Before & after: see how a savvy IKEA shelving hack totally transformed this living room

This blog post details a living room makeover in London, focusing on transforming a cluttered and overwhelming space into a serene and functional area. The homeowner, Francesca, sought to add personality, increase storage, and integrate the decor with her existing sofa. The initial state of the living room lacked adequate storage, featuring empty alcoves on either side of the fireplace, irregular-shaped walls, and minimal furniture. Francesca expressed a desire for a custom bookcase to fit these alcoves. To address these challenges, Francesca collaborated with Bespoke Carpentry London, who provided a design tailored to her specific requirements. The custom-designed bookcase was crafted to perfectly fit the alcoves, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The installation process was efficient, with carpenters completing the adjustment and assembly on-site within a week, resulting in a piece described as a "proper work of art." Post-makeover, the living room now features dramatic black cabinetry and shelving that frame the fireplace. This design effectively utilizes the previously empty alcove space, offering enclosed cupboards for discreet storage and open shelves for displaying decorative accessories. The black color scheme, while bold, contributes to a well-lit ambiance, partly due to a strategically placed overmantel mirror that reflects light throughout the room. A smaller television is now subtly integrated atop one of the cabinets, reducing its prominence as a focal point compared to its previous setup. On the opposing side of the room, the walls have been kept light, establishing a monochrome aesthetic that complements the existing grey sofa. This contrast between the dark, built-in units and the light walls creates a sense of spaciousness and character. Francesca noted that the bespoke piece has become the "protagonist" of her living room, significantly improving the room's overall personality and functionality. The transformation has imbued the space with an Art Deco feel, highlighting the impact of custom finishes. #LivingRoomMakeover #BuiltInShelving #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #CustomCarpentry #StorageSolutions #ArtDecoStyle #SpaceTransformation

The article details the author's experience redesigning their living room, focusing on a unique and cost-effective solution for a large, blank wall. Initially, the author and their husband aimed to create a joyful, inspiring, and cozy living space, reminiscent of a favorite bookstore, intentionally opting for a TV-less room. Despite selecting a color palette, major furniture pieces, and a vintage painting, a significant empty wall remained a challenge. The author, an interior designer by profession, often found it easier to devise solutions for others' spaces than for their own. The breakthrough came from a fellow interior designer, Cristina Cleveland, who suggested using IKEA’s ELVARLI shoe rack for floor-to-ceiling shelving. This solution was particularly appealing because it allows for easy restyling as personal tastes evolve, without the need for permanent alterations like drilling holes or painting. Cleveland noted that the idea originated from a graphic designer friend who needed a way to display a book collection. The author sought to achieve a sophisticated, lived-in aesthetic similar to a bookstore or museum gift shop, without incurring substantial costs for custom shelving. To implement this idea, the author utilized IKEA’s ELVARLI planner to customize a shelving configuration. The customization process, which involved selecting between angled or flat shelves and fine-tuning their placement, took less than 20 minutes. IKEA also offers pre-configured ELVARLI systems in standard sizes for those preferring less customization. The installation process was rated as moderately challenging, requiring the assistance of another person to align the side posts. The entire setup took approximately three hours to complete. A notable advantage of the ELVARLI system is its design, which eliminates the need for wall drilling; instead, the posts secure into the ceiling for stability. The system's versatility was another highlight, as it can function not only as a bookshelf but also as a room divider or wardrobe. A friend of the author even creatively used the ELVARLI to define a dining area within an open-concept living space. The author expressed immense satisfaction with the transformation, noting that the solution, costing under $500, effectively transformed a bland wall into an aesthetically pleasing and functional display area. The white ELVARLI system provided a neutral backdrop for books and decorative items, offering ample opportunities for creative styling. The floor-to-ceiling design also contributed to making the room feel more spacious, an unexpected benefit for a home with lower ceilings. #IKEAHack #LivingRoomDesign #InteriorDesign #DIYHomeDecor #ShelvingSolutions #HomeOrganization #BudgetDecor #ELVARLISystem #FloorToCeiling

The article details the transformation of a homeowner's laundry room, which also served as the main entry point from the garage. The original space was described as a narrow, claustrophobic hallway with sliding closet doors and a dated cabinet, making entry difficult for a family with three children. The homeowner, Natasha, had planned to renovate this area for four years, but the project was initiated during the COVID-19 lockdown as a positive focus. The renovation spanned two months and aimed to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the space. The first phase of the renovation involved updating the existing cabinetry. The wooden cabinets were repainted in Benjamin Moore’s 'Blue Nose,' a bright sky blue, and fitted with new matte black hardware. The old countertop was replaced with a wooden countertop from IKEA. An additional IKEA wooden countertop was installed over the front-load washer and dryer, providing more surface area for folding laundry and increasing storage potential. A new, high-arch faucet was also installed to improve usability. A significant alteration was made to the opposite side of the room, where the original sliding closet doors were removed. This change created space for built-in units, which were cleverly constructed using IKEA furniture. Specifically, a LIATORP TV unit was repurposed to form a bench, and HEMNES wall shelves were utilized for the top cubbies. To achieve a custom, cohesive look, trim was added to the wall behind these units, and the entire assembly was painted the same blue as the cabinets. This strategic use of IKEA products, combined with additional trim and paint, successfully created the appearance of high-end custom woodworking at a more affordable cost. An unexpected challenge arose during the renovation when Natasha’s husband attempted to remove the popcorn ceiling. It was discovered that the ceiling had been incorrectly applied, which would have necessitated a full skim coat for proper removal, a prospect Natasha found daunting. As an alternative, they opted to install tongue-and-groove MDF, giving the ceiling a paneled aesthetic. Although this added an unforeseen cost to the project, Natasha expressed satisfaction with the final result, highlighting that the unplanned change ultimately contributed positively to the room's overall appearance. Natasha reported significant improvements in the transformed laundry room. She appreciates the increased brightness of the space and the enhanced ease of access when entering the house from the garage. The blue cabinets, contrasted with the white walls, add a vibrant touch, and the wood counters provide warmth. A practical benefit she noted was the elimination of socks falling behind the washing machine, a common frustration in the previous layout. While some minor decorative touches are still planned, the space is now considerably more functional and visually appealing, meeting the family's needs more effectively. #IKEAHack #LaundryRoom #HomeRenovation #DIYProject #BeforeAndAfter #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #StorageSolutions

