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Ikea Cubbies into a Rustic Apothecary

September 30, 2014

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

Ikea Cubbies into a Rustic Apothecary

original ikea console before

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.

Ikea Cubbies into a Rustic Apothecary

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.

apothecary add base

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.

apothecary molding and trim

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.

side paneling apothecary

5.)  Trim Out Remaining Edges-

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

apothecary molding trim

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. apothecary top ss

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

apothecary panel fix

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 :  hinges

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!

add hinges

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!

PicMonkey Collage polu

 

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!

pulls

 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.

 hardware ss final  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.
 castors sawdust2stitches Overall,  I LOVE the way it turned out.

apothecary edited zoom ss

So pretty. apothecary side edited ss

 Thanks for reading!

Ikea Cubbies into a Rustic Apothecary

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2015

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in Furniture Makeover, Makovers, Organization, Tutorials, Uncategorized # Furniture, Makeover, Re-purpose

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Comments

  1. Sara says

    September 30, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    What a transformation! Everyone has one of these cubbies and this is such an awesome way to transform it!! Thanks!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 3, 2014 at 12:42 am

      Thank you! I can’t help but show everyone who comes to the door! Pretty sure the Fedex guy thinks I’m nuts. 😉

  2. Kay says

    September 30, 2014 at 6:54 pm

    Seriously love this.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 3, 2014 at 12:41 am

      Thank you so much Kay, I LOVE it too!

  3. Vicky says

    September 30, 2014 at 9:05 pm

    Oh my goodness, this is so amazing. What an awesome job!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 3, 2014 at 12:35 am

      Thank you so much!

  4. Leigh Anne says

    October 2, 2014 at 12:27 pm

    What a transformation, this is genius!! Thanks for sharing at Think and Make Thursday!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 3, 2014 at 12:35 am

      My pleasure, thanks for hosting!

  5. Carrie @ Kenarry: Ideas for the Home says

    October 2, 2014 at 7:09 pm

    NO WAY! I cannot believe that started off as a simple Ikea cubbies. You’ve transformed it into an AMAZINGLY GORGEOUS piece of furniture. Thank you so much for sharing at Think and Make Thursday this week!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 3, 2014 at 12:34 am

      Ikea: Who knew right !? Happy to share, thanks for hosting!

  6. Mel K says

    October 2, 2014 at 10:40 pm

    Oh my gosh, this is incredible! Thank you so much for your simple steps on how you did it! I am totally going to do this now, it looks awesome!!!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 3, 2014 at 12:28 am

      Do it, you will love it! Thanks so much for reading and your comment!

  7. Tasha @ Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body says

    October 3, 2014 at 12:50 am

    GENIUS project, Corey! I absolutely love this Ikea hack! Thanks so much for linking up to Think & Make Thursdays!

  8. Anna says

    October 3, 2014 at 10:12 am

    This is amazing!!! I have that same IKEA piece. I think I have to do this with it 🙂

  9. kristin says

    October 5, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    wowza, this is crazy awesome!!! seriously amazing, just shared on my FB page!!!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 5, 2014 at 4:56 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing! Mind blown right !?!

  10. Lolly says

    October 6, 2014 at 8:31 am

    The “ah-ha” deliciousness of the creative mind is remarkable. You can see with the engineer’s eye the other side of the mountain. Creative people bless the world and, best of all, their own selves. Be grateful for your gift. I am.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 11, 2014 at 2:22 pm

      Allison Moyet said “When you have a creative mind it doesn’t stop going.” hahah I am INDEED grateful, and coincidentally sleep deprived, but very grateful! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!

  11. Gina says

    October 9, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous!!!! I love your creativity & vision!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 11, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      Thank you so much for taking the time to say so! Happy reading!

  12. Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says

    October 10, 2014 at 4:18 am

    This is amazing!!! Wow!!! I showed it to my husband and he said “they made that from THAT?” 🙂 Would love for you to share this or any of your DIY at our link up party on my blog please 🙂

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 11, 2014 at 2:10 pm

      Haha that is what I like to hear! I love achieving the “wow factor”. Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment!

  13. Julie at Being Home says

    October 11, 2014 at 4:54 am

    Wow! Fantastic! I have the same Expedit. Lady, I like the way your mind works. 😉

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 11, 2014 at 2:06 pm

      Thanks Julie! You should give it a go, make sure you send pictures if you do!

