Unlock Your Inner Designer: Customizing IKEA Classics
Have you ever found yourself browsing through furniture showrooms, aching to personalize the pieces and make them truly your own? Well, my friends, the days of settling for generic, one-size-fits-all furnishings are over. With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can transform even the most unassuming IKEA basics into stunning, tailored works of art.
I’ll never forget the day I stumbled upon a stunning closet design that stopped me in my tracks. It was like something straight out of a high-end magazine – rich blue built-in cabinetry, sleek brass hardware, and a level of customization that screamed “designer touch.” The kicker? It was all achieved by hacking IKEA’s trusty Pax system. Erin Kestenbaum’s closet transformation was the ultimate inspiration, and it set me on a mission to uncover the secrets of DIY bespoke furniture.
Mastering the IKEA Hack: Closet Edition
Erin’s closet makeover was a true masterclass in taking an ordinary, modular system and elevating it to new heights. The key? Leveraging IKEA’s building blocks as a canvas for personalization. “I initially assumed we would make all the cabinetry from scratch, but Cory brought me back to reality,” Erin explains. “The cabinetry would take forever and make this room impossible to accomplish for the One Room Challenge.”
Instead, Erin and her partner opted to customize the IKEA Pax closet system, a decision that proved to be a game-changer. “In my research, I discovered that lots of people have hacked the IKEA Pax or IKEA Billy systems to create a built-in look,” Erin shares. “But there were some upgrades that I wasn’t able to find any examples of in the wild.”
Those upgrades included recessing in-cabinet lighting, adding custom drawer fronts for an “inset, full custom cabinetry look,” and incorporating crown molding and baseboards to achieve a truly built-in aesthetic. The result? A showstopping closet that looks like it was made-to-order, not plucked from the aisles of a big-box retailer.
Putting the Pieces Together: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re ready to embark on your own IKEA hacking adventure, Erin’s step-by-step process is pure gold. Let’s dive in:
1. Plan It Out
The first step is to plan out your space. Erin and her partner started by cataloging their clothing and storage needs, using IKEA’s Pax Planning tool to ensure they had the right mix of hanging rods, drawers, and shelves. This attention to detail laid the foundation for a truly custom closet.
2. Light it Up
Recessed puck lights were a game-changer, adding a touch of luxury and making the entire space feel more high-end. Erin and Cory cleverly hardwired the lights into an electrical box, feeding the cords through the top of each unit for a seamless, built-in look.
3. Lay the Groundwork
With the lighting sorted, it was time to tackle the base of the project. Erin and Cory used a laser level to ensure the baseboards were perfectly level across all the units, creating a smooth, unified foundation for the custom touches to come.
4. Frame the Cabinetry
Next up, Erin and Cory added vertical and horizontal poplar wood strips to the Pax units, framing the cabinetry and giving it a truly custom feel. This attention to detail is what separates a standard IKEA hack from a showstopping, bespoke piece.
5. Crown It All
No designer-inspired closet is complete without the perfect finishing touch: crown molding. Erin and Cory used Metrie’s Fashion Forward collection to cap off the units, creating a seamless, built-in look that hid any gaps between the top of the wardrobes and the ceiling.
6. Drawer Fronts for the Win
One of the most striking upgrades Erin and Cory made was adding custom drawer fronts to the Pax units. By crafting flat-front poplar wood panels and attaching them to the existing drawers, they were able to achieve that coveted “inset, full custom cabinetry” aesthetic.
7. Masking the Seams
To hide the telltale IKEA seams on the back of the Pax units, Erin turned to a clever solution: paintable faux grasscloth wallpaper. This simple addition completely transformed the look, making the cabinetry appear seamless and high-end.
8. Finishing Touches
The final step was all about the details. Erin and Cory added plugs to cover the unused shelving holes, painted everything to perfection, and swapped out the standard metal hanging rods for stained wooden ones. These small but impactful changes took the closet from ordinary to extraordinary.
Elevating the Everyday: Beyond the Closet
Erin and Cory’s IKEA hack prowess didn’t stop at the closet. In fact, the DIY Playbook team has showcased their ability to transform even the most basic furnishings into personalized, one-of-a-kind pieces.
From hacking a simple IKEA Besta unit into a stunning media console to elevating a plain Lack side table with custom wood legs, the possibilities are truly endless. The key is to approach each project with an open mind and a willingness to experiment.
Unlocking Your Inner Designer
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to unleash your inner designer and start transforming those generic furniture pieces into true showstoppers. Whether you’re tackling a closet overhaul or simply looking to add a personal touch to your living room, the principles of the IKEA hack are sure to inspire.
Remember, the beauty of these projects lies not just in the end result, but in the journey. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the small victories, and don’t be afraid to get a little (or a lot) creative. Who knows, you might just surprise yourself with the stunning, bespoke furnishings you’re able to create.
Ready to personalize your space? Head to Unfinished Furniture to explore our selection of high-quality, customizable pieces and get inspired for your next DIY adventure. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild!