The author shares insights on transforming living spaces with minimal changes, drawing inspiration from a specific living room makeover. This perspective arises from the common post-holiday financial constraints that often deter major home renovation projects. The author, having covered numerous 'before and after' home transformations for over five years, emphasizes that significant impact can be achieved through small, budget-friendly alterations, a concept particularly relevant for a cozy refresh in the new year. The featured living room makeover, initially documented in 2022, serves as a prime example. The original state of the living room was characterized by dark walls and curtains, contributing to a gloomy atmosphere. The new homeowners aimed to brighten and enlarge the space visually without altering its physical dimensions. While one major change involved replacing old carpeting with laminate wood-look flooring, the subsequent improvements were predominantly minor yet highly effective. The most substantial visual impact was created by repainting the walls a fresh white, immediately making the room appear more spacious and inviting. This was complemented by the installation of breezy white curtains, paired with rattan shades to maintain privacy while allowing light in. Additionally, the original low, heavy chandelier was replaced with a modern flush-mount light fixture featuring a Sputnik-style design, further enhancing the room's open feel and contemporary aesthetic. These structural and aesthetic updates were augmented by careful decor choices, maintaining a light and bright theme throughout the room. The cumulative effect of these changes transformed the living room into a much more open and welcoming area, fulfilling the homeowners' initial goal. A key takeaway from this project is that the transformation occurred gradually over several years, illustrating that a complete room overhaul is not necessary all at once. Even one or two strategic changes can yield substantial positive results. The author contemplates making small, impactful changes to their own living room in the coming year, considering additions like fresh art or improved lighting. This approach aligns with the 'January Cure,' a program designed to kickstart home improvement projects, which the author plans to join for motivation. The article encourages readers to explore the full details of the inspiration living room's transformation and provides links to further decorating ideas for living rooms. #HomeDecor #LivingRoom #HomeProjects #BeforeAndAfter #InteriorDesign #SmallChanges #BudgetFriendly #DIYProjects #HomeMakeover

Interior designer Thayná Alves transformed basic white IKEA Lack shelves into a unique decorative feature for a musician's home office. The inspiration for this hack came from a pair of Air Jordan 11s, specifically their round laces, which reminded Alves of hiking rope. The client's office, adorned with Supreme skateboards, a Kaws statue, and vintage Porsche posters, needed a shelving solution that was less conventional than the standard IKEA offering. The initial purpose of the shelves was to conceal old laundry hookups in the wall, and Alves aimed to integrate them more seamlessly with the room's eclectic style. Alves sourced six different colors of climbing rope from a local REI store, noting that outdoor supply stores often provide a wider variety of colors and thicker materials compared to general hardware stores. The entire modification process for the shelves took approximately one hour. The project involved creating decorative, non-functional brackets using the climbing rope, giving the shelves a distinctive, shoelace-inspired upgrade. The supplies required for this DIY project include an IKEA Lack shelf, climbing cord, a drill, circular metal rings, two spring links, two cup hooks, hot glue, scissors, and painter’s tape. The first step involves setting up the shelf's original bracket onto the wall studs and attaching the shelf to ensure proper alignment. Two cup hooks are then screwed into the wall above the shelf, from which the spring links are hung. The shelf itself is temporarily removed from its hardware. The next critical step is to carefully drill four holes, one in each corner, through the shelf. Alves emphasizes caution, as the shelves are primarily made of cardboard and can easily crack if too much pressure is applied. To mitigate this risk, painter’s tape is applied along the long edges of the shelf to provide support during drilling. After drilling, the shelves are reattached to their brackets. Following this, metal rings are placed around each of the eight drilled openings and secured with hot glue. This step serves to cover the potentially rough edges created by the drilling process, giving the finished product a clean and professional appearance, especially if the MDF chipped during drilling. The final and most intricate step involves weaving the rope through the holes. Given that the interior of the shelf is hollow, a technique is employed to facilitate this: a slice of painter’s tape is shaped into a cone around the end of the climbing cord, providing extra weight and a pointed tip to guide the rope through both holes more easily. A generous amount of cord is pulled through to reach the spring link and feed back through the other set of holes. This process is repeated for both sides of the shelf. The cord is then cut, and the ends are tied off with a single knot, completing the custom shelf hack. #IKEAHack #DIYHomeDecor #ShelvingSolution #CreativeDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeOffice #RenovationIdeas #CustomFurniture

