Martin Cooper

About a year ago we hacked the IKEA HEMNES of 8 drawers for our first nursery , after being inspired by this IKEA hack. With our second one on the way, we wanted to do something familiar, but the nursery is a lot smaller. So we decided to use a (second hand) HEMNES chest of 3 drawers. This time we decided to use the holes instead of handles. However, we decided to use two holes at the same place where the original handles were situated. And because we needed a little bit more space for a bin and (extra) laundry basket, we added a shelf on the side of the chest. IKEA items used: HEMNES chest of 3 drawers (second hand) HEMNES chest of 3 drawers | IKEA.com Other materials and tools: Screws Small corner profiles Two extra white shelf brackets Stanley knife Screwdriver Piece of plywood Some varnish Sandpaper HEMNES hack for the nursery: We removed the handles and the three front plates. At the hardware store, they already cut the three pieces of plywood to ...

A few weeks ago, I did an interview with a local interior design firm, Qube Integrated. And the topic in question — IKEA hacking and how interior design experts can help enhance the end result. It was a new experience and it was not easy to look straight and speak to a camera! Nonetheless, it was a blast shooting it and gave me a greater appreciation for all the amazing folks who work in front and behind the camera. The challenge I see from a lot of the hacks I’ve received over the years is how an IKEA hack can stick out like a sore thumb from the overall decor of the space. So the question is: Can an IKEA hack blend more seamlessly with home decor? Perhaps it can, with some expert input. Essentially, for the discussion, I picked out 4 different hacks from IKEAhackers . I explained what’s behind the hack and why I liked them. Then, Qube puts their designer spin on them. The results were interesting. I’ve linked the video of my conversation with Kevin of Qube below. Hope you ...

The fascination with tiny homes is stronger than ever. I spend too much time looking at tiny homes on Youtube and secretly harbour a desire to live in one , off grid. But can one live comfortably in one? IKEA  has teamed up with Vox Creative to prove that anyone, anywhere can live a more sustainable life — in a smaller home, without forsaking the comforts of life or well-thought out design. On the project site , they say, “Right from the start, our goal was to show how the small choices we make at home can have a big impact on the world around us. We worked with members of the IKEA design team, IKEA’s sustainability managers, and tiny home building experts to bring our vision to life, and the IKEA Tiny Home is proof that sustainability and affordability can go hand in hand—without compromising design.” As a result of the collab, they built a home on wheels that’s stylish, sustainable, and affordable. Best thing about it? It all fits into about 187-square-feet. Building from gro...

How can I bridge the gap between the top of the wardrobe and the sloping ceiling? The maximum height for the PAX wardrobe I can find is 237cm. But once in, (at 60cm deep), there will be a 50cm shortfall. So the max height at front will be 290cm. To make it worse, the wardrobe won’t span the entire wall. (As I won’t be able to open the door, and there’s a window the other end.) So it will be in the centre of the wall with approx 1m wall gap either side. Ideally wanted sliding doors (due to disability). Help please!  Thanks, Charlie  *** Hi Charlie Sloping ceilings are always tricky. It does need a bit of work for a great built-in finish. PAX sliding wardrobe | IKEA.com Build a triangle cabinet I would suggest building a triangle shaped cabinet to rest on top of the PAX wardrobe and fill out the 50cm gap. Then trim out with moulding for a built-in look. Yves did something like that but for the METOD cabinet. Nevertheless, it’s a neat idea to level out th...

I wanted to put my bokken somewhere on the wall. I started looking at a BEKVÄM rack I already had on the wall and inspiration for a wall mounted sword display struck. The rest was pretty easy, since I have a few unopened BEKVÄM spice racks . Materials: BEKVÄM Spice Rack Drill with wood drill bit Hand Saw 2 screws for the sides Sandpaper Some wood lacquer 2 Screws and wall anchors Wall mounted sword rack hack So, this is pretty straight forward. Removed the front “stick”. Also removed the support hardware at the back. I traced the shape of my bokken on one of the side pieces, cut and sanded pretty then copied to the other one. Related: A BEKVÄM pipe rack One of the screws was replaced by a shorter one (now, the top one, you can see the hole). The actual cutting could have been a lot neater, but I don’t have a router. But a lot of sanding did the trick. Drilled 2 holes for the screws to fix to the wall, they just go through. After some invisible lacquer, i...

Four great ideas for a KALLAX desk . Looking for ideas for a compact KALLAX desk and storage unit? We have just the one for you. #1 KALLAX combined storage and slide out computer desk IKEA item used: KALLAX 4×2 storage unit Other materials: 400mm sliding keyboard drawer runners 660×400 contiboard , both from B&Q 1. Disassemble KALLAX and remove centre upright. 2. Cut down dowels to secure remaining centre uprights. 3. Secure runners to horizontal shelf. 4. Fit contiboard to runners. If storing anything heavy in the top 2 cubes of the KALLAX, you may need to add a reinforcing bracket. ~ by Ian #2 Compact, minimalist desk for laptop I put together a KALLAX desk for my laptop for just under 25 euros. Just a KALLAX 2×2 is needed. No other materials required. IKEA item used: KALLAX 2 x 2 (77 x 77 cm) KALLAX 2×2 | IKEA.com All you need to do is assemble 3 of the pieces in a U shape. That is all.  If you want to strengthen the structu...