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October 11, 2023IKEA Shelf Hack: DIY Hallway Utility Cabinet Transformation
IKEA Shelf Hack:
DIY Hallway Utility Cabinet Transformation
When we first bought our home, there were several remodeling projects on my list to make it more functional and modern for our family. One of these projects were the awkward space we had to work with in our main hallway, where a disconnected lower and upper cabinet had become a cluttered catch-all – my ultimate pet peeve in home organization. Given our budget constraints after numerous other home renovations, I knew this project had to be both budget-friendly and DIY. Here’s how I transformed this space using two second-hand IKEA cabinets and a touch of creativity.
The Cabinet Hunt Begins
The first step was to remove the existing cabinets, which proved fairly straightforward with a sledgehammer and a crowbar. After clearing the space as much as possible, I started searching for pre-made cabinets that would fit the odd dimensions of the space. Unfortunately, I didn’t find anything suitable. However, my persistence paid off when I stumbled upon two IKEA cabinets being sold second-hand in my town. They were in decent condition and fit my needs perfectly. IKEA no longer makes these exact models, but this HAVASTA Storage Cabinet and HEMNES Glass Door Cabinet are great alternatives.
Customizing with Color
To make the cabinets match my vision, I began by removing all existing hardware, filling the old holes, and then sanding down the units. I replaced all the old hardware with new ones, which are unfortunately sold out now, but these Royal Gold Classic Round Cabinet Knobs and these Satin Gold Deco Base Cabinet Drawer Center-to-Center Pulls are great alternatives to give a similar look. The next step was to paint the cabinets a beautiful shade of blue – Blue Willow by Behr Pro. I also painted the existing frosted glass cabinet door fronts in the same blue to seamlessly blend them in. Multiple coats of paint were applied for a flawless finish.
Bringing It All Together with Finishing Touches
I connected the two cabinets permanently using brackets and heavy-duty screws to ensure stability. Mounting the cabinets into the hallway opening was essential for a secure and permanent fit. Since the cabinet was slightly smaller than the space, my skilled brother crafted an additional cabinet for the top with two more doors, providing even more storage.
To conceal the small gaps on top and sides, I applied trim around the cabinet, giving it a built-in look. I believe storage should be aesthetically pleasing too, so I wallpapered the inside of the largest cabinet section with a beautiful blue and green pond and fish-themed wallpaper. Here are some great ones I found to give you a similar look:
NextWall Peel & Stick Lily Pond Olive & Sky Blue Wallpaper
Burke Decor – Victorian Garden Prussian Blue & Moss Green Peel & Stick Wallpaper
A Functional and Organized IKEA Shelf Hack
The transformed cabinet serves multiple purposes in our daily lives. It houses bed sheets for all our beds, neatly organized cleaning supplies, and household vases, candles, and flashlights that are easily accessible in emergencies. These Wire Natural Wood Handles Milk Crates from Target are a game-changer. They’re beautiful AND practical. Using storage that is both functional and visually appealing helps keep our hallway tidy and organized.
Try out this IKEA Shelf Hack!
In the end, this IKEA hack proved to be a cost-effective and creative solution for our hallway, demonstrating that with a dash of ingenuity and a generous helping of DIY spirit, you can transform any space into something that seamlessly blends practicality and beauty. We hope this project inspires you to embark on your own creative home improvement journey. Remember, even the most mundane of spaces can become a canvas for your unique vision. So, roll up your sleeves, pick up that paintbrush, and let your creativity run wild. Your home is your ultimate playground for design, and with a little effort, you can turn it into a place that truly reflects your personality and style. Happy DIYing!