Erica and Chris Ashe, homeowners in Chicago, embarked on a home improvement project for their townhome's living room after finding that their 'perfect' home within their budget didn't exist in the city. Faced with the common dilemma of balancing budget and desired style, they chose to modify their existing space by incorporating IKEA built-ins. This DIY initiative not only addressed their need for additional storage but also allowed them to achieve a specific aesthetic for their living area. The couple utilized IKEA's popular BILLY Bookcases to create a custom built-in look, which proved to be a cost-effective solution compared to purchasing a new build or hiring custom carpentry services. Their previous project, detailing the installation of these built-ins, involved four 32”x80” BILLY Bookcases, four height extenders, two 32”x40” BILLYs with doors, and eight OXBERG doors, all sourced from IKEA. The total cost for these materials was approximately $800, highlighting the economic advantage of this IKEA hack. The result was a significantly transformed living room that now features extensive shelving and storage, seamlessly integrated into the space, which greatly enhances its functionality and visual appeal. A key element of this living room makeover is its neutral color palette. The homeowners opted for a clean, contemporary design by avoiding ornate trims and selecting a crisp white paint, specifically Behr’s Falling Snow, for both the walls and the built-in bookcases. This choice of color contributes to making the room feel brighter and more spacious, creating an airy and modern ambiance. The use of white also provides a versatile backdrop for various decor styles, allowing for flexibility in future styling decisions. Further enhancing the minimalist and modern aesthetic, Erica and Chris incorporated black leather door pulls from Etsy for the built-in cabinet doors. These black pulls create a striking contrast against the white paint, adding a subtle yet impactful detail to the overall design. Complementing this, a new modern black light fixture was installed, reinforcing the sophisticated black-and-white theme. The careful selection of hardware and lighting demonstrates how small details can significantly influence the character of a room, transforming a functional storage solution into a stylish focal point. The project effectively marries minimalist and modern design principles with a cozy and homey feel, a blend often sought after but difficult to achieve. It serves as an excellent example of how IKEA products can be customized and elevated to create unique, high-end looks on a budget. This particular IKEA BILLY hack is celebrated for its ability to transform a dated living room into a contemporary and organized space, demonstrating the potential for creative DIY solutions in home renovation. #IKEAHack #DIYFurniture #LivingRoomMakeover #NeutralDecor #HomeRenovation #BillyBookcase #InteriorDesign #BudgetFriendly #BeforeAndAfter

Interior designer Melanie Lissack transformed IKEA Metod kitchen wall cabinets into a bespoke, floating media console for her narrow living room. Initially, Melanie sought a sleek, streamlined storage solution that offered more space than her previous freestanding unit, but faced budget constraints for custom carpentry or expensive marble tops. She opted for three IKEA Metod wall cabinets as the structural base, recognizing their potential for customization beyond typical kitchen use due to their slimline design and fuss-free doors. The original glossy, white melamine finish of the cabinets and the visible joins of the cut-to-size MDF top were aesthetically unappealing, prompting the need for a creative and cost-effective transformation. Melanie partnered with Cover Styl, a brand specializing in adhesive surface covers, to achieve a high-end look without the high cost. For the console's top, she selected 'NE70 Mat Beige Marble' film, which provided an incredibly realistic marble appearance, effectively concealing the MDF and its joins. For the base units, she chose 'AB06 Painted Wood' film to color match her walls, adding subtle texture and visual interest to the piece. This strategic use of self-adhesive films completely disguised the flat-pack origins of the IKEA units, transforming them into a sophisticated, contemporary media console with a soft, pastel hue. The project was completed in less than a weekend, showcasing the ease and speed with which IKEA hacks can be executed to achieve significant design impact. The resulting media unit not only provided ample storage, addressing Melanie's practical needs, but also enhanced the aesthetic of her living room with a Scandi-style elegance. The transformation demonstrated that with innovative materials and a designer's eye, budget-friendly IKEA furniture can be elevated to look entirely custom-made, integrating seamlessly into a home's decor and fulfilling specific design aspirations. Melanie expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting how unrecognizable the unit became from its initial state, and praising the quality and realism of the Cover Styl films. #IKEAHack #MetodCabinet #MediaUnit #ScandiStyle #DIYHomeDecor #InteriorDesign #BudgetFriendly #FurnitureTransformation #CoverStyl

This article highlights a kitchen renovation project in a Mid-Century style home, focusing on how subtle design changes can significantly impact both functionality and aesthetics. The original kitchen suffered from a lack of natural light, dated cabinetry, and insufficient storage, leading to a cluttered and uninviting atmosphere. The primary goal of the renovation was to preserve the home's inherent vintage charm while integrating a more contemporary look and optimizing the kitchen's utility. Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors, spearheaded the project. Given the relatively small size of the kitchen and the constraint of maintaining the existing layout, the design team prioritized innovative storage solutions. The key to enhancing storage without expanding the room's footprint was a clever adjustment to the cabinetry. While the cabinets initially appeared to be the same size post-renovation, they were actually extended 10 inches higher to align with the window line. This seemingly minor tweak significantly increased vertical storage, effectively almost doubling the cabinetry space available for the homeowners' extensive mid-century collections. This strategic use of vertical space underscores the importance of maximizing every inch in a compact kitchen. Beyond just adding space, the renovation also focused on optimizing the internal organization of the cabinets. Jennifer Verruto emphasizes that effective storage extends to how the space within cabinets is utilized. The team integrated various custom inserts to facilitate organization, such as roll-out trays, storage systems for lids, pots, and pans, trash pullouts, spice racks, and lazy Susans. The article advocates for the use of drawers over traditional shelves, explaining that drawers offer greater functionality by allowing full utilization of space and easier access to items without the need to rearrange contents. For updated cabinetry, Jennifer recommends installing double drawers for larger items like pots and pans, and triple drawers for smaller items such as spices, baking needs, and Tupperware, noting that a drawer can accommodate double the contents of a low cabinet. In addition to functional improvements, the redesign addressed the kitchen's aesthetic issues, particularly the lack of light. The design team employed simple yet impactful tricks to make the space appear brighter and larger. A crucial element was the careful selection of wall paint. Instead of just any white, Sherwin Williams Snowbound (SW 7004) was chosen for its absence of undertones, which prevents the space from appearing dingy or gray. This clean white allows other colors, such as the mint green paneling in the home bar area, to stand out. The kitchen's walnut cabinets were topped with solid white quartz and paired with an all-white backsplash, further contributing to the brightened look. To complete the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic and improve illumination, a statement pendant light and an additional sconce were installed. This renovation serves as an example of how a balanced approach, combining subtle design hacks with thoughtful functionality, can transform a dated kitchen into a modern, efficient, and visually appealing space while honoring its original character. #KitchenRenovation #MidCenturyModern #StorageSolutions #CabinetryDesign #InteriorDesign #SmallKitchenIdeas #HomeImprovement #SpaceOptimization #KitchenStorage

