Isabelle_L's Profile

Adding a simple DIY 4 sided shelf that rests on the stove is another renter -friendly way to add easy access storage for spices and cooking utensils. Here's a link that shows how to build the shelf with inexpensive with 4"x1" pine board: http://bit.ly/Xa17Os

I recently finished a project to tackle the lack of an entryway in a rental apartment shared by 3 roommates where the front door leads directly into the living room and the room doesn't have a closet. Solution? Inexpensive easy to build wall panels that incorporate lighting, coat racks, a command center with a notice board and a DIY shelf/charging station for phones (hides all the cables). Just about everything in this project is DIY and you can see here how I built everything: http://bit.ly/Z7Ygmz

Hi typingn, I recently did a project in an apartment where the front door leads directly into the living room, without a formal entryway or closet for coat - there was only a large wall to work with. I built 3 wall panels (each one 2 ft wide x 6 ft high) that I painted to add a splash of color. These panels are great because you can add anything you want to them, like wall sconces, coat racks or shelves. For my project, I added lighting (wall sconces) and coat racks to the side panels and made the middle panel a command center with a notice board that doubles as wall art and a DIY 6" wide shelf/charging station for a place to drop keys and charge phones. Maybe one wall panel could work with the 3 ft x 8 ft wall space that you have? If you want to see what it looks like, here's a link to the project, including a video on how to build everything. http://www.engineeryourspace.com/how-to-decorate-a-small-apartment/
Hope this gives you some ideas that might work for your space! Isabelle

Great project! I did something similar in another studio apartment to separate the living room from the bedroom - made a huge difference in the space. If anyone is looking for tips on installing the IKEA KVARTAL system, I made this video that goes over the installation step-by-step: http://bit.ly/QBHQ69. It's a great DIY project!

I can understand all the concerns surrounding the possibility of a fire hazard. I recommend using fluorescent or LED light bulbs and to design your shade so that it leaves enough space for the air to circulate and the heat to dissipate. As an alternative to poster board, you can use clear flexible acrylic plexiglass sheets. Hope this helps.

Isabelle