Couple’s $500 DIY Steals The Show in Living Room

alcove built in

Home renovations can often be costly, with custom-built features racking up thousands in expenses. Instagram DIYer Vicky and her husband show that with a bit of elbow grease and can-do spirit, gorgeous modifications can be achieved without breaking the bank.

The first-time DIYers took on the challenge of creating built-in cabinets for their living room alcove and were surprised at what they achieved.

It is now their favorite feature in their home, and it all happened for a little over $500.

Living Room Before

before
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

The living room was a good size, with the fireplace as the central feature. Large windows along the wall offered lots of natural light. The space they wanted to tackle in this IKEA hack was the two alcoves on the left and right of the fireplace. With a plan, Vicky was ready for her vision to come alive.

The Process of DIY Magic

Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

Vicky and her husband found that the IKEA EKET cabinets were the closest in size to the space they needed to fill. So they bought four of them and began assembling them according to IKEA instructions. Each alcove needed two cabinets.

Added Legs

add legs
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

Instead of the typical approach of building a wooden base for built-in cabinets, Vicky chose a simpler alternative. They used adjustable legs bought from Amazon! This clever step probably saved them much time and effort. Keep this in mind if you want to DIY a built-in but don’t have the right woodworking tools to make the base.

Level the Cabinets

level the cabinets
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

They measured the height of the skirting board and extended the legs to allow the cabinets to comfortably clear the skirting board. Once the legs were installed and the cabinets were in place, they used a spirit level to check for an even installation.

Wallpaper Power

wallpaper
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

The back wall of the alcove received a stylish upgrade with wooden slat wallpaper from Dunelm UK. This choice was strategic, as Vicky explained, “We loved the slat wall look for these alcoves, but they were so expensive, and I just didn’t want to commit in case we didn’t like it in this space.” The wallpaper offered a realistic alternative that even fooled visitors into thinking it was actual wood paneling.

Wooden Top

cut the window board
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

They ordered made-to-measure window boards for the worktop and trimmed the sides to create a lip to fit the alcove space. The boards were then secured on top of the EKET units.

Covering Up the Bottom and Sides

covering the sides and bottom
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

Timber blocks were added underneath and down the sides of the EKET units for the skirting and edging to attach to. This ensured seamless integration with the room’s existing design elements and created the built-in look.

Attach Skirting and Edging

skirting and edging
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

They added construction glue to the timber blocks and fastened the skirting and edging to the blocks.

Caulking the Seams

caulking
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

They used a caulking gun to apply a thin bead of caulk along all the seams between the cabinets and the edges. Then, they smoothed the caulk with a wet finger, achieving a clean, polished finish.

Paint To Protect

paint
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

The couple painted the entire structure with white eggshell paint to achieve a subtle sheen and ensure easy dusting. For a lasting finish, we recommend priming the furniture pieces first with a shellac-based primer before applying the topcoat.

Adding Door Trim

door trim
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

They then cut MDF strip wood to size for paneling, painted it, and glued it to the cabinet fronts. Caulk was applied to the wood strips, everything was repainted, and finally, door knobs were added to complete the chic look.

A Cost-Effective DIY Journey

before and after
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

Initially quoted $2,600 for a professional installation, Vicky and her husband were determined to find a more economical solution. “It was a want, not a need,” Vicky says, highlighting the importance of prioritizing expenses during home renovations. By taking the DIY route, they saved a significant amount of money and added a personal touch to their living space.

Going the Professional Route

finished
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

Nevertheless, Vicky agrees that there is value in hiring a pro. “We would have saved so much time and possibly got a better finish off a professional. But we saved thousands doing this ourselves, and they came out exactly how we imagined. The achievement we felt when these were finished was also so worth it and gave us the confidence to try more DIY,” she adds.

Fearless DIY

alcove built-in hack
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

Despite not being trained carpenters, the couple embraced the challenge and found success in their methods. “I have no idea what a carpenter would have done,” Vicky admits. “We have probably done things completely differently or ‘the wrong way,’ but it works for us, and we love them.”

Right The First Time

alcove built in
Photo Credit: Vicky @number5.renovation/Instagram

Although it was their first attempt at DIY, the couple executed the project with remarkable finesse. The custom-built cabinets now bookend the fireplace in their living room, and even after two years, they still look like new. Follow Vicky on Instagram and their home renovation journey.