There are lots to love about IKEA, but itโs certainly true to itโs minimalist Scandinavian style. Minimalist being the key word.
Itโs hard to feel like youโre adding a unique or personalized flair to your home when everyone else in the world (well, at least in 40+ other countries) has the same shelving unit as you do.
Thatโs not to say that those Ektorp sofas arenโt iconicโฆ but when something lasts forever (pro) it can start to feel a little tired (con).
Well the duo behind โThe Rehab Lifeโ has taken their plain IKEA furniture and entirely transformed it into something incredible!
JP Strate and Liz Spillman are a couple from Minneapolis that specializes in property rehab. And they want to show you how to upgrade your property too.
With detailed instructions and a list of just 12 materials, JP demonstrates how to turn an IKEA shelving unit into a beautiful kitchen island.
First, he puts the shelving unit together. As for instruction, youโre on your own for this part โ and have to use the infamous assembly booklet that comes with all IKEA furniture.
Proceed with caution: it has a pretty unfavorable reputationโฆ building this furniture is almost sure to cause an argument with your partner.
But you guys will handle it. You got this. I believe in you.
JP then starts measuring, cutting, sanding, coating, and assembling some of the wood pieces.
He then attaches the IKEA shelving unit to the wooden structure he built from scratch.
Placing some wood panels on the back of the unit, he uses the drill to screw them all in place.
At the corners of the unit, at the edge of each panel, and a few extras for good measure.
VERY IMPORTANT STEP:
Make sure your dog approves.
Once the pup has given his wag of approval, JP flips the unit back upright.
He places two panels of wood on the top, securing them with more screws all over, to create a beautiful wooden counter top.
To cover up the wooden base with something a little more neat looking, JP overlays the white baseboards across the bottom section of the unit.
The baseboard goes all the way around the bottom, along the sides and even the back section of the island.
This will be handy if you ever need to move it and donโt want it up against a wall.
Lastly, set it up in your kitchen or any other room that needs a little island, and voila! A functional and beautiful spot to display whatever makes you happy.
Take notes from The Rehab Life duo, who decorated their island with everything from flowers and wine to bowls and baskets.
Get that final seal of approval from your nearest dog, and youโre done!
Itโs no longer just another IKEA shelf.
Honestly, Iโve never seen a better and/or easier interior design glow up in my life. I am inspired.
I think even I, who has never held a drill before, could pull this off!
You definitely could. Happy renovating!
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