Very excited to share this STALL IKEA Hack with you! It turned out so much better than I thought it would and it is an awesome storage solution for any small spaces. After my shopping trip to IKEA I got home and my wheels were spinning with ideas on better ways to organize and utilize our small space. Our kitchen is lacking in a pantry. I honestly don’t miss it. We really don’t eat a lot of “pantry food” most of our food comes from the fridge. We do have the cans, mac n’ cheese and pasta for the kids and I keep a lot of that in a cupboard in our basement. But this little STALL chest allows us to keep more in easy reach in the kitchen! Let’s take a look at the before…
Kitchen BEFORE-
We have had that Pottery Barn Cabinet by the fridge for a long time and keep batteries, markers, crayons, calendar….basically a command center. We love it. But the black file storage below it always bothered me, it is way too small to be underneath a big cabinet like that and it was not functional with a 2 year old, we left it empty, so it was pointless. Also we have that plug-in pendant light by the fridge because we don’t have a light switch from this entrance. (The Pottery Barn Cabinet is sold out but you could do THIS and paint the front with chalkboard paint!)
Kitchen with STALL IKEA Cabinet AFTER-
Better! Right?? The STALL piece is the perfect depth. I looked at a couple other IKEA cabinets and this one is only 7″ deep. It is called a “Shoe Cabinet” but really can be used to store anything in a small space.
Took down the hanging pendant light, that I did’t love the cord to be seen. Added THIS Sconce and used my MAGIC LIGHT TRICK to add a light without being hardwired! (Find that trick HERE). I did spray paint the sconce with Rust-oleum Metallic Stain Bronze spray paint.
Above is what the STALL IKEA Shoe Cabinet looks like with no “Hacks”. I will break-down what we did…
#1- Attached the STALL IKEA cabinet right to the wall as instructed. We keep the feet off for a more open look.
#2- Added a piece of wood to the top to add in some warmth and tie it into our kitchen. I really wanted matching butcher block but would have had to buy a large piece of it. I called the place that we got our butcher block from hoping for a remnant and no luck (I can always add it later if they get an extra piece). I ended up using THIS Red Oak Stair Riser. The depth was perfect (7 1/4″) I just had to trim down the width. Used wood glue to attach it to the top of the STALL cabinet.
#3- Made leather straps to use as handles. I wanted to pull in the black in the chalkboard and some texture. I found the black leather belt at Good Will. I went looking for a belt that was 1 1/4″ thick and the leather part at least 25″ long. I used THESE Bolts and THESE Screw Nuts for the back of each Bolt.
Simply used my drill bit that was about the same width as the bolt (slightly smaller) and drilled each side of the leather strap that I had cut down to 6″.
Then used the same drill bit and drilled on either side of of the pull opening for each of the bolts. Making sure to leave the belt a little loose for a spot to pull the drawer out. We used a drill to put the bolts into place with the leather strap.
You don’t need the nut really to keep it in place, rather just to finish it off on the inside.
Who knew this little space is now a spot that I absolutely love?! Amazing what a little thought and some “light” will do to a space! (Attached THIS small Letterboard to the chalkboard with command strips with THESE gold letters).
Here is a a little glimpse of the inside of the cupboard above!
It also feels like an extension of our kitchen cabinets! Actually feels like a thought-out space and not an after-thought. Oh and PS- that basket above our fridge acts as another “pantry” that is where the veggie chips and crackers are stored! Easy for my oldest to pull down as she makes the morning snacks for school.
You can find a similar cup rack HERE I spray painted ours in the same spray paint as the light (Rust-oleum Metallic Stain Bronze spray paint).
I was inspired by THIS IKEA HACK from House Tweaking. She did the hack on the larger shoe cabinet, the HEMES. It is a little deeper.
