Built-ins are one of my favorite ways to add both function and character to a space, and this white and walnut combination might be my favorite yet. The clean, classic look of the white cabinets provides a timeless foundation, while the walnut uppers and accents bring in a rich, modern warmth that still feels traditional. In this post, I’m sharing the step-by-step process behind creating this custom built-in, from design inspiration to final styling.
If you’re interested in recreating this built-in, I’ve linked all of the cabinetry components, walnut shelving, hardware, and finishes used in this project here: Walnut & White IKEA Dining Room Built-In
Like most of my IKEA hack builds, I started by removing the baseboards and building a base out of 2×4’s, that I attached to the studs.
Then I placed the cabinets on top of the base and marked out where I had to cut out the backing for access to the outlet.
TIP: install the outlet plate backwards and put a dab of caulk on each corner. Then press the cabinet into place, and you’ll have a guide where to cut!
I used my multi-tool to do this, and once the hole was cut, I attached the cabinet boxes to each other with cabinet screws, and down into the base using construction screws. I chose not to use/install the suspension rail that is typically used with IKEA sektion cabinets to attach them to the wall. And the backs of the cabinets are flimsy, so attaching them downward into the base was the only secure option. Then, I installed the side panel, doors, drawers, hardware, and baseboard.
Before I could continue with the cabinet box install, the quartz countertop had to be installed. There’s a local fabricator near my house that always has an extensive selection of remnant pieces of quartz to choose from. Buying a remnant is typically a cheaper option for smaller projects because you don’t need to buy the whole slab!
Once the countertop was installed, I continued with installing the cabinets that sit on the counter. The 15×30″ cabinet sits on the counter, and the 40×30″ sits on top of that. I ended up installing blocking into the studs of the side wall so that I could attach the cabinets to them through the side panels (again, the backing is too flimsy to attach to the wall). I also attached them to one another and installed L-brackets to the wall/studs for added security.
Once the cabinet boxes were in place, I installed the walnut doors, cover panel, and filler piece. Because the IKEA boxes are white, and two cabinets were stacked on top of each other, the side cover panel was necessary to hide the seam and make it look as if the cabinet box is walnut. I also installed blocking onto the top of the cabinet by nailing up from the cabinet into the blocking with my 18g brad nail gun. The blocking gave me something to nail the walnut crown molding into.
The last step was to hang the walnut floating shelves. from Crate & Barrel. I followed the instructions provided, and called in a friend to help…I needed her expertise and another set of hands! Unfortunately, we weren’t able to hit as many studs as we were hoping, so we used heavy duty toggle bolts.
Can you believe how well the walnut from Crate & Barrel matches the walnut finish from IKEA???
For tools and general DIY supplies I use on almost every build (drills, saws, paint tools, etc), I keep those linked separately here: My Go-To DIY Tools.
