TADAAAAA.....!!!

Idea on paper -- $0,

Additional materials for the project -- $350,

Storage boxes -- $90,

Labor -- $0,

Turning your sadness to a sense of accomplishment -- PRICELESS

This what happens after a week of disappointments. We suddenly finished the built-in entertainment unit. I think I poured all of my frustrations into this project that was taking longer than I am accustomed to accomplishing these days.

My sis has been supportive of all my home improvement projects through and through, and had been a big help in assisting me with the painting and the building and in no matter what it is I come up in my 'crazy' mind--THANKS SIS!!!

We had this blank niche in our family room, huge enough to hold all of our stuff. I've been wanting to do something about this wasted space but was reluctant to make any holes in the wall. After all this is the first time I've done something close to building a furniture.

In contrast to other wives, I really do not find it therapeutic to go shopping for clothes in the mall. I love Lowes or the Home Depot. Strange isn't it? I think I am a frustrated architect.

This project started with our extensive collection of DVDs. Frankly I really do not like much clutter at home but hubby loves to collect practically everything. We've been buying shelves to store these but it's becoming an eye sore.

The idea sprouted in one of those lazy weekends (very dangerous for my restless mind). I started to doodle an idea on a paper napkin over breakfast. I didn't want to spend much on this project thinking there is still a possibility of failing but the idea on paper made it very inviting, I had a positive mind and a strong determination to succeed. I decided I will drive the cost really low by recycling the wood of my hubby's unused desk that was sitting idly in the garage. I even borrowed the circular saw and cordless nail gun from my cousin.

With just the trim missing and a can of buttercream paint from Restoration Hardware.

I used to finish a project over one weekend--a true weekend warrior--but this time, I decided to take my sweet time and take it slow so there won't be any major mistakes. I knew this won't be an easy one, we did make some changes to the original plan and the wall spackle had turned out to be a favorite and very useful buy.

I think it was quite an accomplishment when we finished it this weekend, we can't stop looking at it (haha!)...

The original plan called for three drawers to mirror the ones on the bottom and to create a good balance overall, but making the drawers were too time consuming, we decided to just leave it as a shelf

We bought some nice baskets for the top shelf to give it texture and interest. It will also serve as additional storage. We are still going to remove the cd racks on the side of the TV--it still feels overly cluttered--what do you think?

Copyright 2004 Wandertrekker