This project was truly a "Something from Nothing". In the summer of 2009 we began a major renovation project adding over 1000 square feet to our country bungalow. It truly was a labour of love. In January 2010 we began this exciting project.
Bookcases were the next project several months later, and for some reason I didn't document it well. We looked at custom cabinetry as the space is not equal on each side, due to the door to our bedroom. However the cost was more than we could stand so then we looked at several alternatives. I kept saying that kitchen cabinets should work somehow, but Handy Husband wasn't sure. I surfed the web and ended up designing these with help from an Ikea salesperson. We used Ramsjo wall cabinets( they were the only ones that were finished on the inside in the same colour as the cabinet, rather than birch, making them the perfect choice for open cabinetry) turning some on their sides to create the top portions, finished them off with crown moulding, and the glass doors so that the components can be operated with the remotes. A q tip and some walnut stain hides well the holes for the shelving. We didn't add handles so that they look more like furniture pieces, and most people tell us they can't believe that they are kitchen cabinets. A custom look without the custom price, at just under $1300. And Handy Husband doubted!
Check out Sarah's House Season 4 where she uses the same concept for her cabinets in the family room.