front and sides, and attached to the wood plank or the floor using a nail gun. All nail holes were then spackled and sanded, and any cracks around the floor, wall, and ceiling were filled with caulk. The final step involved priming and painting. Due to the challenging, sleek laminate finish of IKEA products, a strong primer was essential. Valspar’s Extreme Bond primer was applied in one coat. Once dry, two coats of Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster paint were applied with a brush. After the paint dried, the chosen knobs were drilled and screwed into place, completing the transformation with minimal power tools required. #IKEAHack #PaxWardrobe #DIYHomeDecor #MoldingTrim #HomeRenovation #BrooklynApartment #CustomCloset #AffordableDesign

The author recounts her experience after a cross-country move, transitioning from a cozy Brooklyn home to a larger house in the desert. Despite the increased square footage and seemingly ample closet space, the family still faced significant storage challenges, leading to accumulating piles of clothes and shoes that were often forgotten. This prompted the author to seek a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for organizing their belongings, specifically by customizing IKEA's modular Pax wardrobe system to achieve a more bespoke look and improved functionality. To transform the standard IKEA Pax wardrobe into a custom storage unit, the author outlines six key steps. The first step involves painting the wardrobe. Recognizing the difficulty of painting IKEA's slick surfaces, the author recommends using Zinsser’s shellac-based primer followed by a topcoat, specifically Benjamin Moore’s Advance line for furniture. She suggests painting the wardrobe the same color as the walls to help it blend seamlessly into the room, opting for Benjamin Moore’s Knoxville Gray, a dark blue-gray with green undertones, which she finds appealing and unlikely to tire of. The second customization involves adding trim to the wardrobe. The author highlights the significant impact that a few inches of molding can make, specifically adding dentil trim to the top of her wardrobes to give them a more finished, crown-like appearance. The third step focuses on mirroring the doors. By selecting the less expensive Bergsbo-style Pax doors, the saved cost can be allocated to having custom-cut mirrors fitted by a glass shop and securely attached with mirror glue. Fourth, the author suggests personalizing the hardware. Since many Pax wardrobes lack pre-installed door hardware, adding simple pulls can dramatically alter their appearance. She describes finding chunky pulls at a hardware store and spray-painting them gold to add a luxurious touch. The fifth step addresses an aesthetic concern within the wardrobe itself: the exposed holes for adjustable shelves. To mitigate this, the author recommends wallpapering the interior surfaces. She used an inexpensive grass cloth from Lowe’s and painted it the same Knoxville Gray as the wardrobe for a cohesive and seamless interior finish. Finally, the sixth step details the creation of a dedicated vanity area for jewelry storage. This was achieved by installing one of the IKEA shelves at counter height, positioned above a series of drawers designated for clothing. A mirror was adhered to the back of the wardrobe to complete the vanity setup. For necklace organization, 40 small brass hooks were attached to a scrap piece of wood and hung inside. The author concludes by expressing her satisfaction with the transformation, noting a significant improvement in organization and the enjoyment derived from the new vanity. The enhanced organization has also freed up time to address other tasks around the house. #IKEAHack #PaxWardrobe #DIYProject #HomeOrganization #CustomFurniture #InteriorDesign #WardrobeRenovation #VanityCreation

