I built 2 main sections… the very top box and the main area which I initially only split on the top.
I left space on the top for the crown molding and a half round molding detail I have everywhere else.
After some last minute planning, I added a split down the whole bottom section. Large drawers would not be as useful here as smaller pull out drawers.
I also added a new can light with a spotlight pointing into the space. I tied it into the existing hall light and put in a dimmer.
Shelves are in… and the first coat of paint. Last minute I routed out a groove for the metal shelf runner… to allow me to adjust the shelves as needed.
I spent a long time deciding what size they needed to be… organization is king.
Then I built some pull out drawers and used full extension slides
I built some custom doors… adding some soft close hinges.
In the end, it tripled our food storage and gave some storage on top for our punch bowl and party supplies.
So glad we did it! Hope it inspires you.
I needed a BEFORE picture… so I took one of my neighbors house who has the same layout as us. As you can see the door is small, wasted space to the LEFT with that knock out pillar.
Inside was a very shallow wire Shelf. Demolition was the only option.