BEFORE

I’ve written about my garage conversion frustrations. I also discussed at length my plans to install Sunnersta mini-kitchen by IKEA. Now that the project is completed, I’m happy to share one of my customizing-made-affordable efforts — a wall-mounted organizer.

I love customizing IKEA! I think about what I need. Plan first. Then, with a strategy in mind, I go to IKEA to see how it can be accomplished on a tight budget. Mindful of my intent and what matters most, I visualize a way to transform existing products into one-of-a-kind.

IKEA lets me do more with less. I am drawn to its minimalist aesthetic as well as its functional and visually appealing solutions to storage and display. It’s smart and practical as is, but I can’t help myself. I need to tweak and add my own personality to everything.

Have you seen DYI Ally free to download idea-BOOK 02 called Upcycling IKEA? Next installment is on its way.

Customizing IKEA is pure fun!

For instance, the Grundtal series is all about keeping things handy in the kitchen without taking up counter space. Designed to create an attractive, sleek display, it just lends itself to personalization.

Grundtal is a coordinated utensil holder and storage collection built upon a wall-mounted rail and a shelf made up of two stainless steel brackets and 5 rods. The shelf is available in two widths (31 ½” & 47 ¼”), which, as it turns out, is a bit limiting.

Since customizing comes naturally to me, I decide to modify off-the-shelf product slightly. I need one extra deep (to house a compact microwave) and two slim (to hold narrow items) floating ledges of very precise length. The entire wall-mounted organizer has to fit snugly in the mini-kitchen alcove.

Thus, I use the brackets, but not the crossbars. For the slim ledges, I need to alter the brackets. Instead of rods, I employ IKEA butcher-block countertop material.

As a result, my wall-mounted organizer performs several tasks:

• It gives structure.
• It adds fun and visual interest.
• It holds a variety of items.

AFTER

Nestled in a designated niche, open storage with S-hooks and shelves makes hanging towels as well as arranging dishes (or any other bits and pieces) easy, yet neatly organized. Defined, separate “compartments” keep the whole wall from feeling unkempt, and actually feature the casually tossed items as if they were in a display case.

By the way… You didn’t think that I would let the pieces I cut off from the brackets and the leftover rods go to waist, did you? No. That is not my nature. When it comes to customizing IKEA, mini-kitchen’s wall-mounted organizer is the tip of the iceberg. Of course, I find a way to appropriate them in the sauna bathroom just next door. But that’s another post.