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Renter Friendly Built-ins with Metrie

November 18, 2016~ Decor, Furniture DIY, House Tour, living room

Have you ever experienced something so satisfying that you can’t describe it? That’s how I feel about having completed these renter friendly built-ins over the past week. We took our IKEA Billy system and turned them into built-ins, but not just any old built-ins, the kind that can easily be moved! That’s right, they’re not built into the wall and come apart at the seams. How on earth? With the help of some fantastic elements from Metrie.

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

From the get-go back in May // here // we knew we wanted the built-in look in our PMQ rental, but we also knew that there was no way we could actually build them into the wall and get away with it come inspection time, so we got to scheming. After we moved in and put everything into place, it all felt kinda off, like we were missing something crucial. // here //

And we were! We were missing key elements of the visual and functional component like baseboards, casing and architraves. We really should have finished before we started! That is to say, we should have conceived of our project using those elements before we began putting together everything. Now we know better!

This is where Metrie comes into play. They are the makers and purveyors of some of the finest millwork and interior finishings you’ll see in use these days. Ever wondered where all those amazing One Room Challenge spaces get the trim, casing and baseboards? Metrie. Ever wondered where the palace in Versailles got the trim for all the wall panelling? Metrie! – kidding.  And now you can add PMQ for two’s renter friendly built-ins to the list of awesome spaces finished with Metrie.

This is what the bookshelves looked like before. They weren’t anything extraordinary, they were straight out of the box, and assembled hastily between our unload and un-pack day. There was about 8 inches of space on either side of the bookshelves, and they sat awfully far away from the ceiling. There was potential, but nothing that would hint at what they turned into!

before

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

movable-built-ins-34Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

the-plan

The plan was to add length with the baseboard to hide the ugly footing on the shelves, add space with casing in between the shelving units to fill the space, and add an architrave for added height and grandeur – like a crown of sorts.

pmq-for-twoUsing an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!Casing Model # CPS1C2PMD08 // Baseboard # CFF2B1PMD12 // Architrave # CFF2A1PMD12

In choosing the products I did, I went for cohesive elements and collections that added to the room and project without being too overpowering. Some scenarios call for small and dainty pieces of trim, while others demand imposing and present lines. This project needed to be Fashion Forward and Pretty Simple. 

To have the built-ins run the entire width of the wall, we needed to fill about 25″ of space using the casing, and for that they would have to sit flush between the bookcases. To do that, we needed to do the following:

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Step 1: Raise the towers by 3″ and the middle bookshelves by 2″. This would add the required height to allow the 5.5″ baseboards to pass in front without impeding access, and allow door clearance on the taller units.

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

We raised the bookshelves by using 1×2″ and creating a frame that mirrored the footing of the shelves. We then doubled and tripled it respectively. We attached them using wood glue and our Air Strike.

Step 2: Move the outer towers to within 6″ of the wall – that is to say the width of the casing

Step 3: Centre the two lower bookcases on between the towers.

Step 4: Measure and cut the casing.

A – We measured from the top of where the baseboard would hit on the shelf, all the way to the top of the bookshelf.

B + C We decided to have the casing run as tall as they were, and then run along the surface to fill-in the space created by the gap.

Step 5: Install the casing so that it is attached to the bookshelves.

To do this we needed the casings to be attached to the bookshelves only. We used a combination of wood glue, our nail gun and L brackets. For the A + B portions we applied glue to the side of the casing and then fixed it in place while using the nail gun to fire nails into it from inside the bookcase.

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

For the C segments, we used L brackets.

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Once completed, the middle bookshelves looked like this, before being slid into place.

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Remember: Since the middle bookshelves were meeting in the middle, the casing only had to go on their exterior sides (see the graphic).

Step 6: Once all the bookshelves had their vertical casing, we moved them back into place against the wall, and secured the shelves to the wall using the manufacturer’s devices (think of a really big L bracket).

Step 7: We then applied the baseboard in two parts (for easier diss-assembly), using screws straight into the framing we had built to elevate the shelves.

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Step 8: The architrave was measured and cut to span from the wall where the casing was, to the exposed corner, and then run perpendicular back to the wall. Cuts D + E.

It should be noted we used a mitre saw with very precise angles to cut the 45 degree cuts required fur such a tight joint.

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Step 9: We affixed the architrave to the towers using L brackets and screws again.

Step 10: Now that everything was in place, it was time to fill in any crack using spackle. Because the casing, baseboards, architrave and bookshelves were white (and spackle is usually white) we went with a version that went on pink and dried white.

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

We used it to fill any crevices and plug the holes in our shelving. We decided on fixed heights for the shelves and got to it!

Step 11: After sanding down any excess dry spackle, we now had to paint! Because we opted for primed pieces, all we had to was pick a colour! We had originally thought of a deep grey, but once we tested it we weren’t too keen on how it all looked.