  14. Julie at Being Home says

    October 11, 2014 at 4:57 am

    Oh, you should totally send all your Ikea hacks to Jules at Ikeahackers.net. 🙂

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 11, 2014 at 2:04 pm

      I do have one up over there! Haha, I have been trying to get this one up over there as well! Great minds think a like! Thank you!

  15. Kyla @ HouseOfHipsters says

    October 13, 2014 at 4:56 pm

    Oh my goodness! This turned out just fantastic! WoW! Nice job!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 13, 2014 at 7:43 pm

      Thanks so much, I was pretty dang excited. Thanks for reading!

  16. coreydecker@gmail.com says

    October 13, 2014 at 7:42 pm

    That’s a toughie, I used a lot of spare wood I had lying around. If I were to take a guess on overall, I would GUESS somewhere around 45-60 ish? It all depends on the lumber yard you go to, and what they have available too. Good luck!

  17. Katie @ Little House of Four says

    October 14, 2014 at 5:03 pm

    This has to be my absolute favorite Ikea hack! You did such an amazing job! I have the exact same Ikea shelf that I’ve been trying to figure out how to makeover and now I know what I’m doing. Thanks so much for the inspiration! I would LOVE for you to link this awesome project up to Your Designs This Time!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 14, 2014 at 8:49 pm

      Thanks Katie! I most definitely will. Thanks for reading!

  18. Amber says

    October 18, 2014 at 12:30 am

    Holy Cow. This is incredible. We are featuring it Monday at YDTT! 🙂 Thanks for linking up!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 19, 2014 at 6:21 pm

      My pleasure, I look forward to it! Thanks for hosting.

  19. Katie @ Little House of Four says

    October 18, 2014 at 12:32 am

    Thanks so much for linking up to Your Designs This Time! I’ve pinned this amazing project to our favorites and features board. Have a great weekend 🙂

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 19, 2014 at 6:23 pm

      Thanks so much! Look forward to it. Thank you for hosting!

  20. Valeria says

    October 19, 2014 at 10:20 am

    Very beautiful and inspirational.
    The only thing is that I do not understand the inch – feet measurements – but I guess there are some sites that can convert these into the metric system.
    Thanks a lot for your tutorial.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 19, 2014 at 6:26 pm

      Valeria thanks for reading! Hopefully the conversion process goes smoothly. They probably have an ap for that!

  21. Ana J says

    October 20, 2014 at 2:15 am

    Hi,your project looks amazing.im on a similar project for my ikea furniture.you really are an inspiration to all of us moms that cant afford expensive furniture but love the style of it.can you please tell me what kind of wood did you use for little squares you glued to doors?and what kind of glue did you use and how long it took to dry?thanks

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 20, 2014 at 2:08 pm

      Thank you so much! I would love to see what you come up with! I ended up using a 1×8 pine board for the doors and I used my planer to make them a lower profile. I used gorilla glue to attach them and I let them sit over night. I don’t think over night is necessary but I think it was 2 in the morning when I finished gluing them in place… It was a good stopping point… 😉

  22. Emily says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:00 am

    Wow! This is an amazing transformation! Love this! Thanks for sharing with us at Your Designs This Time.
    Emily & Erin

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 20, 2014 at 2:09 pm

      My pleasure Emily! Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment!

  23. Erlene says

    October 20, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    Holy great balls of fire this is amazing! I have two of these in our house and they need a makeover like this. Pinned.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 20, 2014 at 2:13 pm

      Haha this is the 2nd one that I have in my house as well, I love them both! Thanks for reading!

  24. kassu says

    October 22, 2014 at 7:45 pm

    I have a question. What size are your square boards?
    representing the doors?
    I love this look!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 23, 2014 at 9:54 pm

      Thank you! Concerning the drawer fronts, they are 6″ wide and 5.25″ tall. Good luck!

  25. Bia says

    October 25, 2014 at 5:46 am

    I love it!
    Do you have an overall idea of how much you spent on the whole project?

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 27, 2014 at 4:24 pm

      Thanks Bia, sorry that’s a really tricky question, I used A LOT of extra materials I had on hand. The hardware was really my only cost and it was about $20 in castors (wheels) $18 in pulls, and $20 in hinges. The hardware was by far the more expensive aspect of this. If you have a Ikea cabinet I would GUESS you come make this for about $100. Sorry I don’t have more specifics for you. Thanks for reading.

