We bought and moved into my childhood home in July of 2024 and have been DIYing our way through some spaces to make them more functional for us. Adding pretty details as we go is the cherry on top.
Here is the dining room right when we moved in. I put up my art and boards on the walls just so they were't in a forgotten pile elsewhere but really made no attempt to do anything with the room.
This dining room is right across from (and mostly open to) the kitchen and has an open doorway that is next to the front door. I wanted this room be welcoming and eye catching but still flow with the rest of the main level. I also desperately wanted just a little bit more counter space for my newly purchased espresso machine and other small appliance we use from time to time.
One wall in the dining room is recessed back about 13 inches and after doing some measuring, I determinted I could make this wall built-ins without sacficiing too much space. This would also give me that counter space I so badly wanted.
I have used IKEA products before and been happy with the results after I add some customization so I headed to the website to see what I could come up with. Ultimately due to the shallow depth, the only stock option at IKEA was the Billy Bookcase. Using the free design builder right on the IKEA website I came up with this design and had it all shipped to me.
The nearest IKEA is 2.5 hours away and totally worth it to pay the $70 in shipping with an order this large. I knew I was going to paint everything so I ordered it in white. The walnut and black oak effects are both really beautiful without needed any further tweaking so if you're looking to go truly off the shelf, check out these options. Here is my design from the IKEA planner.
(shown in walnut and black here but it was sold out in various pieces so I went with all white)
Total pieces:
(2) tall units with two doors
(4) extension units with two doors
(2) short units with two doors
(1) short unit with single door (middle piece)
All of this with shipping was just shy of $900 and comes with all the hardware and shelves.
ASSEMBLY
This really isn’t as bad as some people make it out to be. I have assembled my fair share of IKEA pieces over the past year or so and once you do one, you’ve pretty much done them all and it goes fairly quickly. If you’re more of a visual learner, watch a YouTube video first and you’ll know what you’re doing.
I used a drill, set to the lowest setting, but I think an electric screwdriver is a better choice.
All of the units are assembled with pegs and interlocking devices. The extension units lock into the pieces above and below.
I also removed the baseboards but the units are notched on the back so depending on the size of your baseboard, you may not need to do this. My ceilings are 9ft and I chose to make them go to the ceiling with the extension pieces but you could use less units and build a base to set these on to give it extra height.
I save as much of the baseboards as I can because there’s always other rooms that need repairs or pieces and this stuff is expensive! I use the multitool to score the top and then this pulling bar which leaves much less damage on the walls and the trim than a regular pry bar.
After the units are in place, attach them to the wall with the L brackets making sure to either hit the studs or use anchors. I ended up having to wait to attach it to the wall and moved a few steps ahead before doing so because my husband was still finishing up some electrical.
PREP AND PAINT
Next I filled the shelf peg holes I knew I wouldn’t be needing. I used plastic wood. This part is optional but I think if you’re leaving the units open or using glass doors, it makes a big difference.
I added 1x2 boards between each unit and between each end unit and the wall. This not only makes the unit appear a little more substantial but added enough to make it extend exactly wall to wall. You can get creative here with different size boards. I attached with brad nails and glue. Then used more plastic wood or Bondo on the seams to make it look like one solid peice.
I sanded everything with 120 grit to remove the “shine” of the laminate. This process is for all the surfaces being painted (base units, shelves, doors). You can hand sand or use whatever sander you have. I have the DeWalt Ortibal Sander with this vacuum attachment which really helps keep dust to a minimum.
After sanding, use a tack cloth to pick up the dust and you’re ready to paint!
I always use the BIN shellac primer. It’s stinky but works great. I’ve read about other types of primers or maybe even not needing a primer with the Emerald paint but this is my process and I haven’t tried other ways.
STEPS:
Scuff sand (120 grit) wipe
BIN primer
Sand 220 grit - wipe
BIN primer (yes, 2 coats of primer)
Sand 220 grit - wipe
Paint - Emerald Urethane Enamel by Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore Advance Enamel
2-3 coats depending on coverage with sanding as needed between coats. Be sure to follow re-coat times.
You can used a sprayer or both these paints above are self leveling and can be applied with brush and roller.
I love these rollers for cabinets! I also add Flood to the cabinet paint.
Supply list for painting here too.
Be sure to notice the cure time on your paint and be extra careful with them until they are fully cured. After that you can go back and sand any drips or imperfections. In my experience, the finish will be very durable after following these steps.
I did not put the backings on the units when I installed and instead used planks of flooring as the backs. I glued these to the wall after the units where installed and painted. Contact paper, wallpaper or even tile could also be fun ways to add personalization.
I painted the doors following the same steps above and added hardware.
I used these knobs with back plates on the tall doors only. I placed the knobs on the smaller doors about 1.5 inches from the edge. There was not a pre-drill hole here so I had to make one with my drill.
The color of this unit is Night Owl by Sherwin Williams. I used satin finish on the cabinets and trim and an eggshell finish on the walls in the room.
I also built this cottage style shelf, faux stone wall and countertop made of poplar boards. Those will in a separate post.
I absolutely love how this turned out and these IKEA units added exactly what I was looking for. I could not have built this from scratch (especially 17 doors!) with time and money spent.
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Hope this helps you with your next project!
-Tara