So excited to finally have this project finished, but even more excited that I really like the outcome!
As you probably remember I love this house. However, one of the downsides was the lack of a separate studio/sewing space. I knew the friendship room (as PSP named it) was big enough to separate and create a space for arting it up, I just didn’t know how we were going to do it. I ended up going with my first idea which was to use everyone’s favorite modern shelving unit, the Expedit from Ikea to create a dividing wall. Well, 3 units actually. With small children around safety was a big issue, so the husband anchored them to each other and then to the wall. These babies don’t budge an inch.
We did that last year when we first moved in….yet I wasn’t super happy about the results. I really wanted them to look nice and pretty, but I also needed them for utilitarian purposes–for things like toys, fabric, and binders. No matter how much I straightened them up, they always looked messy and sloppy. Yes you can buy a number of Ikea inserts that fit nicely in the cubbies (we have 2 door inserts and 4 baskets) but they’re costly and I wanted at least 10 more doors or baskets for a cleaner look.
Well, the husband finally has some free time on his hands and was able to whip up 10 simple L-shaped shelf inserts for me this past week. This really only works if you use the expedit as a room divider where you have easy access to both sides… and you don’t care as much what the other side looks like.
Like I said, they’re in a simple L shape. Once the measuring and cutting was finished it was time to connect the two boards. There were many ways to attach the two boards, but in the end B decided that since the plywood was 1/2 inch thick he would simply use screws on the front bottom portion of the board, then cover the screws up with wood putty and sand over them.
Then I primed and painted.
And it was done.
I love the colors, I love the clean look, I love it all. Ideally, I’d still have a separate studio room… but for the next few years this is perfect.
As my husband said,
We make a good team.
Agreed.
I love how industrious you are! And the colors you chose are PERFECT!
Thanks! That's high praise coming from a DIY wizard like yourself.
i love it! looks spectacular. fantastic color choices!
And that YOU. I have to say, I do love the colors…but again, high praise coming from a hip designer such as yourself.
Looks SO great! The options with the Expedit are endless. We bought the inserts to customize ours, but you're right, they are pricey when you need a bunch. I'm predicting this DIY is going to blow up Pinterest. Woo!
Looks amazing! I love the Expedit. I've been wanting one for awhile, but we don't have room for one in our tiny apartment. Once we move, it's the first thing I'm getting!
It looks FANTASTIC!
My favorite part of the post was that your husband said you make a good team. Lovely. ☺