Although there are plenty of super affordable readymade cabinets that I could possibly get and paint in a few weeks (hello, Lowe’s or Ikea), I think it would be more fun to learn some basic carpentry skills, DIY kitchen cabinets, and then add a fancy floral curtain to it. This kitchen is going to be small, think “first studio apartment”, and I think it’s a fun challenge to make it work without spending a ton of dough.
I love DIY renovators renie renewsAs someone who literally makes all her own cabinetry herself with drawers, shelves, and interesting fixtures (so impressive), surely I could figure out how to build basic shelves and put a curtain in the front, right? Here’s the inspiration:
Now we may not have the wallpaper (we’ll have paneling) or the beautiful leaded window, but that floral curtain and painted shelves made my heart so happy. So it seems pointless to have beautiful finished cabinets just to cover them up. Thus, the journey begins… I needed to find inspirational images that showed a very simple way to do it. No fancy joinery or gliders. I’m not detail-oriented, so for me and my team to implement, it needed to be basic enough that anyone could do it (of course I’d put my own twist on it).
Although this construction is a bit crude, it still seems possible to me (with the help of someone skilled, of course). The materials are very simple, and the construction feels really rudimentary. what could go wrong? That’s where I started, and then, of course, the Pinterest rabbit hole started showing me more interesting versions.
It has beautiful joinery and clearly high quality wood – absolutely stunning. I definitely want the countertop to be really beautiful (not sure yet what material it will be – tile, stone or wood), but since the shelves are likely to be covered, I’m not sure I need to spend the money on good wood. But it’s very cute, isn’t it?
Another great way to join pieces together. I love that negative space between the shelves and the base adds some interesting architecture. I’m curious if this one is even easier to build than the first one?
I think it’s way above my pay grade, but very pretty and I pinned it to show the details of the joinery. I don’t think we’ll make any drawers.
This was one of the first images I pinned because of the simplicity and originality, which felt perfect for this cottage. Primitive, functional, and then I can put some layers on top.
Another example, but this time using reclaimed wood.
Obviously…it doesn’t even have cabinets, but I love it!!
I like the vibe, but it’s a lot more French cottage than what I’m going for, which is more whimsical and colorful/fun. But prefer the tea towel as a skirt. I also love that there is an open shelf.
I’m paying attention to all the ways they put this wood together, which screws you can see, which screw holes are plugged, and which overhang is there to hold the rod for the curtains. God, I love Pinterest.
This was one of my first pins where I said, “I think we can do this”. The construction looks doable, and functionally, both cabinets seem to be exactly what we need.
This is a great representation of what we would do with the sink, although for an even simpler application, I might choose a wall-hung sink and build cabinets around it, rather than having to make shelves sturdy enough to carry the sink.
Another beautiful example!
This shows curtains installed inside the cabinets, not on the face or on the same plane as the framing. All good things to consider.
I love both of these because they seem complete and sophisticated, but still really simple and powerful.
I love rods and pleats – I think that’s the look I want for this project. More whimsical and definitely traditional, but with a boisterous spirit that makes me smile (I realize this goes against my simple structure, but maybe that’s what I’m going for).
Another version of this rod/ring/pleat combination. Imagine an incredible dead stock floral fabric curtain here (you can bet I’m shopping on Etsy), and hell, I could even mix multiple florals together (perhaps separate panels or maybe an Adam Pogue-style quilted curtain).
I know many people would have stepped over the threshold of a scallop, but this house came with a scallop and it seems to want them back there, so I’m still open to the idea of doing something like this.
any advice? Any suggestions? I’m looking for a carpenter to help me out in Portland who can pay to teach me how to do this properly (so I can give you all proper pictures and instructions instead of making mistake after mistake), so if anyone knows someone in Portland, let me know.
*by photos Caitlin Green