  26. Jordy says

    October 27, 2014 at 4:14 pm

    How much did this project cost in total?

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 27, 2014 at 4:27 pm

      Jordy,
      “sorry that’s a really tricky question, I used A LOT of extra materials I had on hand. The hardware was really my only cost and it was about $20 in castors (wheels) $18 in pulls, and $20 in hinges. The hardware was by far the more expensive aspect of this. If you have a Ikea cabinet I would GUESS you come make this for about $100” Sorry I don’t have more specifics. Unfortunately when brainstorming a project I go through my scrap pile and come up with the dimensions etc based on my leftovers. I don’t typically start from scratch on projects. Thanks for reading.

  27. Vicki Cox says

    October 28, 2014 at 4:12 am

    Genius, pure genius!!
    I wasn’t able to find the pulls at our local Michaels, but have online. There are differing sizes, however, so do you know the size of yours?

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 28, 2014 at 4:23 pm

      Vicki,
      I didn’t know they carried other sizes! That’s awesome! Mine are about 2″wide and 3/4″ high. Would love to see pictures when you are done! Thanks for reading and your question!

  28. Kathy Gordon says

    October 29, 2014 at 1:51 pm

    Beautiful. I have a wood cubby similar to this that I will try this on. The funny thing about my cubby is that someone had set it out for trash down the street from me. I convinced my husband to help me drag it home. Right now, I use it on the porch for shoes. It will be so cool to do this to it and really turn “trash” into “treasure”. I appreciate the clear pictures and step-by-step instructions. Many sites have great ideas, but the pictures are not as clear as they could be and the directions are vague. So thank you for your excellent tutorial.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      October 29, 2014 at 5:21 pm

      Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, seriously the feedback is my favorite part of writing the posts. Thanks, and good luck!

  29. Pili says

    October 31, 2014 at 9:37 am

    What can I say?? I just love it!! Great idea to turn ordinary Ikea furniture into something special. Thanks for sharing, I keep your tutorial 🙂

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      November 1, 2014 at 6:10 pm

      That is my favorite aspect of DIY too! Taking something ordinary and making it awesome! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!

  30. evdokia says

    November 1, 2014 at 8:43 pm

    congradulations from your job its perfect!

  31. Charmaine Brown says

    November 4, 2014 at 3:06 pm

    WoW LOVE this,such a great idea.
    Thank you so much for showing us.
    Love love it.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      November 6, 2014 at 3:50 am

      Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! It is my pleasure!

  32. Rachel - Curbside Design says

    November 5, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    This is an amazing transformation! I have two of these ikea shelves as my media center and I have been HATING them lately. This tutorial is perfect, I can’t wait to make them pretty! Thank you!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      November 6, 2014 at 3:49 am

      How perfect! Good luck, and I would love to see pictures!

  33. Callie says

    November 5, 2014 at 8:08 pm

    Just wondering what the dimensions are for the drawer fronts. Also, I didn’t see where you used the 1×2’s and 1×4’s. Thanks, it looks great!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      November 6, 2014 at 3:46 am

      The drawer fronts a 6″x 5.25″. The 1×4’s are used as the trim around the top and the bottom of the cabinet. I used the 1×2’s as trim on the sides. Thanks so much for reading and good luck!!

  34. callie says

    November 6, 2014 at 9:09 pm

    Thank you so much for your quick reply!! I have an old ikea bookcase I will try this on this weekend. Can’t wait to try my hand at it 🙂

  35. Melissa says

    November 14, 2014 at 2:46 am

    OMG AMAZING! By far one of the best IKEA makeovers I’ve seen. I have the same black shelf, but it no longer fits my decor. Going to try this! THANKS!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      November 15, 2014 at 12:25 am

      That is awesome! Good luck and I would love to see pictures when you are done!

  36. Vanessa says

    November 15, 2014 at 6:30 am

    Awesome Job…Thanks for sharing. #ithinkican

  37. Michelle says

    November 16, 2014 at 2:24 am

    Absolutely beautiful!!

  38. callie says

    November 16, 2014 at 4:21 pm

    One last questions, which wood did you use for the drawer fronts? was it the 1×4 or plywood or something else? Thanks!

