Do It Yourself: Rebekah’s Pantry

Every month, we highlight do-it-yourself projects from our readers. Do you want to see your project featured in our magazine? Email ambouthot@the-papers.com.

Rebekah’s Pantry

This month’s Reader DIY project comes from Rebekah Whirledge. She and her husband found a creative solution for their pantry/stairwell.

What was your inspiration for the project?

I literally Googled “pantry over basement stairs.” Brian and I had been toying with a ton of ideas for that space, including covering up the stairs completely and building new stairs to the basement in a closet located in another room. Thankfully, Google and Pinterest provided some inspirations for the trapdoor-over-the-basement-stairs idea, which was not only easier, but a lot cooler!

Befores

How long did it take from start to finish?

One week. We started the day after Christmas, and my husband finished the construction by the time he went back to school when holiday break ended (he is a schoolteacher). It took me a few more days to organize and fill all my new shelves.

Was it easier or harder than you anticipated?

Everything went as expected, thankfully. My husband is a part of the local woodworker’s guild and has access to some nice woodworking tools, which made the project go smoothly.

What was the total cost of the project?

Approximately $1,000 for materials (lumber, beadboard, plank ceiling, shelving, lighting, door) and approximately $600 for organization and decor (storage containers and bins, rug, curtains, etc.)

Afters

What did you like best about the undertaking?

The original space couldn’t have been much worse. It was dirty, unorganized, and chaotic. The old Michigan style basement was just creepy. The new space is not only beautiful, but so functional. I sometimes just open the door and look at all the lovely organization. It is so zen. I’m so pleased that we were able to find a unique solution and gain so much extra space.

What was the most challenging aspect?

The only hitch was since our house is over 100 years old, the walls are by no means square. Also, since the space was never meant to be a pantry, the drywall was shoddily done (which is why we covered it completely with beadboard). It took some measuring, re-measuring, cutting, and re-cutting to get everything mostly perfect. a