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Not too long ago I  completed an Ikea makeover that  I absolutely  loved!  (See that awesome project here.)  That makeover  got my  brain ticking…   Let me introduce you to my newest makeover conquest turning Ikea cubbies into a rustic apothecary.  Just to keep it real, this post does contain affiliate links. However,  I never promote a product I do not personally use and love.  Thanks.

Ikea Cubbies into a Rustic Apothecary

Materials Used:

• Old Ikea shelf or something similar
• 1×2’s
• 1×4’s
• 2×4’s
• 2×10’s
• Wood Trim
• Gorilla Wood Glue
• Minwax Stain
• Foam Brushes
• Drawer Pulls
• Flush Mount Hinges 4(sets) total of 8
• Casters (4)

Tools Suggested :

• Nail Gun
• Compressor
• Table Saw
• Miter  Saw
• Sander

1.) Build  Up the Base-

I began turning my Ikea cubbies into a rustic apothecary by adding 2×4’s as a base.   This will give it an additional 1.5″  in the overall height, and give the base some visual weight.

2.) Trim Out Base–

I added trim around the base,  I made the trim pieces wide enough to completely  cover the  edge of the cabinet as well as the 2×4.  When adding trim I would suggest creating mitered joints.  Secure in place by  gluing and reinforce with nails.

3. Trim Out Top-

Repeat the same process on the perimeter of the top edge.  Again, miter the corners,  Gorilla Glue’d  that sucker in place, and then reinforced with nails.

4.) Add Corner Trim Pieces- 

Cut trim pieces to fit.  Beginning with the front edges, and following on the side trim pieces. Again, glue and then nail in place.  I then added paneling on the side.

5.)  Trim Out Remaining Edges-

At this point I covered all the remaining exposed  laminate  edges.

6.) Add Top –

I used 2×10’s on the top. I decided to rip down the 2×10’s so there would not be as much over hang.   By using 2×10’s  it will give the top and additional 1.5″ and  give the piece visual balance.

Ikea Cubbies into a Rustic Apothecary – The Doors

7. ) Make Doors-

I used a 1/2″  plywood for my doors. The  doors will  need to be able to sit WITHIN the opening. I  simply measured  from the edge of the opening  to the support/divider

8.) Attach  Doors-

I wanted my doors to be inset ( flush with trim) so that it would not really  look like a door.   In order to achieve this look I needed to use these : 

I am not going to sugar coat it,  I have only  used these one other time.  They are  a little tricky when it comes to getting everything perfectly  aligned.  I don’t  have any great words of wisdom,  except  persevere!

Ikea Cubbies into a Rustic Apothecary – Staining

9.) Stain/Polyurethane –

A big thanks to the folks over at Minwax!  I use their Jacobean Stain and finish with their Clear Satin polyurethane.  I love this finish!

 

10.) Add Hardware-

When it came to picking hardware I knew I wanted the traditional “Label Pull”, but they don’t really  sell them at most hardware stores.  Lucky for me I was  in the wood craft section of Michaels and lo and behold,  look what I found!

 They carry a 4 pack for only $1.99! Seriously,  I was ecstatic!

 There were a LOT of pulls to install so I  made a template.  I HIGHLY  recommend it.  The last thing you want after all the time and effort is for your  hardware to be installed all wonky.  The template will help keep  everything aligned.   I  just  cut a piece of card stock to the dimensions of the drawer fronts.  I then  found the desired placement for the pulls and punched two small  holes where the screws would go.  Easy peasy.

   The last thing I added for aesthetics  was metal  castors.  I found these ones at Home Depot for just over $5.00 a piece.  I was in love.  They were a little too bright for my taste,  so I dusted them with some Oil Rubber Bronze Spray Paint, and they came out perfect! I did make this a while ago, and I believe they  still carry them at Home Depot,  if not  they  have them on Amazon.
Overall,  I LOVE the way it turned out.

So pretty.

 Thanks for reading!