Before & After: From Awkward to Functional Under $200
This lovely townhouse had a problem: an underutilized space between the living room and the kitchen that was supposed to be a formal dining room. Because the home already had a big dine-in kitchen, the tiny room was awkward and left unused.
A much better solution for this family was to convert the room to a work space and music room. Selling an old, hefty wood desk helped fund the construction of a new custom workstation made from existing file cabinets. Some IKEA-hacking later, and the new functional space has the look of built-ins without the price!
From Joy:
I do a lot of blogging and crafting, so the wide two-person workspace is super handy, especially with a pair of littles who want to join me with their coloring projects. We also love having a little nook for the piano with a gallery wall for family photos.
Cost Breakdown of the Desk:
- File Cabinets: Free
- 96″ IKEA Pragel Countertop: $69
- Karlstad Sofa Legs x 2: $40
- Spray paint: $20
- Bracket and bolts: $1
- Total: $140!
See more of the project here.
Thank you Joy!
Re-edited from a post originally published 1.5.14-NT