We are the the beginning stages of installing our new DIY ikea built-ins in our rec room . It has taken many months of thinking, planning and researching best options. This beginning stage can be a drag. Who wouldn’t want to look at the before, snap their fingers, and have the after appear before their eyes? #newsuperpower #decoratorgirl.
That being said, a good home project is worth it in the end. AND it is also great practice in the patience department. Working on and waiting for a space to transform is a lesson in life. Oftentimes, our own progress and transformation feels like it takes way longer than we want it to. But if we throw in the towel without being willing to put in the time and the effort, we miss the opportunity to see what’s possible.
Beginning the Rec Room Project
We are doing built-ins in our downstairs rec room (or should I say multipurpose room?). Our rec room is an office, a playroom and a family TV room all in one. The built-ins are going to be the bridge that connects them all together. It will be the hub for all of our storage to make the room function better practically and look more cohesive visually.
As you may have gathered, I like to keep things as simple as possible when it comes to design. I started by looking to pinterest for inspiration. It took some hunting, but when I found this photo I felt like my design vision had come to life!
I love the dark moody walls in contrast to the fresh white cabinets. The wood shelves soften up the dark wall and frame the TV. I think this overall feel will compliment the rec room space and all of its functions!
We decided to do vertical shiplap just as pictured because our rec room is downstairs where the ceiling height is lower. In an effort to draw the eye up and make the room feel bigger, vertical is the way to go!
We priced out custom cabinetry along the bottom but – ouch! We couldn’t justify spending that much when we knew we could DIY the cabinets IKEA style. After we measured the wall, we discovered we could fit 5 ikea cabinets side by side with about 2-3 inches left on either end. I love that we are able to fit in as much storage as possible. I’m looking forward to being able to organize. This room is in need of a good system!
Rec Room Progress
This is where we’re at right now in the project. The cabinets are built and the trim is off. Starting to see it come together is exciting!
Our next project will be to pick the paint colour. We’re going for a black/blue like Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore. Once the wall is painted, we will finish installing the cabinets, add trim pieces to make it look more built-in, mount the TV and add shelves. Oh my, that’s a lot to do!
We will be chipping away at this rec room project for another couple of months BUT I’m very excited to see it come together!
What projects are you working on at home lately?
YAY! I love seeing home projects! We are also chipping away at a project in our basement around the TV that will had storage yet a design feature to the existing wall. Our process is going pretty slowly right now as we are having to wait for all the ikea pieces to come in stock. BUT….. when it’s done it will be so worth it. I just know it. I can’t wait to see yours come together too.
So exciting, Amber! The waiting takes lots of patience but it is absolutely so worth it in the end. Especially for the storage! I can’t wait to put everything away (out of sight!). I would love to see pictures of your final project! 😍