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Empty wall need advice

JulieinCHI (zone 6)

7 years ago

Hi all- I'd love your advice. I have a wall you face when you enter our home. I use it for decorative only but would love to incorporate some built-ins to upgrade our basic builder Chicago walk up. I'm thinking of lower cabinets only (for toys/games/decor) and continue the wall gallery above. Advice? Thoughts on counter for cabinets? Thanks so much!

Featured Answer

Olychick

7 years ago

It looks warm and welcoming as is, but understand the need for storage. I like this look because it would give you lots of storage, but not be too deep to take up too much space. Nor would you lose things in the back of the cabinet. If you want to continue the gallery, I think this would look nice with it.

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Comments (11)

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Anglophilia
7 years ago
I font think I'd build anything. I would take down the hodgepodge of photos and find another more suitable place for them, and start looking for a sizable piece of art to give your entryway a more sophisticated feeling.
JulieinCHI (zone 6)
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks Anglo! We have no storage in this house so really hoping to incorporate something in that spot. I do like the big art idea- thanks :)
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l pinkmountain
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I like the hodgepodge! (I'm not sophisticated though.) I can't give you any advice on the cabinets though, that is hard to find. There are places that sell storage systems for closets, but that stuff isn't very high quality. I used to go to IKEA for stuff like that but what they have now isn't very sophisticated. I have no advice other than I think it is a great idea. You might even be able to find an old sideboard on Craigslist and give it new life. I have an old antique dresser in my entryway, it is neutral enough not to scream "bedroom."

The classiest way to go would be to find someone to custom build it for you.

Edited to add that I just searched "sideboard" on my local Craigslist and the selection was varied and some were actually quite stunning. Others not so much but could be painted.
patty_cakes42
7 years ago
I like the look of what some may think of as a 'hodgepoge', but decorating is as personal as picking out a pair of shoes. If you like what you already have, leave well enough alone. It's a homey/cozy look, which is my personal favorite.
User
7 years ago
I like your "hodgepodge"! I don't believe a built-in would look right there, though, because of that side wall... a built-in would have to come out past that. Perhaps a freestanding piece (a hutch or console).
prairiemom61
7 years ago
Oly that is a great solution. Just use uppers set on a base of 2x4s set back to allow toe kick. We did this in our mudroom and I love that they're not too deep but I gained a ton of storage. I think it would work very well with the partial wall.
My3dogs ME zone 5A
7 years ago
What is your style? I just looked at the Chicago Craigslist (I'm a big CL fan) and saw this Drexel cabinet at an amazing price of $210.00. I also love Asian design... :-)

I agree a free standing unit would be preferable over a built in, as the right return on your wall looks very shallow. Is it about 4"?

Hidden storage on the bottom and a place to display items on the top.

Drexel Malay China Cabinet - $210 (Arlington Heights)
JulieinCHI (zone 6)
Original Author
7 years ago
Beachy/traditional/contemporary. Hehe. What a mix right? That's a pretty armoire but not my style.

Yea, it's about 4 inches. I don't mind it and think it will be fine with a built in. Just need to explore some options.

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