The article details a viral DIY project that transforms standard IKEA Billy bookcases into a bespoke, built-in shelving unit, offering a significant cost saving compared to custom joinery. Paul Knox, the DIY-er behind the hack, shared his vision and the step-by-step process of creating this premium-looking storage solution for his dining room. The project began with a blank wall and five IKEA Billy bookcases, including four standard-sized units and one narrow version for the middle. Paul and his partner aimed for a design-led, built-in aesthetic to avoid a standard freestanding look, drawing inspiration from social media and Pinterest. To achieve the integrated appearance, they purchased matching doors for the standard bookcases, hardboard for cutting decorative arches, and MDF sheets to create the impression of flush-to-wall edges. They also utilized beading, typically used for flooring, to top the bookcase and textured moulding to conceal the joins, enhancing the unit's seamless look. The entire structure was securely attached to the wall using heavy-duty hardware, eschewing the standard IKEA fixings. Remarkably, this project was undertaken by the couple, who were first-time users of power tools and had previously only assembled flat-pack furniture. This highlights the accessibility of the hack, even for those with limited DIY experience. The transformation took two months to complete. The bookshelves were painted in Valspar's 'Salty Peat,' a trendy green shade that instantly elevated the dining room's aesthetic. The addition of books and indoor plants further styled the unit, making the space feel grander and balancing the room as a distinct zone within their open-plan living and dining area. Future plans include integrating lighting into the bookcase. The most compelling aspect of this DIY is the substantial cost saving. Paul obtained quotes for custom built-in shelving ranging from £3,500 to £10,000 due to the wall's size and custom measurement requirements. By contrast, the IKEA hack cost approximately £1,091, including £623 for the bookcases, £111 for the green paint, £150 for added timber, £45 for top coat paint, £35 for a paint sprayer, £100 for a circular mitre saw, £27 for a jigsaw, £20 for a sander, £49 for a nail gun, and £31 for miscellaneous items like 'No More Nails', screws, sanding pads, and safety goggles. This represents a potential saving of up to £9,000, demonstrating a highly effective and budget-friendly approach to achieving a custom home design. #IKEAHack #DIYProject #HomeRenovation #BespokeShelving #BudgetFriendly #InteriorDesign #DiningRoomDecor #CustomBuiltIns #StorageSolutions

The IKEA IVAR cabinet, a simple pine wood furniture piece, has gained significant popularity as a versatile item for home DIY and customization projects. Originally part of a shelving system introduced in 1967, the IVAR cabinet's untreated wood, ideal dimensions, and affordability make it an excellent canvas for creativity, as noted by Jana Cagin, founder of Prettypegs, a company specializing in customizing IKEA furniture. This article explores seven innovative hacks to elevate and transform the IVAR cabinet, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into various home styles. One popular transformation involves creating a floating sideboard. By mounting the IVAR cabinets directly onto the wall, a sleek, space-saving credenza can be achieved. This method is particularly effective for small living rooms, as it frees up floor space and contributes to a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Adding a custom wood top and minimalist handles further enhances this sophisticated look, with a coat of paint providing the finishing touch. Another creative approach involves painting patterns on the IVAR cabinet. Beyond solid color coats, individuals can explore various paint ideas, such as trending stripes for a 'stripe drenching' scheme or whimsical designs for a children's playroom. This technique allows for significant personalization and the integration of the cabinet into specific thematic decor. Matching the cabinet's paint color with the wall, a technique known as color drenching, is a highly popular home decor trend. This method creates a cohesive and immersive feel within a room. For example, painting IVAR cabinets and surrounding walls in a rich burgundy shade, such as Sherwin-Williams' Sommelier or Farrow & Ball's Etruscan Red, can produce a striking and on-trend result. This hack emphasizes the rewarding journey of transforming simple pieces into something special. Applying a reeded or fluted finish to the IVAR cabinet is another effective way to elevate its appearance. These textured finishes are currently trending in interior design, particularly for wall paneling, and can significantly enhance the perceived value of simple furniture. While DIY options involve wooden slats or reeded panelling kits, specialized companies like Prettypegs offer ready-made fluted panels designed specifically for IVAR cabinet doors, making customization accessible even for those without extensive DIY experience. Replacing handles and adding legs are among the easiest and most impactful furniture upcycling methods. Since IKEA IVAR cabinets typically come without legs or stylish handles, this hack offers a straightforward path to personalization. Adding chic wavy handles and sphere-shaped legs, for instance, can drastically alter the cabinet's aesthetic, making it appear more bespoke and designer-like. Companies such as Prettypegs, Plank Hardware, and Etsy offer a wide range of options for hardware and legs. Decorating the IVAR cabinet with wallpaper or decorative stickers provides another avenue for adding color and pattern. Utilizing leftover wallpaper from other projects or opting for custom-sized peel-and-stick wallpapers, such as those created through collaborations like Prettypegs and Photowall, can transform the cabinet's surface. Designs like the 'Morning Light layer design' offer a sophisticated and unique touch. Finally, incorporating rattan or cane inserts can give the IVAR cabinet a sophisticated and modern look, aligning with recent interior design trends. Similar to how these inserts are used in IKEA KALLAX hacks to create customized bar cabinets, applying them to IVAR cabinets can result in a piece that is virtually unrecognizable from its original budget-friendly flatpack form. This demonstrates the potential for transforming basic furniture into high-end-looking pieces through thoughtful customization. #IKEAIVARHacks #FurnitureUpcycling #DIYHomeDecor #IKEACustomization #HomeDecorTrends #InteriorStyling #SmallSpaceSolutions #CreativePaintIdeas #CaneInserts