  39. Callie says

    November 16, 2014 at 6:13 pm

    I was wondering what you made the drawer fronts from- was it the plywood? Thanks!!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      November 16, 2014 at 8:49 pm

      Thank you for bringing that to my attention. You can use a 1/4″ plywood, if it has a nice finish, or I used a 1×8 and planed it down so it was a little thinner. Hopefully that helps, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
      Thanks for reading.

  40. Sarah Hirschi says

    November 20, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    This is beautiful!! I am planning on building one. Did you use a finishing nailer for this project? Also what are the dimensions for the doors? Thanks. Excited to get started.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      November 21, 2014 at 10:19 pm

      Sarah, Thanks for reading! Honestly with the doors I would suggest cutting it to fit. I planed all my boards first so the dimensions would differ. Sorry, I know that isn’t very helpful, but I would hate to steer you wrong! Good luck, and I would love to see if when you are finished!

  41. Heather @ Viral Upcycle says

    November 21, 2014 at 3:39 am

    This piece is so classic and beautiful. Without having seen your informing tutorial I would have never guessed it was a hack. What a great way to upcycle.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      November 21, 2014 at 2:37 pm

      Thank you so much Heather! I love that people would never suspect, until I show them how it opens! Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment!

  42. Zee Thomas says

    November 22, 2014 at 12:55 am

    GIRL !! You are crazy good.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      November 22, 2014 at 1:23 am

      Haha, thank you! I will go ahead and put an emphasis on “crazy”. Thanks Lady!

  43. Loes K. says

    November 29, 2014 at 3:04 pm

    hey corey,
    i love how it turned out, i showed it to a freind and she was like WHAT?! how can an ikea expedit become this beautifull? i have 2 of these in my room and they need a make over! so thank you for this perfect toturial, i do have 1 question in what do you measure? i am from the netherlands (sorry if my english is a little sloppy), we measure in centimeters, i can translate it from your measuring but i don’t know what, ‘s, means… is it something with inch? but really, it is amazing!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      November 30, 2014 at 9:26 pm

      Your English is excellent. The ” ‘s” just means it’s plural, meaning more than 1. Just convert to centimeters and you will be fine. Thanks for reading!

  44. Kristen says

    November 30, 2014 at 2:51 am

    What an awesome project! I actually gasped when I saw this, it is exactly what I have been looking for for a fraction of the price! I do have a question, did you miter the corner trim pieces?

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      November 30, 2014 at 9:23 pm

      I do miter the corner trim piece. You could easily do a straight edge if you don’t have access to the right tools though! Thanks so much for reading and good luck!

  45. Abby says

    December 6, 2014 at 11:28 pm

    Corey, great work! So creative! Thank you for sharing the step by step process. I have 2 questions:
    1. Did you alter the original cubbys at all? It looks like you may have cut a notch out of the top and bottom corners of the middle partitions to make the inside trim sit back from the 1×4 that you used as the top and bottom outside trim.

    2. I am attempting to do your process using the Target equivalent of the IKEA cubbys. On my cubby, the boards that form the sides, base and top are only half the thickness of the boards on your cubby. Do you think I should add plywood squares to the sides and the top and bottom of the cubby holes to make the walls thicker? What would you do? Any thoughts are appreciated!
    Thanks!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      December 7, 2014 at 12:28 am

      Abby, Sorry for the delayed response. For your first question, I don’t quite understand where you were questioning,but, no I didn’t cut into the original cubbies. Secondly, I don’t think you need to bulk up the sides, unless you want to. So long as the cubbies are sturdy as they are. You could probably use a 1×2 on the side trim instead of the 1×3 if you wanted too. Hopefully that helps, and I would love to see what you come up with.

  46. Cali says

    December 28, 2014 at 5:45 am

    This is CRAZY awesome! I am not that handy yet with the measuring and the cutting of wood trims, but this has definitely motivated me to do something about that! Well done!

  47. Vanessa Arita says

    December 29, 2014 at 3:01 pm

    Hi,
    i was wondering how you applied the stain? did you apply more coats to the top and the lil mini drawers?

    thanks

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      December 30, 2014 at 5:24 am

      Yes, I did apply stain. You can use any number of techniques. I brushed it on with foam brush, and then wipe off the excess with a rag.

  48. Elic says

    December 31, 2014 at 2:19 pm

    A-MAZE-ing!!! Personally I’m totally obsessed with little drawers (maybe because I bead) but this is to DIE for! Sadly, I’m just not that handy. I’ve been totally wanting one of those cubby cases for AGES to sort my craft supplies. I guess I really need one room just floor to ceiling storage, and then the roomie needs one too…

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      January 1, 2015 at 4:10 am

      Thank you! A genuine apothecary would be amazing for bead storage!I dream of a room of nothing but pretty storage!

