When you want built-in cabinets, but don't have the budget for custom woodworking, try doing what we and so many others have done - go the DIY route! This was actually the very first project we DIY'd in this house.
Renovations make you prioritize where to spend your dollars, and custom wood built-ins were not in the cards at the time. So, we ultimately opted to retrofit different Ikea components to construct our built-ins. However, as my hubby's carpentry skills have grown, building them from scratch for another room is an alternative possibility.
Here's a recent shot of the built-ins, which incorporates some subtle fall decor:
While we used stock components for our built-ins, we added custom touches to elevate the look. Here are five simple tips to customize "non-custom" built-ins:
Add moldings
We continued the crown molding from the ceiling/wall to around the top of the built-ins - making them look more intrinsic to the house. Molding was also installed to the base of the cabinets, while trim molding was added to conceal the areas where components were joined.
Install hardware
Stock cabinets don't often come with hardware - or if they do, they usually aren't very interesting. Adding "pretty" knobs, pulls, or handles are an easy upgrade that will give you some design bang for your buck.
Mount decorative lighting
Sita Montgomery Interiors
Lighting is so important. If you have a wall or somewhere to mount it, install decorative sconces or library lights to the unit. It will provide both function and beauty to your built-in.
Paint it a bold color
Add "flair" to the back panels
The wallpaper treatment to the back insets of this built-in unit is fun and unexpected. It adds design-worthy interest and depth to the otherwise dark unit. (CAD Design Tip: Peel & stick wallpaper is a good option if you don't want to commit to anything permanent. You can also cut out a thin piece of paneling to fit into the shelving compartments, and wallpaper that instead. Paint is also a great option in lieu of wallpaper.)
Beautiful ideas and inspirations Carol! Painting the back of some of our bookcases a contrasting color was a game changer. I love bookcases painted a rich dramatic color too. Such a statement!
ReplyDeleteI love your bookcases, and the way you have them styled right now! I'm thinking about doing something to the backs of ours too, but may just wait until I redo the room and tie in the new furnishings, window treatments, etc. :)
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