Last week, we showcased the stunning kitchen reveal of our first Design Coaching clients (in case you missed it, you can catch up here). Chrissy and Peter, the homeowners, skillfully DIY’d a beautiful new kitchen using IKEA cabinets as their starting point. The transformation was truly remarkable, and if you saw the reveal photos, you probably noticed the brand new built-in bookcase to the right of their kitchen. We felt that this bookcase deserved its own dedicated post, and Chrissy and Pete graciously shared some insights into the process with us. The addition of this wood feature wall made a significant impact on the space. Just take a look at the before and after images…
Before, their kitchen and dining areas lacked vibrance. The off-center window and varying ceiling heights created an unbalanced look. By repositioning and centering the window, then adding a built-in surround, they not only maximized their storage but also created a stunning focal point. This bookcase served multiple purposes in the overall design. Connecting it to the kitchen cabinets provided a visual anchor for the tiled wall. The extension of the bookcase beyond the kitchen’s dropped ceiling gave a sense of intentional height difference between the two spaces. By incorporating the same wood tone in small elements of the kitchen design, the areas felt cohesive and well thought out.
The bookcase truly stole the spotlight! We pulled the dining set out to give it the attention it deserved. It turned out beautifully, and seeing it in person, Em, Marlee, and I were all impressed by the DIY skills of Chrissy and Pete. So, how did they accomplish this feat?
Due to the positive response to the interview style in our previous post, I once again interviewed Pete and Chrissy to get more insights into this project. Despite battling the flu, they graciously answered all my questions. Keep reading for a detailed post on the process behind this half-reveal, half-behind-the-scenes project, in case you’re inspired to try DIY yourself 🙂
What was your inspiration for this project?
Chrissy sketched out her vision with measurements, including the desired depth of the bookcase shelves, and we took it from there! Since she wanted cabinet doors at the bottom, we came up with a “hack” to achieve that. As I hadn’t built cabinet boxes before, it seemed like the right approach. We enjoyed searching for the perfect wood and stain in Portland. From there, I got to work on cutting and assembling.
One standout feature was the deeper window in relation to the shelves. Can you share the process behind this decision?
Chrissy wanted the bookcase shelves to be 11″ deep, and I wanted to ensure the bookcase was sturdy, so I built a 2 x 6 vertical framework attached to the wall behind each side of the bookcases and lower cabinets. This design choice resulted in the window sitting 6-7 inches deeper, drawing attention in and out of the window. It also beautifully framed a tree outside.
Did you follow any specific plans for this project?
There were no formal plans – I sketched it out roughly and ensured it was even across the wall. We had to select cabinets that fit the space, so we opted for 2 single cabinets on each end and 3 doubles in the middle…
Any challenges encountered during the process?
A cool challenge was rerouting the floor vent into the wood trim at the bottom. Fortunately, I found unstained oak vent covers on Amazon, which I stained and installed into the oak trim.
The individual base cabinets were initially from Lowe’s, and you might have noticed how different they looked between the process photos and the finished product – not just due to staining! These unfinished stock cabinet bases can feel common, with interior hinges causing the doors to rest on the frame’s base. However, I managed to make the doors align flush with the surround, giving the bookcase a custom look.
How did you achieve such a polished look with the cabinets?
I trimmed down all the cabinet doors on all four sides and found a specific hinge that allowed an overlay door to become an inlay door. You can purchase stock oak cabinets like these from Lowe’s or Home Depot and use a table saw to turn them into inlay cabinets. It took a few tries to get the hinges just right, but we eventually nailed it!
Here, you can see how the doors align seamlessly with the rest of the build. A fantastic detail! Inside the cabinets, you might notice the factory hinge cut-outs, with new hinges installed between them. By investing in these specialized hinges, trimming the doors, and using a hinge jig to ensure precision, I achieved the transformation from overlay to inset, giving a high-end look without breaking the bank.
How challenging was this build overall?
Due to the height of the built-ins, this was quite challenging for one person. I could assemble them solo, but I needed Chrissy’s help to build the shelf boxes on the ground and lift them onto the cabinets. They were quite heavy, and I had to use a ladder to position them. Securing the cabinets to the wall studs was crucial!
I relied on various tools to complete this build, with XL clamps and a reliable table saw being essential. Other handy tools included a laser level, a pocket-hole jig, and a good dose of patience and determination.
How long did the entire build take, and was it a collaborative effort?
It was a total team effort. Chrissy looked after the kids while I worked tirelessly on this project night after night. It was a significant undertaking, especially since this isn’t something I do every day. It probably took around 10 days, working 4-5 hours each night. A considerable amount of plywood was used, cut down into shelves with a table saw.
Tell us more about the wood used in the project.
We opted for all white oak – cabinets, plywood, wood boards – and stained them darker to achieve the desired effect. While using a different wood species might have been more cost-effective, the oak plywood was reasonably priced.
How did you finish the edges and reach the ceiling?
We used a single piece of milled oak for that purpose. This piece was not cut from the same oak plywood used for the bases. It was a beautiful wood piece, and the stain complemented it perfectly.
Let’s talk about the staining process. What did you learn, and any tips to share?
From Chrissy: One coat of stain was all it took! This non-toxic stain was exceptional, and Pete was able to stain in place, saving time and avoiding strong fumes. From Pete: Staining can be messy, so it’s crucial to learn how to work with it. No sealant was used!
The hard work paid off as the bookcase became a focal point in the space, seamlessly integrating with the kitchen and offering ample storage. Chrissy took charge of styling the bookcase, incorporating books, decor, and family photos. The room was completed with a new pendant light, a beautiful table from Article, and durable yet affordable chairs from Anabei.
Initially, we discussed the possibility of the built-in being a banquet rather than a bookcase. However, the final design decision leaned towards a show-stopping built-in bookcase, which we believe was the right choice!
What steered you away from built-in bench seating?
While we love banquet seating, we felt that a statement built-in bookcase would better address the ceiling height variations and create a seamless transition between rooms without becoming an obstacle as a banquet might have.
Any changes you’d make or things you’d do differently? Also, what do you store in the bookcase?
From Pete: I’m quite satisfied with how it turned out, no regrets! It was a challenging but rewarding project that transformed the room. From Chrissy: We love the end result. The bookcase holds glassware, plates, placemats, and other dining room essentials.
Chrissy and Pete’s dedication to this DIY project truly paid off, resulting in a stunning wooden bookcase that perfectly complements their kitchen and adds character to the space. A big thank you to C+P for their hard work and generosity in sharing their project with us. We believe this bookcase build was a huge success. What do you think?
*Design and Build by Chrissy Cambor and Pete Cambor, @camborhouse
**Styled by Chrissy Cambor and Emily Henderson
***Photos by Kailtin Green