This article explores 21 creative and budget-friendly IKEA hacks designed to personalize and enhance various furniture pieces. It caters to both renters seeking temporary modifications and homeowners looking to add a personal touch to their flat-pack items. The guide emphasizes ease of execution, with many hacks adaptable to non-IKEA furniture as well. The first hack demonstrates how to transform an IKEA storage ottoman into an organized office storage solution, ideal for those without dedicated home offices. By utilizing Kuggis and Kvissle inserts, individuals can customize the ottoman's interior to neatly store office supplies. Another innovative idea involves using a Myrheden wire memo board to create an indoor trellis for plants, offering a natural aesthetic within the home. The article then details how to upgrade the Ivar chair with paint and twine, providing step-by-step instructions for priming, painting with chalk-based furniture paint, and wrapping the chair with twine for a stylish finish. Similarly, the Duktig play kitchen can be made more aesthetically pleasing through painting and wallpapering, with detailed guidance on preparing the surface, selecting paints, and assembling the customized kitchen. For kitchen design, the guide suggests painting basic Ivar cabinets to achieve a chic, custom look. It advises on priming, selecting appropriate brushes and chalk paints in complementary shades, and applying a yacht varnish for durability. Another hack focuses on transforming the Moppe chest of drawers with color blocking, offering a non-permanent way for renters to experiment with trends. This involves careful taping and painting with chalk-based furniture paints. Small spaces can benefit from creating an alcove office using IKEA shelf brackets and shelving, with the option to customize timber planks for a perfect fit. The article also presents a hack to give Ivar cabinets a bespoke, built-in appearance by painting them the same color as the walls and adding leather handles. For dated Malm or Hemnes chests of drawers, decorative stickers offer a simple upgrade, extending their lifespan and refreshing their look. Practical solutions include using the Tjuig coat rack for pan lid storage, offering an efficient space-saving idea. Renters can create landlord-friendly gallery walls using Mosslanda picture ledges, allowing for display without damaging walls. The article highlights the effectiveness of mixing budget IKEA pieces with one-off items to achieve an expensive aesthetic, using Alex drawer units and storage cupboards with a custom desktop as an example. Additional home office storage can be gained with the Raskog trolley, which has a small footprint and can be used to organize stationery. Upholstery brand Bemz is introduced as a solution for recovering IKEA sofas, armchairs, and footstools, providing a cost-effective way to refresh furniture. A DIY bedside light can be crafted by wall-mounting an Ekby Valter shelf bracket and wrapping a lamp cord around it. For bedroom customization, a wallpaper headboard is suggested as a space-saving alternative, easily created with a chosen wallpaper design behind a bed frame. The article then addresses the desire for a walk-in wardrobe, explaining how to create one using IKEA storage and a curtain cover-up. Creative lighting hacks include painting patterns on an affordable Regolit Lantern lampshade. A rainbow wall can be created above furniture using leftover paint and masking tape to define the arch shapes, with an optional picture ledge for display. Finally, two hacks offer ways to give IKEA furniture a vintage feel: transforming an IVAR cabinet with half-round trim for a textured look, and creating an apothecary cabinet aesthetic on chests of drawers with paint, new handles, and vintage-style labels. #IKEAHacks #DIYFurniture #HomeDecor #Upcycling #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecor #StorageSolutions #SmallSpaceLiving #FurnitureTransformation

