Upgraded entry using Flexi Storage Clever Cubes

[LillyJ]

Flexi Storage Clever Cubes used as wall-mounted shelves, a low-cupboard for shoes doubling as a bench seat, plus paint and feature wallpaper helped transform an entryway. It was the winner of best upcycling makeover in our 2024 search for New Zealand's best D.I.Y. projects.

• The project
• Steps
• Tools and materials
• Inspiration for your entryway project

The project

Our existing entry had a cupboard to store shoes, and a hook on the back of the door for coats. It drove me crazy that we had to sit on the floor to put our shoes on, especially with young kids. I had been designing the layout for the upgrade for quite a long time but didn't quite have the skills to build the drawers and cupboards myself. I saw a Transform Small Spaces article in Bunnings' magazine. I used some of the hacks listed there and voila!

Steps

Step 1

Empty the space.

Step 2

Paint all walls. I repainted the walls to freshen them up. The colour is Dulux Muriwai Half.

Step 3

Add wallpaper.

This was the first time I had wallpapered. This was also the most expensive part of the makeover so I was pretty nervous. The pattern repeat was quite big, I discovered after I papered the first drop. There were two and a half drops in total. I found it both harder and easier than imagined; harder because I did not have the correct tools (big brush, large bench, sharp craft knife), but it was easier than I imagined to apply and manoeuvre, and to get the join and pattern aligned. Overall super happy with the wallpaper!

Step 4

Paint all flatpack parts.

The Bunnings 'hack' I had read about in the Autumn magazine said to use Dulux Aquanamel which I purchased in Muriwai Half to match the walls. It didn't mention primer! So after sanding, I applied a coat which of course didn't adhere at all. Fortunately, I had a bucket of primer from a previous paint job.

I did three coats of primer and three of the Aquanamel.

I then assembled the flatpacks and put them in place.

I think this one is self-explanatory. I did have a parts failure, one of the drawers had two left runners instead of a left and right. Since I'd already painted the drawers I couldn't take them back for a return.

Step 5

Re-upholster the cushion cover.

I took apart the cushion I had purchased from Bunnings. Using it as a pattern I cut out my Tropicana fabric. I used the original piping and zipper. It turned out pretty well.

Step 6

Cut benchtop to length and affix to wall.

I'm good at cutting things straight even with a hand saw. It's my secret superpower! So cutting the benchtop was smooth sailing. I used some masking tape to stop frayed edges.

Step 7

Put upper storage on top of the bench and affix it to the wall.

I used the brackets that come with the flatpack to attach the cupboard to the wall.

Step 8

Create space for the extra cupboard.

The space was longer than the standard storage cube, so I added an extra cupboard. I purchased an extra cupboard insert. I used the end piece as the base so the cupboard would be the same height off the ground as the others. There is a join but it's not really noticeable. I used the extra shelf from the open cupboard to be the last divider.

Step 9

Skirting and corner cap.

The corner of the existing cupboard kept getting banged up with high traffic, so I replaced it. I added skirting to the edge of the open cupboard that sits on top of the bench. 

Step 10

Paint all skirting and doors, and make a cover for the power box.

The doors and white skirting needed a spruce up. I wanted to hide the unsightly power box. I made a box using a 4.5mm MDF sheet. I ended up using paper tape and wood glue.

Tools and materials

Materials used in the project:

• Flexi Sstorage Clever Cube 335 x 376 x 335mm white gloss 1 door insert
• Flexi Storage Clever Cube 1 x 4 storage unit
• Flexi Storage Clever Cube 335 x 376 x 335mm white gloss 2 drawer insert
• 2200 x 600 x 25mm laminated bamboo panel
• Mojo outdoor St Tropez bench cushion
• Dulux 500ml enamel paint Aquanamel semi-gloss vivid white
• Wallpaper
• Fabric
• Muriwai half colour paint.

Tools used in the project:

• Hand saw
• Drill
• Paint roller
• Paint brush.

Inspiration for your entryway project

Experienced Bunnings Workshop community member Tara made a hallway bag and shoe organiser for her children behind the front door.

In this entryway weekend makeover, community member Angie included hooks and baskets.

Get more inspiration from 10 ways to refresh your entryway.

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @LillyJ 

You have just given me fresh thought to my foyer, Ive been locked in my head to redo pretty much the way I have it with a bench, mirror and some shelves either side or full on tall vertical cupboards I like your idea and the way you have used those cubes, you have given me some food for thought. The wallpaper brings the area to life!

Nice work!

Dave