  49. Karen says

    January 1, 2015 at 3:45 am

    This is truly amazing! So inspiring and the entire wall is dorated so gorgeously. Did you also make the mirror? I love the clocks and typewriter too. So cute. Looks just like an old library! Thank you.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      January 1, 2015 at 4:07 am

      Karen, Thank you, I did make the mirror. Want to know a little secret? It is actually a gun safe!

  50. vanessa arita says

    January 4, 2015 at 10:22 pm

    Hi Corey
    The corner trim pieces(step 4) what size wood was used for front and for the sides?

    Thanks
    Vanessa

  51. Megan @ Our Pinteresting Family says

    January 6, 2015 at 2:05 am

    This is incredible. I absolutely adore it!

  52. Sue@CountryDesignHome says

    January 9, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    Brilliant! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better Ikea hack than this one! Well done! Just liked you on Facebook and following you on Pinterest and Google+. (not that I’m a DIY stalker or anything-lol!) Loving your amazing ideas!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      January 10, 2015 at 3:12 pm

      Are you kidding ? As a blogger we LOVE social media stalkers! Thank you for reading!

  53. Mary says

    January 9, 2015 at 6:19 pm

    WOW! I am blown away on how awesome that cabinet/console turned out. I have been looking for plans to build a new TV console in my room because the old Ikea cubbies i have currently looks messy and unorganized. You have given me a great idea in transforming that cubbie into a apothecary cabinet with doors. Hooray!! I can’t wait to get started working on this project. Thanks for sharing.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      January 10, 2015 at 3:10 pm

      Thanks Mary, I totally agree, unless it can HIDE things, it is pretty useless for actually organizing! Good luck, and I would love to see pictures of what you create!

  54. Teddee Grace says

    January 9, 2015 at 9:38 pm

    This is astounding! And you make it look easy enough to actually try. Just wish I had space in my one-room apartment for the requisite saws!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      January 10, 2015 at 3:06 pm

      Thanks Teddee, hahah I agree I don’t think I would attempt this with a handsaw :). Thanks for reading!

  55. coreydecker@gmail.com says

    January 10, 2015 at 3:09 pm

    Do it! I love it when I have cheap finds! I can go into it with the mindset “what have I got to lose?!” Good luck, and I would love to see pictures when you do!

  56. Joel says

    January 20, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    Great finished piece!

    I did have a suggestion: It’s not too difficult to find antique casters (if you want it on casters) to replace those new ones.

    All metal, wood wheel, ceramic wheel… either way, it would really finish the piece out and tie it all together.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      January 23, 2015 at 3:14 am

      I totally agree with you! I was searching flea markets and trying to find some really ornate ones! I got a little impatient, and those ones had to make due.

  57. Grace says

    January 21, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    I am in love with the original mirror above the cabinet. Does it have hidden storage as well? Thinking about it being used for jewelry storage…etc. The cabinet turned out beautiful. I wish I had some cubbies to convert.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      January 23, 2015 at 3:11 am

      You are right! That was the original gun case! He just got the upgrade for Christmas. 🙂

  58. Lauren Shaver says

    January 29, 2015 at 7:30 pm

    Hey Corey! Quick question for ya. I’m thinking of doing this apothecary effect on my bathroom cabinets. What sort of wood did you use for square fake apothecary drawers? Is that 1’2″ plywood cut into squares too or a different size? Thanks!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      January 30, 2015 at 2:46 am

      That would work! I used 1×6, and used my planer to thin it down a little bit. But, I have no doubt a decent piece of 1/2 plywood would work. Just sand the edges well and maybe use wood grain filler on the edges. I want to see your bathroom if you do it!