This article highlights an innovative IKEA hack that transforms Havsta units into a stylish, custom-looking built-in bookshelf wall, central to a TV-free living room. The DIY project was undertaken by Bea Copeland, who decided to design her living space around a reinstated old window cavity, making the wall a feature. Her goal was to create a relaxing environment focused on non-digital entertainment, where books and vinyl records could be prominently displayed and easily accessed. Copeland's inspiration stemmed from her home renovation journey, during which she discovered a hidden window opening. This discovery prompted her to conceptualize a library-style wall that would frame the new window. Recognizing the financial and time constraints of a fully custom-built solution, she opted for an IKEA hack, utilizing four Havsta shelving units and one Havsta sideboard. The sideboard was strategically placed beneath the window, fitting perfectly after a minor modification to omit its baseboard. Building the IKEA flatpacks was described as largely straightforward, involving assembly, joining the units, and anchoring them securely to the wall. The subsequent and more intricate step involved preparing and painting the units to achieve a seamless, custom finish. Copeland initially faced a challenge with the IKEA furniture's veneer, which required proper sanding and priming after an initial attempt at direct painting resulted in peeling. The article recommends using Zinsser's B-I-N shellac primer for optimal adhesion. For the paint color, Copeland selected Benjamin Moore's Maritime White, matching the shade used for the trim throughout her house. This choice was crucial in integrating the bookshelf wall seamlessly into the existing millwork, making it appear as if it were an original architectural feature of the home. The unified color scheme contributes to an elevated and bespoke aesthetic, enhancing the room's overall design coherence. The resulting built-in bookshelf not only provides extensive storage for books and vinyl records but also serves as a decorative focal point, offering space for various collections and ornaments. The design intentionally accommodates vinyl records, reinforcing the room's purpose as a hub for non-digital entertainment. Copeland expresses satisfaction with the current setup and anticipates future customizations, such as wallpapering the back of the shelves or adding doors, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of the IKEA hack. This project exemplifies a successful approach to creating bespoke-looking furniture on a budget, offering practical advice on dealing with common DIY challenges like painting veneered surfaces. It showcases how thoughtful design and strategic use of readily available furniture can lead to a highly personalized and functional living space, emphasizing relaxation and traditional forms of entertainment over digital media. The transformation effectively made the wall a central and inviting feature of the home, visible upon entry. #IKEAHack #BuiltInBookshelf #LivingRoomDesign #DIYHomeDecor #HavstaUnits #NonDigitalEntertainment #HomeRenovation #CustomFurniture #InteriorDesign

This article details a DIY project by home renovator Lindsey Learmonth, known as @thedcdiyer, who transformed basic IKEA EKET cabinets into a stylish and functional built-in media wall with fluted cabinet fronts for her neutral living room. The project aimed to create multifunctional storage that could house children's toys and other items, addressing a common challenge for families with young children in limited living spaces. Lindsey's living room is the first area entered in her Washington D.C. row home, necessitating an aesthetic and practical storage solution. The initial setup involved assembling and securing several IKEA EKET cabinets to the wall studs. She utilized three EKET cabinets with double doors, one single-door cabinet, and four sets of EKET double drawers to maximize storage and introduce variety to the wall system. The choice of the slim 13 ¾-inch deep EKET cabinets was strategic for her long and thin row home, preventing the storage unit from encroaching too much on the limited space while still accommodating all of her children's toys. To elevate the aesthetic, Lindsey added a pine top to the cabinet surface. This involved using pocket holes, routing the edge, sanding, staining, and sealing the wood, then attaching it from underneath the cabinets. The most distinctive feature of the hack is the use of pole wrap for the cabinet fronts. After precise measurement and cutting, the pole wrap was attached to the cabinet faces and drawers using glue and brad nails. The holes left by the brad nails were then wood-filled and wet-sanded to achieve a smooth finish. Lindsey advised that, in hindsight, applying the pole wrap to the doors and drawer fronts before assembling the units would have simplified the process. Following the cabinet transformation, Lindsey focused on creating the built-in shelving. This part of the project was entirely DIY, utilizing ¾-inch plywood and dado joints. The entire structure was then attached to the wall using floating shelf pins. All rough edges were edge-banded before staining to match the pine top of the cabinets, ensuring a cohesive look. For the wall backdrop behind the shelves, Lindsey applied a DIY Roman Clay paint effect, contributing to a rustic aesthetic that seamlessly integrates the shelves into the space. For the finishing touches, beige acrylic paint was used on the edges of the EKET doors and drawers to blend them with the pole wrap fronts. Custom headers were installed, and hardwired picture sconces from Amazon were added to the top of the shelves, powered by a wireless switch. The final step involved carefully curating the shelf decor with books, vases, and houseplants, maintaining a minimalist yet cozy ambiance. This DIY project not only provided significant functionality and elevated the living space's appearance but also resulted in substantial cost savings, estimated to be between $15,000 and $20,000 compared to professional custom-built solutions in Washington D.C. The entire project cost under $1,000, showcasing the value and satisfaction derived from such IKEA hacks and DIY endeavors. #IKEAHack #DIYHomeDecor #BuiltInStorage #NeutralLivingRoom #PoleWrap #FlutedCabinets #HomeRenovation #BudgetFriendly #ScandiStyle