The article compares two prominent closet system brands, Elfa and IKEA, to help consumers decide which best suits their needs for a closet upgrade. Elfa systems, sold through The Container Store's Decor+ Elfa collection, are highlighted for their high quality, full customization, and durability. They offer a personalized storage setup with various styles, pre-designed spaces, and the option for free design consultations to tailor solutions specifically to individual spaces. Elfa products are crafted with high-quality finishes, soft-drawer slides, and eco-friendly materials, contributing to their higher cost. The modular design allows for easy adjustments as storage needs evolve, and the systems come with a 10-year repair or replacement warranty, making them a long-term investment. However, Elfa's price point can be a significant deterrent, with costs ranging from $228 for smaller components to over $5,300 for comprehensive designs. The strong metal materials, while durable, can create noise, and ventilated shelves may require liners to prevent small items from slipping through. IKEA closet systems, particularly the PAX and KOMPLEMENT lines, are presented as an affordable alternative, catering to those seeking budget-friendly storage solutions. Prices for IKEA systems are considerably lower, starting from $13 for accessories and reaching up to $2,145 for expansive walk-in configurations, with many substantial setups costing under $600. IKEA offers a variety of custom accessories, including sliding and hinged doors, to enhance storage with simple yet effective details. The brand provides an online planner for personalized design without the added expense of professional consultation, and popular designs like PAX and KOMPLEMENT include a 10-year warranty for certain components. Despite the affordability and design flexibility, IKEA systems come with their own set of drawbacks. The assembly process is often complex and time-consuming, a common characteristic of IKEA furniture. The materials, typically particleboard and veneer, may not offer the same level of quality and durability as higher-end systems like Elfa. While customization options are available, they are not as extensive as those offered by Elfa, potentially limiting the ability to fully tailor the system. Additionally, some users have noted that finer details, such as racks and rods, can feel less robust and perform poorly, which might make IKEA less appealing for those prioritizing a more durable and refined storage solution. Ultimately, the choice between Elfa and IKEA depends on individual priorities. Elfa is ideal for those who value premium quality, extensive customization, long-term durability, and are willing to invest a higher amount. IKEA, conversely, appeals to consumers who prioritize affordability, stylish design, and a reasonable degree of customization, even if it means compromising on material durability and assembly convenience. The article encourages potential buyers to weigh the pros and cons of each brand against their budget, storage requirements, and expectations for longevity and ease of use. #ElfaClosetSystems #IKEAPAX #HomeOrganization #ClosetStorage #CustomClosets #BudgetFriendly #HomeImprovement #DesignComparison

This article details an innovative IKEA PAX wardrobe hack that transforms a standard flatpack unit into a custom-built closet perfectly suited for an attic room with a pitched ceiling. Home renovator Emily Shaw of @the_scruff_house successfully tackled the challenge of maximizing space in an awkwardly shaped bedroom, a common issue in homes with eaves and sloping ceilings. She utilized two IKEA PAX frames, measuring 29 1/2 x 22 7/8 x 92 7/8 inches, along with internal components such as clothes rails, shelves, and drawers to create a functional storage solution. The customization process began by carefully cutting the internal frames of the PAX units at an angle to ensure a snug fit beneath the pitched ceiling. This required creating a cardboard template to achieve the precise angle for the built-in appearance. After confirming the correct sizing, the frames were securely anchored to the wall using furniture bolts, a crucial step for lightweight IKEA furniture, especially when additional weight is introduced. Shaw also integrated IKEA's NORRFLY lighting strips, which automatically illuminate when the wardrobe doors are opened, adding a sophisticated and practical touch to the interior. To achieve a seamless built-in look and conceal the gap behind the closet, MDF sheets were cut to size and attached to the outer sides of the wardrobe. Caulk was used to seam the MDF to the wall, further integrating the unit into the room's architecture. The doors for the closet were also constructed from MDF boards, to which custom molding was added. This detailing provided a traditional paneled aesthetic that complemented the period features of Shaw’s home. Hinges were then attached, and the doors were mounted to the PAX units, followed by caulking and sanding to prepare for painting. The final step involved painting the customized wardrobe in Farrow & Ball's 'Sulking Room Pink,' a rich, smoky, and muted rose shade. By matching the closet's color to the existing wall color, the wardrobe visually blends into the room, creating a cohesive and less overpowering presence despite its size. Elegant gold handles from Anthropologie were added as a finishing touch, enhancing the luxurious feel of the unit. The completed project transformed the attic bedroom into a chic boudoir with enhanced functionality and a high-end aesthetic. While pleased with the outcome, Shaw acknowledged that future iterations could incorporate pull-out shoe drawers to utilize the space behind the closet more fully, offering a valuable tip for others attempting a similar DIY project. #IKEAHack #PAXWardrobe #DIYHomeImprovement #PitchedCeilingSolutions #BuiltInCloset #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FarrowAndBall #SmallSpaceStorage