Since I had been musing about wallpaper in the backs of our shelves for months and still couldn’t decide, we opted to paint the backings a deep green. We used Behr’s Hosta Leaf MQ6-09.

Step 12: Once everything was dry I sealed it all to prevent scratching and discolouration over time and moves.

Step 13: We added our articulated sconces // here // to the tops of the towers, hidden behind the architraces, for an extra pop of colour and utility in our movable and renter friendly shelves.

Step 23…. I mean 14: After a grace period of 24hrs – waiting for everything to dry – I put the shelves back and replaced the doors – Finally ready to style!

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

After a few days’ work, lots of waiting for things to dry – be it glue or paint – we finally had our renter friendly built-ins! I then promptly took 4 hours to style them, and then another 20 minutes of just staring at them before I got my  butt in gear and photographed them.

voila

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Do you see Boots? I think he’s present for all my family room projects.

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

I’ll let you in on a little secret – we had to drill a hole in the casing on the far right, to allow for the extension cord/power bar that we keep inside the right-hand cupboard to still plug-in!

movable-built-ins-22

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

movable-built-ins-42

movable-built-ins-44

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

movable-built-ins

pin-for-later

Using an IKEA bookshelf system and custom millwork we created rent-er friendly built-ins that can be moved when we move too!

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24 Comments

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Comments

  1. Jess says

    November 18, 2016 at 3:50 pm

    AMAZING! I am pinning this all over the place. I LOVE this. Your styling is amazing too. Someday I’ll be able to say that I slept with a famous stylist.

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      November 18, 2016 at 3:52 pm

      I.AM.DYING over here! ahahahahahahahahaha it’s true, it was the weirdest one night stand ever 😉

      Thanks for pinning! I would love love love to get some good traction on this!

      Reply
  2. Jessica says

    November 18, 2016 at 4:11 pm

    Looks great! I used the same concept when I lived in our rental townhouse. Love it and all the whimsy touches.

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      November 21, 2016 at 10:31 am

      Really?! I gotta check those out! I feel like I didn’t invent the wheel here, but gosh darn if it doesn’t look good together eh?!

      Reply
  3. Cassie Bustamante says

    November 18, 2016 at 6:41 pm

    these look sooooooo good, ariel! love the teal backing, too! and the pink sconces!

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      November 21, 2016 at 10:30 am

      Isn’t it all just kinda perfect?! and when we move, if the green no longer suits I can paint it!

      Reply
  4. Lesley Metcalfe says

    November 18, 2016 at 7:32 pm

    First of all – this looks fantastic, well done.

    Second – that rug…WOW. I don’t think I’ve seen so much of it all at once and it is so wow.

    Finally – (and, this is embarrassing) when you first introduced “moving shelves” I thought they were going to have hinges or something and reveal a secret room behind them or something like that. But now I get it – “moving shelves” refers to shelves that will easily move when you move out! Bahahahaha!

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      November 21, 2016 at 10:27 am

      First of all: Thank you 🙂 I am so so so happy with how they turned out.

      Second: oh yeah? I could have sworn I had done better reveal photos this summer! Either way, glad you’re digging the vibe!

      Finally: AHAHAHA omg I’m so sorry! Reading back now I can totally see why you thought they might be on caster wheels or something. But no, these are just renter friendly in that they’re easy to move with you.

      Reply
  5. Nance says

    November 19, 2016 at 11:17 am

    I love your use of colour..I have seasonal affective disorder and I think I am going to start to use more colour to give me added relief!…Your design style makes me smile…it’s so refreshing!

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      November 21, 2016 at 10:26 am

      Nance you absolutely should! Nothing cheers me up come the depths of January quite like some bright colours

      Reply
  6. Emy says

    November 21, 2016 at 7:15 pm

    They’re beautiful, Ariel! I love the blue backing! It makes all of your fun decor pop!

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      November 24, 2016 at 11:44 am

      it’s actually green! I love that it reads bluish in some lights though!

      Reply
  7. kathryn richmond says

    July 3, 2017 at 1:22 am

    love everything you have done in this room, the rug is gorgeous! Love the styling of the bookcases, so many “pretties”,

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      July 16, 2017 at 10:50 pm

      thank you 🙂 This space was a labour of love and I’m still very happy with it

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Atomic Starburst Ornament • A PMQ for two (and three pets) says:
    November 21, 2016 at 6:01 am

    […] be putting these bigger ones on a shelf of our newly completed renter friendly built-Ins // here […]

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  2. Colourful & Eclectic Holiday Mantel • A PMQ for two (and three pets) says:
    November 29, 2016 at 6:01 am