IKEA is renowned for its versatile and affordable furniture, and while many of its products are popular for their intended uses, some stand out for their adaptability in creative hacks. Among these, IKEA's slim and shallow shoe cabinets are particularly well-suited for repurposing beyond footwear storage. Their compact design and ample internal space make them ideal for organizing various items in different areas of the home. One common and highly effective hack involves using the IKEA HEMNES shoe cabinet as a dedicated center for kids' craft supplies. The compartments are spacious enough to hold paper, markers, crayons, and paint palettes, providing an organized and accessible solution for art materials. Its height is also suitable for children, encouraging independence in retrieving and storing their supplies. The HEMNES cabinet, available in two- and four-compartment versions, projects minimally from the wall, making it suitable for narrow hallways or small play areas. Similarly, the IKEA HEMNES shoe cabinet can be transformed into a functional gift-wrapping station. Its tilt-out sections are perfect for organizing gift bags, bows, and small gift boxes, while the top drawer can store ribbons, scissors, and tape. This hack helps keep wrapping essentials neatly contained and ready for use, making gift preparation more efficient. While it accommodates most shorter wrapping paper rolls, longer rolls might require alternative storage methods. The IKEA TRONES shoe cabinet, known for its versatility and affordability, offers numerous other organizational possibilities. Multiple TRONES units can be mounted along a wall to create custom slim storage next to a desk, providing a clutter-free solution for office supplies without requiring large shelves. The closed compartments help maintain a tidy appearance, unlike open shelving. In small bedrooms, a single TRONES unit can serve as a wall-mounted bedside table, offering storage for essentials and a surface for a lamp or water glass, while also allowing space underneath for additional baskets. By gathering several TRONES units, one can even construct a functional headboard for a bed. This hack leverages the cabinet's shallow depth, providing hidden storage compartments behind the bed while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. The TRONES' simple design, available in white or black plastic, can be customized with contact paper or peel-and-stick wallpaper to match various decor styles. The IKEA BRUSALI shoe cabinet proves effective for wardrobe organization, particularly for storing pants. Its compartments perfectly accommodate rolled-up jeans or other clothing items, making them easily visible and accessible. This method not only saves space but also helps prevent items from getting lost or forgotten in deeper drawers or wardrobes. Beyond cabinets, the IKEA GREJIG shoe rack, an inexpensive metal rack, can be repurposed as a sturdy shelf riser. Its robust construction allows it to support moderately heavy loads, making it ideal for creating tiered storage in kitchen cabinets for spices, pantry staples, or mugs. It also works well in closets to organize folded clothes like sweaters and shirts, preventing them from toppling over on tall shelves. Additionally, the GREJIG can be used as an industrial-style kitchen counter rack, providing extra storage or a riser for small appliances, and its folding legs allow for easy storage when not in use. IKEA shoe cabinets also prove valuable in bathrooms, which often lack sufficient storage. The STÄLL or plastic TRONES cabinets can be mounted to a wall, offering compact storage for toiletries, extra toilet paper, and other bathroom accessories. The plastic TRONES is particularly suitable for damp environments. Creative living room hacks include positioning TRONES cabinets behind a couch to form a hidden console unit. This provides a surface for decorative items and discreet storage for seasonal items or things not used daily, keeping the living area tidy. For utility areas, the plastic TRONES is excellent for creating a compact cleaning and garbage sorting station, with small bins fitting perfectly into its compartments, concealing waste and cleaning supplies. Its easy-to-clean material makes it practical for such uses. Outdoor applications for the durable TRONES include converting it into a garden hose storage unit. While this might involve some minor DIY modifications to accommodate a tap connection, it neatly stores coiled hoses, enhancing the garden's organization. The TRONES cabinets are also perfectly sized to store standard drink cans, offering an aesthetic alternative to bulk storage. For kitchens or pantries with limited space, TRONES units can be mounted to walls or cabinet sides to provide overflow storage for pantry items, produce, or even to clear countertop clutter. They can also serve as effective storage for baking trays and pans, keeping them organized and easily accessible. Finally, IKEA shoe cabinets can be integrated into bedrooms as slim console units beneath wall-mounted TVs, offering storage for media accessories and a sleek aesthetic. In nurseries, a TRONES cabinet mounted beside a changing table provides convenient and discreet storage for diapers and wipes, with its plastic construction making it easy to clean. Another use for the slim TRONES cabinet is for children's clothing storage, especially in small spaces like RVs, offering organized compartments in a compact footprint. They can also conceal unsightly elements like electric boxes or modems, providing both utility and aesthetic improvement. These diverse applications demonstrate the remarkable versatility of IKEA's shoe storage solutions beyond their initial purpose, offering practical and stylish organizational benefits throughout the home. #IKEAHacks #HomeOrganization #SpaceSaving #DIYHomeDecor #StorageSolutions #InteriorDesign #FunctionalSpaces #SmallSpaceLiving #FurnitureRepurposing

The article details designer Dane Austin's approach to transforming a potentially cold, cavernous open-concept living space in the 2024 Whole Home into an inviting communal area. Austin, who expressed a general disinterest in the open-concept trend, focused on creating warmth and distinct zones within the large room, which features 22-foot ceilings and expansive windows. His design process began by drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings of Asheville, particularly the sunset hues and the blue tones of the mountains, which influenced his material and color palette choices. A key element in the living room's design is a Farrow & Ball cherry blossom wallcovering, which reproduces a Renaissance-era chateau design. To further define the space and add architectural interest, Austin collaborated with the build team to install a floor-to-ceiling chimney breast made from Dekton’s ultra-compact surface material, providing depth and dimension. A surrealist sculptural landscape by local artist Colton Dion serves as a focal point, adding a unique artistic touch to the room. Austin’s design philosophy emphasizes a curated, timeless aesthetic, combining old and new, masculine and feminine elements, and a mix of custom-made and flea market finds. This approach is evident in the diverse selection of furnishings, which include various velvets, leathers, and linens. He intentionally included abundant seating options, advocating that a living room should accommodate as many guests as there are dining room chairs, especially for a holiday home. To avoid a monolithic wallcovering effect in such a tall space, Austin cleverly incorporated a shelf at rafter height, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Selvedge color, which is used to display baskets and pottery, breaking up the vertical expanse and adding visual interest. Thoughtful details are also highlighted in the area around the fireplace, where bench seating and shallow cabinetry feature custom brass inserts from Architectural Grille, echoing the wallpaper motif. Above this built-in, a Samsung Frame TV seamlessly integrates technology by displaying evolving artwork and converting to a movie night mode with the push of a button. For the expansive floor, a custom Fibreworks rug was chosen to anchor the living area. Lighting plays a crucial role in distinguishing the living and dining zones, with a multitiered Clementine chandelier by Visual Comfort & Co. hanging above the lounge, and a plastered Mollino pendant, also by Visual Comfort & Co., positioned lower over the dining table adjacent to the kitchen. In the informal dining area, designed for simple entertaining, Lee Industries settees and chairs are paired with a Wayfair Professional table. The Adelaïde wallpaper from Farrow & Ball and a Fibreworks rug continue the aesthetic from the living room. Additional lighting, including a pendant, sconces, and a picture light from Visual Comfort & Co., and custom art from Colton Dion Gallery, complete the dining space. Austin further delineates the open-plan by introducing a “room-within-a-room” concept, using drapery made from Sanderson fabric. This fabric, featuring a crewel stitchwork in blush and blue, adds softness and allows the kitchen to be cordoned off for privacy, especially after events, offering a practical yet elegant solution to open-concept living. The article concludes with a comprehensive list of vendors and products used in both the living and dining areas, reflecting the meticulous planning and curated selection involved in the design. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #OpenConceptLiving #LivingRoomDecor #DiningRoomDesign #DaneAustinDesign #Wallcovering #CustomFurnishings #LightingDesign

