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Designing a home can be a daunting task, especially when aiming to create spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. For those looking to enhance their family room affordably, this guide outlines the transformation of a bland wall into a stunning built-in feature using IKEA cabinets.
Upon receiving the keys to our new home, we were filled with excitement. We were eager to personalize our space, especially with a newborn. The house presented a clean, albeit unremarkable, canvas characterized by a series of muted shades. We initially painted the walls a warm greige and replaced the flooring to breathe life into the space.
Planning and executing your built-in project
With a long wall in our living room serving as the ideal backdrop for a media center, we recognized the need for a more cohesive solution than our temporary setup. While functional, our initial arrangement lacked charm, with visible wires and piles of toys cluttering the area. It became clear that we desired a more organized and visually appealing built-in.
Finding an affordable solution
Custom built-ins can be prohibitively expensive. Therefore, we turned to IKEA for a cost-effective alternative. We selected five 30-inch base cabinets, originally designed for kitchens, to form the foundation of our built-in. To maintain a polished appearance, we chose a mix of solid and glass doors for easy access to our media equipment.
We placed two IKEA Lilltraesk laminate countertops on top to provide a seamless look, despite a slight seam in the middle. Achieving a polished finish involved taping the cut lines and using a fine-tooth blade for clean edges. This attention to detail extended to the baseboards, where we installed wider ones to enhance the built-in appearance.
Designing the overall look
To further integrate the cabinets into our living space, we painted the wall behind the built-in a rich navy blue, offering a striking contrast against the light cabinetry. On either side, we installed IKEA LACK shelves, serving as both decorative and functional elements for displaying our favorite books and decor items. We modified the bottom shelf to align with the countertop, creating a cohesive and well-thought-out design.
Adding the finishing touches
In pursuit of a clean aesthetic, we addressed the issue of unsightly cords. We found a convenient cord management system that allowed us to mount our flat-screen TV while neatly concealing cables. This small detail significantly improved the overall presentation of our built-in.
As our children grew, we adapted our built-in to include a dedicated charging drawer for all electronic devices, ensuring the space remained functional and clutter-free. The beauty of our built-in lies in its ability to evolve with our family’s needs, allowing flexibility to change decor and style over time.
The transformation: before and after
What began as a blank wall cluttered with temporary solutions has transformed into a stunning focal point in our family room, perfectly embodying the warmth and comfort we desired. The substantial storage and shelving have enabled us to maintain an organized space while showcasing our personal style.
Our journey did not end there; we continue to refresh and refine the space. For those considering a similar project, remember that the key to success lies in planning. Establishing a clear vision and utilizing affordable resources like IKEA can lead to remarkable transformations without the hefty price tag.