Dreaming of a closet that’s both stylish and organized? Look no further than built-in closet cabinets and shelves!
This home renovation blog post dives into a fabulous closet transformation on our Hawai’i property, showcasing how built-in cabinets can create a space-saving, functional, and eco-friendly haven for your clothes and accessories. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for custom closet cabinets, built-in wardrobe DIY projects, or building closet shelving, we’ve got you covered!
Getting Started with Built-In Custom DIY Closet Cabinets and Shelves
From Chaotic Mess to Organized Oasis: A Step-by-Step Guide
Our journey began with a cluttered closet – a disorganized mess inherited from previous owners. We knew it needed a major overhaul to maximize its potential. Here’s how we transformed it using built-in cabinets:
Step 1: Declutter and Plan
First things first: decluttering! We cleared out the space, allowing for accurate measurements (7ft x 10ft in our case). With a clear picture of the space, we sketched out a design for built-in cabinets and shelves.
Step 2: Enhance Lighting and Prep Walls
We replaced the old light fixture with dimmable recessed lighting (2700k) to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The walls were then prepped for painting.
Step 3: Building and Installation
- Building Closet Shelving: Sturdy birch plywood shelves were constructed to fit perfectly within the space.
- DIY Built-In Cabinets: We embraced the DIY spirit by installing hanging bars, brackets, painting the interior, and building custom shelves.
- Building Drawers for Closets: Custom drawers were crafted to seamlessly integrate with the built-in cabinets, offering ample storage for smaller items. If you’re not comfortable with DIY drawers, consider hiring a carpenter for this step.
Materials List and Cost Estimates
- Birch ¾” Plywood (5-4×8 sheets): $450
- Birch ½” Plywood (2-4×8 sheets): $140
- Birch ¼” Plywood (1-4×8 sheets): $50
- Modern Drawer Handles: $35 for a 10-pack
- Soft-close drawer slides (18″): $110 for a 10-pack
- Soft-close inset hinges: $25 for a 10-pack
- Dimmable recessed lighting: $12 (comes in a 20-pack for $120, we used two in the closet)
- Modern Black Storage Baskets from Ross: $95
- Art, Mirror, Plant/Plant Stand, and Bench Cushion Supplies: $100
- Black Hanging Bars and Brackets from Lowe’s: $65
- Paint (White and Black): $60
- Black Rug from Walmart: $35
- Labor for Drawers (with part DIY for the Built-In Shelving): $600
Total Estimated Cost for Supplies and Labor (with part DIY): $1,777
Sliding Barn Door (if applicable):
10-foot 2-door barn track kit: $100
30″ two-panel slab door from Lowe’s: $94
Step 4: The Organized Oasis Awaits!
The final result? A beautifully organized closet that feels like a personal oasis. Here are some key takeaways for a successful built-in closet transformation:
- Planning is Key: Measure meticulously and design thoughtfully, considering your storage needs and how the built-in cabinets and shelves will best utilize the space.
- Invest in Quality: Opt for durable and long-lasting materials like birch plywood.
- Embrace Eco-Choices: Use eco-friendly paints and sustainable materials whenever possible.
- DIY for Savings and Personalization: Consider incorporating DIY elements to personalize your project and save on labor costs.
Transform Your Space with Built-In Cabinets and Shelves
Built-in cabinets offer a fantastic way to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your closet. This project exemplifies how thoughtful design and quality materials can create a beautiful, organized, and eco-friendly space. Whether you’re tackling a built-in wardrobe DIY project or building closet shelving, we hope this transformation inspires you to create your own organized oasis!
As always, mahalo for joining us for this week’s home renovation blog! This post is part of our home renovation blog series about transforming our home in Waimea, Hawai’i Island, called Hale o Ka’ala (house of the fragrant mountain).
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