Hello AT,
Chartreuse horror show aside, I've been looking everywhere for pointers on installing some white cabinetry exactly like what Mr. Green Jeans here has in his bedroom. I've heard that Ikea is a good resource for projects like this, but this is entirely new territory for me,...
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...and I have no idea if this is the kind of project I could pull off myself and on the cheap. So that's that folks - where should I buy them and how should I install them? Also, I'd like the cabinets to enclose a heat register/radiator - any bright ideas?
Thanks, Nick
Dear Nick,
To really get a nice, tight fitting built-in cabinet under a window and around a radiator, etc, you ideally want to go with a custom cabinet maker. With off the shelf pieces you might get lucky, but you won't have alot of room to maneuver.
Here's out tips:
For a good, lowish cost custom built in go to Knossos Cabinetry. You have to do a lot of the legwork yourself and be really specific in terms of what you want (they speak Greek more than English), but they can do a good job. Watch them however, as some people have been disappointed.
For DIY, we've heard good things about using Ikea kitchen cabinets for other uses. Their Akurum line comes in white, may be a little deeper than you want, but will definitely cost you less.
Also, folks have recommended Manhattan Cabinetry in this thread.
Anyone else??
the depth issue of ikea's cabinets can be solved by getting uppers instead of lowers. they do range from 12" d to 36" d i think. you also have wiggle room on the height of the cabinets. they have risers, too. if you reinforce the parts properly and further strengthen the integrity of ikea's cabinet, cutting out the back would be ok to make room for the radiator. it's all doable, you just need some power tools! then, you can get white glossy doors or aluminum w/ frosted glass or black or wood or whatevah.
view kdkaboom's profile
If you want to incorporate a radiator, you'll also need to make sure you've got the right air flow, otherwise you'll just be heating your cupboards and not the room. You'll need some sort of grill at the bottom to let the cold air in and another grill or space at the top to let the heat out.
view zooza's profile
LOVE the color!
view ForbiddenFruit's profile
zooza's right, and it's muy importante. you might be able to cut out at the top and set in a perforated material (punched tin, wood slats, etc) and put the cabinets on risers, then use a perforated kick plate. here's a photo of what my brother built on our window/radiator wall (the poplar 1x1 pieces let the air flow, and the walnut slab has holes drilled to let the heat up and out...this is where the cats sleep hehe)
http://flickr.com/photos/kdkaboom/418413235/in/set-72157594582252178/
view kdkaboom's profile
Very cool. As usual the cat is the perfect accent.
view Michael's profile
I scrounged up before and in progress shots to show a lil of what we did:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kdkaboom/444010000/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kdkaboom/444009998/
view kdkaboom's profile
Check out Speedy Closets they have white cabinets and shelving in a variety of styles that might work.
view blloyd62's profile
I'm trying to find a posting from March about making photo murals, blowups, etc. The piece was perhaps about making your own window shade or headboard or wall mural. It wasn't rasterbator...any help?
thanks
view dahlush's profile
I LIKE the green. (Though was also humored by the `Mr. Green Jeans' reference!)
view Sharon's profile
Agreed, the green is nicely done.
view Suzanne's profile
Should have mentioned the whole apartment is here if anybody is interested in seeing it:
http://www.curbed.com/archives/2007/03/30/thats_rather_hideous_its_not_easy_being_green.php
It is something!
view Suzanne's profile