Finding A Hidden Space

A few years ago I needed a new wall microwave-oven combo.  I noticed when the guys took out the old one, there was a small space above the microwave that someday may become a new challenge for me. 

The time arrived last week and this space became usable.  Here is what I did.

Above is the original cabinet. It is actually a stationary panel that has a great little space behind it.  I started by removing the panel and installing a shelf.  I purchased the wood at Home Depot, cut it to fit and mounted it inside the space. L-brackets work well for this, but with such a small space they were difficult to screw in.  I did manage, but it was not easy.

Below I have placed some of things that I'm storing inside.  Hey, I just love this-a new space that will serve a real purpose.

Look closely and you'll see the magnets that I installed. These keep the cabinet tightly closed when not in use. I've used these magnets before and they really work well.

My next step was to create a new panel for the front.  My idea was to attach 2 brass hinges on the top so the cabinet would open and close easily.  I think you can see them in the photo below. The panel was just a cut piece of wood that was sanded down.  I attached "rope" molding all the way around just to add to it.

Below it the new cabinet stained to match with the addition of a handle that matches the rest of the kitchen cabinets.  It opens easily and I can store flat pans, cookie sheets and cupcake trays in there.  Actually the space has plenty of room because it is very deep.

I must say, a very satisfying project. I'm always looking around for hidden spaces in my home.  Over the years I've managed to find lots of them.  This one is a real treasure.

I wish that when they build houses they would use some "space" intelligence.  That's why we need more woman putting more input into the building of houses.  Every single square foot would make sense.

Christy

01 02 12

Building a Library around a Window Box

I recently showed you the window box that I created in the perfect space.  A cove in one of the bedrooms that was too small for furniture but big enough to create the perfect window box with surrounding shelves.  Don't you hate areas that are useless? Now that it's all finished I'll show you how this useless area became very functional.

Above is the window box.  There is plenty of space around the window and above the box to build a small library where there is plenty of room for books, photos and other little items.

The front of the box has bead board on it.  This I glued on and then reinforced with small nails and trimmed out.

Below is a photo of the area that is available on either side of the window for the shelves.

The area that I have decided to build this library is painted a different color than the rest of the room.

I used all MDF wood for this project.  I love this stuff.  It's sanded for you, easy to cut and is never warped.  I planned out what I thought it should look like on paper first and then took some measurements.  I measured at least three times so I get it right before making my cuts.  I cut all the wood with a miter saw, used power screws to anchor and pre-drilled all screws.  I made all the holes that a screw would fit in, bigger.  All those holes were plugged with wood buttons.  This hides the screw and gives a finished look. 

Here you see the finished look.

The shelves and trim are painted with high gloss white.  

Photos of work in progress.

Notice the right side is yellow?  I decided to switch the background to high gloss white.  I was thinking this would make it look more "built in".  It's all coming together now.

This is what the top looks like.

 Three long shelves.

Above you'll see a hinged box that I added to both sides of the shelves on the very bottom.  I used a scroll saw to create the curve, added little brass hinges so it opens and closes.  The wood piece on the top was purchased at the craft store.  This box serves as a little hiding place for special items.

Some suggestions:

This entire unit was caulked with white caulk before it was painted.  This gives a finished look.  All screws were hidden.

Always measure three times and use a level.  There's nothing worse than crooked shelves.

Use all your space.  The shelves went to the very top of the ceiling.

Be creative and add some fun stuff.

In my case the shelves are fairly narrow.  Paperback books will fit fine on here.

I bought a piece of foam and covered it for the seat.  I matched up some fabric and sewed up some curtains.  Not all of the books and things are up yet, but it will happen.  You'll notice at the very top of the unit I added some wood scroll work.

I still haven't had an opportunity to add things to the top shelf.

The cat loves it!

Here is a closer look at the box and below you can see the hinges that allows it open and close.

They come in handy and add some interest to the shelves.

The comforter above is what I used to inspire all the colors in the room.  I got this on Overstock.com for a very good price.  I took one of the shams to the fabric store and matched it up for the curtains and pillow cover.

The entire shelf unit cost under $150.00.

Happy Building!

Christy

01 02 12

How About a Built In Window Seat?

How About A Window Box?

So I have an area in my daughter's room in front of a large window that would be great for a window box, but how do I do that?  Well, I think building a large box would do it, so that's what I did.  I measured out the area and figured out exactly what height and length I needed.  One problem hits me almost right away.  The room is wall to wall carpet.  Do I cut the rug out and build the box on top or leave the rug and build the box over it?  I'm leaving the rug there because it's easier-plain and simple.

I have also decided to be practical. My window seat will have storage in it.  That just makes

 sense!  This space, in front of the window is not really functional either.  It's too small for a bed so creating a "space" where you can sit and read, and enjoy the scenery makes more sense.

I 've decide to use 2 X 4's to make a simple frame (including a center support for weight), cover the front with bead board, install plywood on the top and add a piano hinge for my opening.

The frame went up in no time.  I actually carried my trim saw upstairs to make all my cuts so I wasn't running up and down for every board.  The important part for me was making sure the seat was level, which it was.

Above is a not-so-great picture so you get the idea.  Unfortunately, the glare from the window didn't give me the best photograph.

The front of the window seat is bead board which was simply nailed onto the 2 X 4's.  The top opening is fitted with a piano hinge (available at Home Depot), so it opens and closes easily. The piano hinge works well here because it is very long.

 There is plenty of space in that seat for storing stuff.  The entire

 seat was painted with high gloss white.  I added floor trim to the base to blend in with the rest of the trim that surrounds the room.  I've since purchased a long piece of foam rubber that I will cover with fabric so the seat is comfortable.

The seat is all done, but not really.  I've decided to build a small library all around the box and window.  I started that several weeks ago (it was a big project) and it is almost done.  I'll post that next.

This may seem like a complicated project but it was actually very simple.  Thinking it out, measuring accurately and being creative gets the job done.

Some of my tips:

• counter sink nails and screws so you can put in some wood putty for a smooth finished surface.
• Use liquid nails to install plywood and bead board-but always use small nails too so it holds together
• Trim hides everything and also gives a finished look
• Caulk, caulk and caulk.  Placing caulk where the wood meets gives a nice finished look when it's all painted
• Always think out the project and take measurements twice

Christy

01 02 12