I wanted to share this STALL IKEA Cabinet in a readers home- AnnElise! She sent me this picture when I was considering it for our kitchen. Love how filled up the wall with the STALL cabinets and left the feet off! Everyone LOVED what she did when I shared it on Instagram and many wanted to know and see what she kept inside. I asked AnnElise and she sent me some more pictures to share with you! She said this is what they use the STALL cabinets for “It ranges from mail, hats and gloves, reusable grocery bags, coloring books and other random toys. And the best part is, I have several still open for when I need another spot! For being small, they really fit a lot of stuff. And not just shoes!” Find AnnElise here @apathome she just started an Instagram account on home decor.
Clarissa says
This little area has always been one of my favorites in your home. But this is AMAZING!!!! It just looks like it was always meant to be there. I love everything you did to make it your own. So awesome!
Btw, I’ve always loved that plug-in pendant. It’s so cute and charming(cord and all). 🙂
[email protected] says
Thanks Clarissa!! You have always supported this funny little space! Love you for that!!!
Doris says
Brooke-this turned out great! You have been such an inspiration to me. I find myself trying to think outside the box more and get creative. Great job!
[email protected] says
yay!! Thank you Doris! Love hearing that!!
Maggie says
Wow! Just beautiful. Such a good idea w the goodwill belt. Love your home and everything you do!
Paige says
Looks so good!! Now I want one! I think I”ll do this in my laundry room/mudroom where there isn’t much space. So cute!
Karen says
You also painted the metal part of the drawer pull outs too….correct? I LOVE this Ikea hack. It looks so good in your location!! I’m searching for a place in my house and I feel left out that I haven’t done the light trick. I do have a question about the light trick though. When it is time to change out the batteries, do you have to unwire the whole thing? I know different people are using different lights, so I was wondering how that was working out.
[email protected] says
I did but to only one handle! You couldn’t really notice it! And no! So easy to change out the batteries- just twist off the top!
Erica says
Ahh! So so cute and practical! That fits your space perfectly!
Monica says
Brooke!
You are amazing! You were meant to live in a small space bc of your creativity and problem solving skills. You are a gift to your family! You can live anywhere and turn it into a home. Very inspiring!
Monica
[email protected] says
oh Monica, you just made me tear up. Thank you so very much.
Shirley Cox says
This is perfection! I love, love, love what you did with this storage and especially how you personalized it. Thanks for sharing all your decorating expertise. (I will never look at a Goodwill belt the same way now.) 😂 We are just starting a “two-day snow blizzard” in the Midwest, but will have a fresh loaf of bread in an hour…whoo hoo. Hugs to you.
Sixtyfifthavenue says
This is awesome!! Fits like a dream and looks pretty too.
Nevenka says
I don’t know that I can express enough my appreciation for this post! You are truly one of the most creative and thoughtful bloggers out there and my personal favorite. I’m inspired and encouraged every time I read your blog. To borrow from Martha Stewart: Nesting with Grace is a good thing. 😀
[email protected] says
oh you are just so kind to leave this message. Means more than you know!~ xxxx
Laura says
So cute! Your blog is like a good magazine read for me!
Amanda says
You are so talented! I really like where you put the pineapple picture too!
Gina says
What a great hack! Perfect!
Susan Knox says
Love it! Can you tell me where your light fixture is from please.
Thanks!
Susan
[email protected] says
yes! You can find it here- https://rstyle.me/n/ct86v3b5qwf
shawnna griffin says
hey girl- love the solution! so cool!
Carrie Steele says
This is A.W.E.S.O.M.E. Your tips and tricks are adorable, brilliant and user-friendly. Thank you!
Staci Casarez says
Love, love, love your house! Your designs are so beautiful! I have a decorating question. Where do I submit my question at?
Sara says
This is great and I’m thinking of stealing the idea for our entryway. Thanks so much! One question – I went to the IKEA site and it listed the height measurement for this item as 35 3/8″. I’m sure that is with the legs on. If you’d be so kind, could you give me the height without the legs? I know you put some wood on top. I’m looking for just the STALL box itself. I have very little wiggle room under the window trim on either side of my front door. I just want to make sure it would fit. Our nearest IKEA is over two hours away. Thanks so much if you can help!
[email protected] says
Yes, it is 31″