The author shares an experience living in a New York City apartment that, despite its ideal location and features like bright morning light and high ceilings, lacked a single closet. This presented a significant challenge for the three roommates, all of whom have a strong interest in fashion and a substantial collection of clothes and shoes. Recognizing the necessity for a storage solution, they decided to create a custom closet system. The initial touring of the Williamsburg, Brooklyn, apartment left them captivated by its aesthetic qualities. However, the absence of any closets became apparent only after they had already envisioned their lives there. A brief hope of finding a utility closet was dashed upon discovering it housed only the water heater. Faced with the dilemma of accommodating their extensive wardrobes, the roommates understood that a DIY solution was essential, particularly one that was budget-friendly, aligning with their status as twenty-somethings. Their solution involved transforming an unused hallway adjacent to the entry area into a functional "walk-in closet." After considering various options, including the more elaborate and expensive Pax wardrobes from IKEA, they opted for a simpler and more economical approach. They chose IKEA’s Mulig clothes bars, which cost $5.99 each. For the entire project, they purchased six bars, two for each roommate, bringing the total cost to a mere $36. The Mulig clothes bars proved to be an excellent choice due to their adjustable length, expanding from 23 inches to 35 inches. This feature allowed for a creative arrangement where the top racks were extended slightly longer than the bottom ones. This design effectively created space for longer garments like dresses and winter coats to hang freely to the floor without obstruction. To ensure the stability and security of the installed racks, toggle anchors were used, firmly affixing them to the wall. Each roommate was allocated a designated section within the newly created closet, while also maintaining the flexibility for shared use when needed. To further enhance the storage capacity, wood shelving was later installed above the clothes bars. This shelving system mirrored the one used for their bookshelves, providing additional space specifically for shoes. Daily wear items such as T-shirts, loungewear, and other foldable clothing were stored in individual dressers, allowing the hallway closet to be dedicated to blouses, dresses, and coats. This innovative and cost-effective custom closet not only resolved their storage problem but also added a unique and personalized element to their apartment, making it feel truly complete for their fashion-loving lifestyle. #IKEAHack #ClosetOrganization #SmallSpaceSolutions #DIYHomeDecor #BudgetFriendlyDesign #ApartmentLiving #MuligClothesBar #HallwayTransformation #ProductReview

The IKEA Billy bookcase, a versatile and popular storage unit, is frequently used for various items such as children's toys, barware, and books. However, its shallow shelves prove less effective for organizing shoes, a challenge encountered by Saritha Ashok in her Leiden, Netherlands, home. Ashok initially intended to use a new Billy unit in her tiny entryway to store her family's footwear, but quickly discovered that the shelves were not deep enough to accommodate shoes properly. This resulted in sneakers and loafers having to be propped vertically and boots turned sideways, which was far from ideal for an entryway often used for back garden access and requiring a clean, organized appearance. To address this storage dilemma, Ashok devised a clever and cost-effective hack, transforming the standard Billy bookcase into a functional and aesthetically pleasing shoe storage solution for approximately $45. Her primary goal was to create a system that kept shoes tidy and contained, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of her home, especially given the entryway's high traffic. The first step in her transformation involved building barriers on the shelves to prevent shoes from sliding around. She achieved this by adding skirting boards to the edges of the bottom three shelves, which were designated for shoe storage. After removing the shelves, she cut the trim pieces to size using a jigsaw and attached them perpendicularly to the shelves with wood glue. Once the adhesive dried, the modified shelves were reinserted into the bookcase, creating individual compartments that held shoes securely. The second step focused on enhancing the visual appeal of the bookcase, particularly since it was the first item visible upon entering the house from the back. Ashok added decorative arches to the tops of the glass panels of the bookcase doors. This was accomplished by cutting inverted arch shapes from a plank of MDF and gluing them onto the existing glass panels. Any remaining gaps were filled with wood filler, ensuring a smooth and integrated look. This detail elevated the standard bookcase, giving it a more customized and bespoke appearance that blended better with her home's interior design. Following the structural and decorative modifications, the entire facade of the bookcase, including the newly added arch detailing, underwent a color transformation. It received two coats of primer to ensure proper adhesion and an even finish. Subsequently, Ashok applied a dark navy chalk paint, custom-mixed at her local hardware store, to the entire exterior. This choice of color provided a sophisticated and deep hue, dramatically changing the bookcase's character and allowing it to serve as a stylish focal point rather than just a utilitarian object in the entryway. Finally, Ashok addressed another design preference: her regret about not purchasing a Billy bookcase with a wood-lined interior. To replicate this desired look, she applied a faux wood peel-and-stick wallpaper to the top half of the bookcase's interior after the painting and arch installation were complete. This subtle addition brought a natural texture and warmth to the inside of the unit, further enhancing its customized feel. To complete the mudroom-like setup, tightly woven baskets were placed within the bookcase to hold additional outerwear, and small decorative vessels were added to beautify the space. This comprehensive hack successfully converted a basic IKEA Billy bookcase into a highly functional and attractive shoe storage unit, demonstrating an ingenious solution to a common home organization challenge. #IKEAHack #BillyBookcase #ShoeStorage #DIYHomeDecor #MudroomSolution #HomeOrganization #EntrywayDesign #AffordableRenovation #CustomFurniture