The fluted motif, a trend initially popularized by fluted glass, has expanded to various furnishings, influencing a recent upcycling project that transforms a standard IKEA cabinet. This DIY endeavor centers on modifying an IKEA BESTA storage cabinet to achieve a bespoke appearance through the addition of fluted panelling and new gold hardware. This transformation elevates the flatpack furniture item into a stylish piece. Tom Revill, Creative Director at Plank Hardware, a company specializing in IKEA customization, notes that incorporating fluted motifs into cabinetry provides a contemporary reinterpretation of classic design elements. This approach can enhance kitchen cabinets or built-in storage units, offering a versatile and visually appealing upgrade for living spaces. The project is described as a beginner-friendly upcycling idea, suitable for refreshing outdated dressers or overlooked IKEA furniture pieces. The specific hack, detailed by interiors and DIY enthusiast Melanie Lissack (@melanielissackinteriors), involved converting a plain BESTA shelf unit with doors into a fluted lilac cabinet, complemented by a marble top. The initial step was to address the absence of handles on the original cabinet by drilling holes in the doors for new hardware. Subsequently, Lissack focused on sourcing materials for the fluted detailing. While options like MDF, plywood, or PVC are available, she opted for Orac Decor's 3D wall panelling due to its lightweight nature, which prevents the cabinet doors from becoming too heavy. These panels were cut to size and affixed to the BESTA doors using an adhesive. To achieve a smooth and integrated finish, Lissack applied caulk around the seams where the fluted panelling pieces met. The next phase involved painting the IKEA furniture, adhering to standard best practices for DIY paint projects. This included applying two coats of primer to the entire unit before painting the cabinet in a lilac shade. Upon the paint curing, statement gold hardware handles were attached to the cabinet, adding a touch of character. The transformation was completed by topping the cabinet with an off-cut of a marble kitchen splashback, serving as a tabletop. The final result is a distinctive and customized cabinet. Revill emphasizes that these DIY steps enable individuals to achieve the sophisticated look of fluted cabinetry without requiring professional installation, offering a rewarding and cost-effective method to revitalize existing furniture through creativity and effort. #IKEAHack #FlutedDesign #DIYHomeDecor #CabinetUpcycling #BespokeFurniture #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #MelanieLissackInteriors

This blog post details a bedroom renovation project undertaken by interior designer and seasoned renovator, Kayla Nelson, who transformed her childhood bedroom into a sophisticated adult sanctuary for $5,500. The project, with a square footage of 180 and a timeline of approximately one month, focused on doubling storage and elevating the room's aesthetic through molding, paint, and IKEA hacks. Nelson's bedroom, originally a garage, underwent several changes over the years, including a purple paint job and the addition of two freestanding IKEA Pax units for storage. However, she desired more sophisticated storage and a more refined ambiance. The recent renovation involved integrating two additional IKEA Pax wardrobes, totaling four, to create a built-in closet system. To achieve this, Nelson built a 2-by-4 base on the subfloor for the wardrobes, incorporating a window seat. Another 2-by-4 structure was built above the units to ensure a flush appearance after covering the open frames with drywall. The cost for the two additional Pax wardrobes was $1,500, and the wood for the framing amounted to $1,050. To introduce coziness into the room with its nearly 11-foot-high ceilings, Nelson painted the ceiling and the top 16 inches of the walls with Valspar's Black Evergreen. The lower part of the walls was painted in Valspar's Oyster Pearl. Base shoe molding was used to delineate the paint lines, and an extension pole and ladder were utilized for painting. The total paint cost for four gallons was $200. For the IKEA Pax units, which were initially gray, Nelson primed them with Zinsser's 123 Primer before painting them the same color as the walls to ensure a cohesive look. A key design element was the accent wall behind the bed, which featured a unique picture frame molding technique where molding pieces butted against each other, requiring precise 45-degree angle cuts. Nelson used website measurements and pencil guidelines to frame the headboard, attaching the molding with a nail gun and painting it in Oyster Pearl. The final stage of the renovation involved furnishing the room with adult-approved pieces. The most significant individual splurge was a $700 CB2 nightstand. To maintain the budget, other furnishings, including a bistro table and a mirror, were sourced from World Market and Home Depot. The overall project successfully transformed a former childhood space into a grown-up sanctuary, demonstrating effective DIY strategies for achieving a high-end look on a moderate budget. #BedroomRenovation #IKEAHack #DIY #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #BudgetFriendly #StorageSolutions #MoldingDetails