Last we spoke, the playroom was being painted and prepped to become our new creative space. Originally we were calling it the craft room, but when little kids say that fast it sounds very inappropriate. So now the room is known simply as “the studio” – so chic. Might even convince someone I’m a professional or something.

One critical aspect of a functional studio is storage. This was one of the battles we fought when the craft table was upstairs parading as both an office desk and creative workspace at the same time. All the supplies the kids and I have amassed over the years would end up errwhere. No bueno. Nothing a little trip to Ikea couldn’t solve. I ended up purchasing 3 “Billy” bookcases with oxberg doors and 2 “Alex” flat file drawer units.

Build-it-yourself furniture is a great opportunity to let little hands get in on the action. Bug even wore the right shirt for the job.

One issue we ran into is that the wall where I wanted to install these has only 1 electrical outlet right smack in the middle, behind where I wanted the bookshelves.

With a computer, a lamp, a sewing machine and a few other things to plug in, I decided the best solution was to cut a hole in the back of the closest unit. Because the back panel is thin-ish fiberboard, I was able to cut it easily with a sharp Xacto knife.

I then plugged in a power strip before setting the bookshelves against the wall. To keep it in place, the power strip was attached to the inside of the bookshelf with industrial adhesive Velcro.

As a single income military family, we don’t have the budget for all our furniture to be high-end. This is why Ikea speaks to my soul. If you are diligent in assembling their pieces with attention to detail, they can be an excellent alternative to custom built-ins for $100s less.

Not only do they take the cake in affordable furnishings, but when we were stuck inside the next day due to rain, their boxes kept my tiny construction helper busy for hours. I heart you, Ikea, for so many reasons!