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The project:
Our entryway was trapped in the past, dominated by clunky timber cabinetry, heavy louvred doors, and dark, dated walls that blocked the flow of the room. We structurally overhauled the space, removing the cabinetry and remodelling the bulkheads to build a cozy, built-in window seat and an integrated fireplace zone. Sweeping natural light now replaces a dark corner, creating a breathtaking coastal reading nook. By blending crisp whites with warm light timbers, we completely erased the heavy 80s aesthetic, turning a cluttered, dary entryway into a stunning, light filled space.
- Materials:
Our entryway build began by stripping out old cabinetry down to the studs, using plasterboard to establish a fresh, flat backing wall. The custom window seat framing was then constructed, cladding both the front face and rear interior wall with Easycraft® easyVJ boards for a textured finish. Next, we constructed a prominent architectural fireplace mantel and detailed window surround by layering primed pine mouldings alongside Portaline FJ pine Regency profile boards. The entire joinery structure was sealed and finished in crisp Dulux White on White™ paint, with flush-mount roller blinds installed directly inside the new window recess.
- Tools:
We executed this entryway overhaul by stripping the wall down to the studs, utilizing a Ryobi drill from Bunnings to anchor the new plasterboard backing sheets. A Bosch drop saw was used to make precise cuts on the Easycraft® easyVJ boards clad to the front and back of the window seat carcass. The drop saw also ensured clean joints for the fireplace mantel and window surround, built from primed pine mouldings and Portaline FJ pine Regency profiles. Finally, a Bunnings paint spray gun was deployed to apply a flawless, trade-smooth coat of Dulux White on White™ across all new joinery before hanging the recessed roller blinds.
- Step 1:
Phase 1: Demolition & Framing
- Step 1: Strip Out and Demolition
Carefully dismantle the old timber cabinet bulkheads, louvred doors, and internal shelving. Strip the wall cavity back to the bare structural timber wall studs. - Step 2: Install Plasterboard Backing
Measure and cut the Bunnings plasterboard sheets to fit the exposed rear wall cavity. Use your Ryobi drill to securely screw the plasterboard directly into the timber studs, creating a flush backing wall. - Step 3: Construct the Window Seat Carcass
Build out the structural timber load-bearing framing for the window seat base and the surrounding fireplace cavity box-out. Ensure all framing is plumb, square, and securely anchored to the floor and wall studs.
Phase 2: Joinery & Carpentry Detailing
- Step 4: Cut and Fit the VJ Panelling
Use your Bosch drop saw to make clean vertical cuts on the Easycraft® easyVJ boards. Fix the panelling to both the front fascia and the rear backrest area of the window seat. - Step 5: Fabricate the Fireplace Mantel
Set your Bosch drop saw to a precise 45-degree angle to make clean, mitred compound cuts. Piece together the primed pine mouldings and Portaline FJ pine Regency profiles to build out the custom architectural mantelpiece around the fireplace unit. - Step 6: Frame the Window Seat Trim
Carry the Portaline Regency profiles and pine mouldings over to the window recess zone. Trim out the architraves and window seat borders to mirror the shadow lines created on the fireplace mantel.
Phase 3: Preparation & Professional Finish
- Step 7: Sanding, Flushing, and Prep Work
Fill all brad nail holes, joints, and plaster seams with wood filler and gap sealant. Sand down all timber surfaces to achieve a completely smooth, seamless foundation. - Step 8: Spray Paint the Project
Mask off the floor, window glass, and surrounding living spaces. Load your ryobi spray gun with Dulux White on White™ paint and apply multiple light, even coats across all the new joinery to achieve a flawless, factory-smooth satin finish. - Step 9: Fit the Blinds and Hardware
Once dry, unmask the room. Use your Ryobi drill to mount the recessed roller blinds inside the top of the window frame. - Step 10: Final Styling and Commissioning
Slide your custom-fitted seat cushion into place on top of the VJ-lined window seat.