    […] – we don’t actually have a mantel, but I’ve made our newly completed built-ins // here //  into one!  When Wayfair.ca asked me if I’d share my Holiday Mantel as part of their […]

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  3. Before & After: Believable “Built-ins” That Are Actually Renter-Friendly & Removable – Pioneers Discovers says:
    March 13, 2017 at 10:34 am

    […] full process break-down is on the blog, but basically we used architraves for the top of the tower bookshelves, casing to frame the […]

    Reply
  4. Before & After: Believable "Built-ins" That Are Actually Renter-Friendly & Removable - Tmarie Linens says:
    March 13, 2017 at 10:37 am

    […] (Image credit: Submitted by Ariel) […]

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  5. Before & After: Believable “Built-ins” That Are Actually Renter-Friendly & Removable – Sofia Consola says:
    March 13, 2017 at 10:42 am

    […] (Image credit: Submitted by Ariel) […]

    Reply
  6. Glossy Blue Sideboard Makeover • PMQ for two says:
    December 28, 2017 at 11:57 am

    […] floats from project to project but usually lives on the top shelf of our living room built-ins // here //. The florals, of course, are from AFloral and have been recycled between projects // here […]

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  7. Industrial Glam Pink and Gold Home Office Moodboard » The Designer DIY says:
    March 27, 2018 at 3:06 pm

    […] that don’t make the room look like a little girl’s bedroom (I’m looking at you, Ariel), it was not a battle I was going to fight for when we had just moved in together, so neutral walls […]

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  8. Industrial Glam Pink and Gold Home Office Moodboard » Southbound Blog says:
    May 3, 2018 at 9:59 am

    […] that don’t make the room look like a little girl’s bedroom (I’m looking at you, Ariel), it was not a battle I was going to fight for when we had just moved in together, so neutral walls […]

    Reply
  9. Colourful & Eclectic Canadian Bloggers Spring Home Tour says:
    March 7, 2019 at 8:01 pm

    […] this lovely cocktail hour for my spring home tour. Not much has changed in the family room // here // and our Kitchen is under renovation at the moment // here //, and since those are really the only […]

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  10. Renter Friendly Built in Bookcase Wall (with Argos Home) • Grillo Designs says:
    October 9, 2019 at 10:42 am

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Hi! My name is Ariel and I'm the voice behind PMQ for two. I create bright, bold, colourful, and eclectic home decor, DIYs and lifestyle content.

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PMQ for three

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Ariel - PMQ for two
Y’all Après Ski is a mood,and it is the spirit Y’all Après Ski is a mood,and it is the spirit with which I decorate for winter. Cozy furry things? ✅ Champagne ✅  Oversized sunglasses? ✅ hot cocoa with homemade marshmallows? ✅ a roaring fire? ✅  what’s on your chilly winter must list?
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JB’s Montessori playroom is looking pretty good, JB’s Montessori playroom is looking pretty good, especially now that all the Christmas decor is gone. Bear in mind, this is what it looks like before a child has actually had a chance to play in it 😂 
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It’s winter. It’s snowing here, and it’s col It’s winter. It’s snowing here, and it’s cold. Time for snowflake shaped tea cup cookie rims, and @jacksonmorgancream in your afternoon tea. ✌🏻🫖🍫
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I think we’ve all been feeling a little powerles I think we’ve all been feeling a little powerless these days, but @laybabylay made a great point in her stories the other day: you can always do something nice. You can buy the order of the person in line behind you at the drivethru. You can donate to charitable organizations doing things you believe in. You can make a meal for your neighbour who might be having a hard time with lockdown. It’s amazing how much better I feel when I do something nice, and I bet you will too ❤️
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#lookforthehelpers #dogoodfeelgood #dogoodthings #colorfullife #colorfulhome #wallpaperdecor #sodomino #mymitzi #bhghome #eclectichomedecor #rugsusa #atomicranch #retrohome
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans” - John Lennon. 😎 As a family who moves a lot, we’re ready for a new chapter/ new house, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to leave all the memories! We brought June home here 😭 she learned to walk here, and said her first words here. I wonder what other “firsts” she’ll have before we move. [pictured, June in a messy kitchen last year]
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We sold the house! ✨ After 2.5 years were moving We sold the house! ✨ After 2.5 years were moving on. No, we’re not posted. We’re just ready for a new adventure! 😎✨ big thanks to our dedicated realtor @ang.ripped.realtor ✨ We’ll be staying local, and can’t wait to share our plans and next steps (once they’re more firm) And yes, the chickens come with us. 
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*insert pun about light* AD: our Kai sconces from *insert pun about light* AD: our Kai sconces from @mymitzi make this wet bar. Sure, secret thing else contributes to the #retroaesthetic , but lighting sets the mood. These brass sconces blend right in when they need to, but gleefully take center stage after dark. What do ya think? 
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