  59. Cassandra Macle says

    January 29, 2015 at 9:11 pm

    Questions, questions as I want to try this but it will be a first!
    Was there a back on the original unit and did you put one on the finished piece?
    It appears that you stained everything after attaching, does that make it more difficult to access the interior pieces for staining such as the interior of the doors and visible strips of pine?
    You stated that you covered the remaining laminate but I only see the vertical pieces covered, did you also cover the horizontal strips so the doors close firmly?
    If a back was attached, what size/thickness plywood was used and was it stained before being attached?
    Last question, are the original cubbies the same size after the redo or did any of the added trim diminish the size of the cubbies, wondering in case I use baskets. Thanks for a gorgeous piece and incredible tutorial and I apologize if any of my questions were answered and I just missed it…

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      January 30, 2015 at 2:57 am

      The Ikea cubbies do not come with backing on them, I added a piece of paneling. The paneling is fairly thin, about 1/8″ thick. I just used a composite panel, so I did not bother to stain it, seeing as it would not be visible.
      I didn’t stain it during, simply because it is easier to show for a tutorial. Feel free to stain it in any order you would like. Professionals usually wait until the piece is completely finished, but I don’t necessarily follow that rule.
      If I understand your question correctly, no I did not cover the horizontal cross sections of the cubbies. The cabinet doors are inset, so the door sits against the horizontal laminate dividers.
      The cubbies opening are covered partially. So you would not be able to fit the traditional ikea cubbies. Hopefully that helps a little?! Good luck!

  60. Christie says

    February 7, 2015 at 6:42 pm

    I just found your website & I LOVE your projects! You have really inspired me to get moving! Of course, I adore your cabinet makeover….but I was wondering about your clock display, particularly about the name plates underneath. The clocks look like I could find them at Walmart or a type of dollar store, perhaps even spray paint with brushed bronze spray paint?, but I have no clue how to make those name plates. Could you please tell me how you did that? Thanks so much!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      February 9, 2015 at 3:00 am

      Christie, would love to share. Just for you, I will make up a post for it this week! Stay tuned!

  61. Stacey says

    February 9, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    This is the most awesome upcycle ever!

  62. Monique Viera says

    February 19, 2015 at 7:09 am

    If you ever happen to not want this anymore, please for the love of God sell it to me. I’m trying to make my bedroom more Steampunk-y and that would look AMAZING!!!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      February 21, 2015 at 9:13 pm

      Hahah, NOTED. 🙂

  63. Hestia Athena says

    March 7, 2015 at 2:03 am

    This is incredible! Totally love this! I luv the look of it. Apothecary cabinets are so beautiful, but to make a bookshelf into a replica is brilliant. I might have to try this!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      March 11, 2015 at 3:08 am

      Thanks so much, it is definitely one of my favorite pieces!

  64. Rebecca says

    April 6, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    I have this cabinet and consider it an eye sore. I am so excited to do try this. Thank you for sharing.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      April 8, 2015 at 1:57 am

      my pleasure! Thanks for reading!

  65. Kyra says

    April 9, 2015 at 12:15 am

    Looks great! Did you have any issues with attaching the hinges to the hollow core? And have they held up so far? I am always nervous to hang any weight on the sides of the expedit pieces.

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      April 9, 2015 at 2:20 am

      I haven’t has any issues. Knock on wood. 😉

  66. Lauren says

    April 18, 2015 at 7:26 pm

    Hi Corey!
    Love this beautiful project! Did you publish the measurements anywhere that I’m missing? I have the same ikea piece and was hoping to do something like this when serendipitously I found your article! Let me know.

    Thanks so much and great job, your work is beautiful!
    Cheers,
    Lauren

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      April 19, 2015 at 1:11 am

      Sorry no, I didn’t. I used a lot of customized boards ( using a planer etc.) So I made the tutorial as more of a step by step guideline. I would strongly suggest cutting all boards to fit anyways. Hopefully the tutorial helps. Thanks for reading.

  67. Zoor says

    April 25, 2015 at 11:32 am

    Wow how ridiculously good!! Found your picture on pinterest and had to comment!

  68. Paola says

    May 6, 2015 at 3:06 am

    wow! this is stunning!

  69. Christina says

    April 24, 2016 at 8:31 am

    Has the glue held up? This is such a fantastic idea…. was just worried about using glue! I have a couple green ikea kallax units that I probably won’t use as such in our new house… but something like this would be PERFECT!!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      April 28, 2016 at 10:40 am

      I haven’t had any issues with them holding up!

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Hi everyone, my name is Corey, and I have a problem. I can’t leave well enough alone… The best therapy usually involves a variety of power tools. So, in the few “spare” moments I am not entertaining my two beautiful, rambunctious, boys, I can typically be found hunched over a sewing machine and/or covered in sawdust. All in the efforts to create a perfect balance of aesthetics and practicality in our home.
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