Cabinetry isn’t limited to kitchen spaces. With a touch of imagination and thoughtful planning, standard cabinets, or as they’re sometimes called, prefabricated cabinets, can be the cornerstone for custom storage solutions throughout a residence, even extending to the basement.
The simplest stock cabinets, the kind you’d find at your local home improvement store, can be transformed in remarkable ways. By incorporating creative layouts, custom trim, fillers, and a fresh coat of paint, these cabinets can become versatile storage options across the home. They are more budget-friendly than custom or semi-custom cabinets, and when paired with a dash of creativity, they offer the perfect solution for those with a penchant for luxury on a budget.
This innovative approach is exactly what DIY enthusiast Erin Marshall from Atlanta stumbled upon. She utilizes cost-effective stock cabinets to craft everything from sideboards and butler’s pantries to TV entertainment units and storage walls. Each project not only enhances her skills but also boosts her confidence to delve into new experiments. “You can paint stock cabinets, trim them, and give them a completely custom look,” Marshall explains. Her tip for novices: “Begin with something small. Just give it a try. The hardest part is taking that first step.”
When Marshall and her husband bought their first home, a foreclosed property, her DIY skills were rather basic. Yet, as an avid fan of home renovation shows and a keen learner, she plunged right into the project. What started as a straightforward tile job has now blossomed into a full-time passion for DIY.
For her basement bar project, Marshall designed and constructed the entire bar from scratch, saving $5,000 compared to what a professional would have charged. She mixed and matched white flat-pack upper cabinets from IKEA with unfinished wood lower cabinets from a home center, personalizing them with primer, enamel paint, and meticulous finishing. She advises allowing the paint to cure for 72 hours and using a sponge roller for the most even application.
To complete the bar, Marshall initially attempted a clever trick: painting plywood to replicate marble. While it initially seemed impressive, the finish eventually wore thin over time. True to her DIY ethos, she adapted, replacing it with a quartz countertop that mimicked the same veining effect.
She also included a beverage cooler, which can be found for about $200, to round out the project. The basement bar now serves as a chic gathering spot for entertainment. Stock cabinets offer a flexible and transformative means to elevate your space. Just inject your own creativity and “can do” attitude.
