Open End Kitchen Wall Shelf – Stylish Way to Finish a Cabinet Run

🛠️ Why I Built This Open Kitchen Wall Cabinet

For this standard kitchen layout, I wanted to give the upper cabinets a more custom, designer look—and create a spot to add some decor and warmth to the wall. The end of this run of cabinets is located above a peninsula bar, which made a traditional wall cabinet impractical. It would’ve been hard to access and felt heavy above the open space.

This open wall cabinet was a simple, beginner-friendly way to solve all of that. It adds style, easy storage, and makes the space feel more open and intentional.

 

📸 Photos of This Wall Cabinet in the Kitchen

Above the peninsula bar:

This open end wall shelf wraps the corner and finishes off the upper cabinets without blocking sightlines or making the space feel closed in.

Side view of the wall cabinet and bar area:

The open shelf allows for quick access and easy styling, and it avoids the awkward reach you'd need with a full-depth cabinet.

Balancing the kitchen layout with a second open cabinet:

We added a matching open cabinet on the opposite end of the upper cabinets to keep things feeling balanced and intentional.

 

✨ Open Wall Cabinet Features

• Open on the front and side – Perfect for corner installs or finishing off a cabinet run
• Beginner-friendly build – Simple construction with just a few tools
• Easy to customize – Paint or stain to match your kitchen
• Great for decor – Display plants, bowls, cookbooks, or everyday dishes
• Works in tricky layouts – Ideal for peninsulas, dining nooks, or small kitchens
• Makes stock cabinets feel custom – Adds that built-in designer look without the cost

📐 Free Plans to Build Your Own Open Wall Kitchen Cabinet

You can build this cabinet with basic tools and a little time!

Our free plans include:

• Step-by-step building instructions
• Detailed diagrams
• Complete cut list and shopping list

This is a super easy way to elevate your kitchen—without the stress of a full cabinet install.

from Recent Project Plans https://ift.tt/ebJSj37

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats

 

Why We Built this Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats

Our friend is the postmaster at our small local post office.  As you can imagine a rural town in Alaska, our post office is incredibly busy with package deliveries.  To thank the workers, we built this picnic table for them to use on their very short lunch breaks.  Thank you, postal workers in Delta Junction, Alaska!
 

Why You’ll Love This Picnic Table:

• Free plans included – No need to buy blueprints! Download full instructions at no cost.

• Step-by-step guidance – Comes with detailed diagrams, a complete cut list, shopping list, and a full video tutorial.

• Open-seat design – Easy to get in and out—no climbing over benches.

• Roomy & social – Seats 8 adults comfortably and keeps everyone close for conversation.

• Durable & sturdy – Built to last with outdoor use in mind.

• Beginner-friendly – Only a few basic tools needed to build!

Whether you're hosting family dinners or weekend BBQs, this picnic table is a practical and beautiful addition to your outdoor space.

👉 Check out tons of reader-submitted photos for ideas and inspiration!

 

Video Tutorial of Building this Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats

Watch the video to see the building techniques used to make this 

from Recent Project Plans https://ift.tt/OagJ7bD

Modern Outdoor Loveseat from 2x4s and 2x6s

 

 

Modern Outdoor Loveseat Plans

Following much love for our Modern Outdoor Chairs and many requests for a Loveseat plan, we are excited to share with you brand new plans. We love the simple build process, how this project looks amazing from all sides, it's heavy enough to not blow away in the wind, and we have matching plans to build it all!

 

How Do I Finish Outdoor Furniture?

Make sure you check out our Outdoor Wood Finishing Secrets post.
 

 

from Recent Project Plans https://ift.tt/TM8OGmH

1x12 Easy to Build and Hang Modular Closet System

Looking for the BEST DIY-friendly way to upgrade your closet on a budget? My free modular closet system set of plans has you covered:

• ✅ Fully customizable — mix and match six different modules to fit your space and style

• 🪚 Super beginner-friendly — all units built from easy-to-find 1x12 boards

• 💰 Budget-friendly — way cheaper than buying! No need to spend thousands on a closet!

• 🔨 Simple to build and install — French cleat system makes hanging a breeze

• 📏 Free plans with diagrams, cut lists, and step-by-step video tutorials

• 🧰 Works for small closets, big walk-ins, or anywhere you need organized storage

• ✅ Designed to fit 11" cube storage bins!

It’s hands-down the easiest and most affordable way to get a custom closet look without the custom price tag.  I love this method SO much that I've already built it 3 different times!

shown in closet double hanging and 3 shelf hanging closet components

 

 

Modular Closet Components

By using different organizers, you can create the closet of your dreams!  Here are the standard modular closet components.

All of the components are constructed with the same steps, the only difference is the length of the sides and the number of shelves.  Follow the construction steps below, but use the diagrams linked below to come up with your cut lists.

• 3 Shelf Hanging Modular Closet Organizer Plans - Good for hanging shirts and more shelf space
• 1 Shelf Hanging Modular Closet Organizer Plans - Good for hanging dresses and longer items
• 5 Shelf Tower Modular Closet Organizer Plans - Good for shoes, small items, 11" baskets and bins
• Double Hanging Modular Closet Organizer Plans - Good for maximum shelf hanging of shorter items
• 2 Shelf Hanging Modular Closet Organizer Plans Good for medium length hanging, shelf space
• Filler Top Piece - Good for filling in between organizers at the top, full length hanging

 

📏 Measuring & Planning Your Closet Components

Before you start cutting boards, take a few minutes to plan your closet layout. A little prep goes a long way!

• Measure your closet carefully – Take note of the total width, height, and depth.

• Leave 1" of wiggle room – Always subtract about an inch from the total width to make installation easier, especially if you’re building wall-to-wall.

• Plan for hanging vs. shelving – Think about what you’ll be storing. Need double hanging for shirts and pants? Or more shelf space for bins and shoes? You can mix and match the units to fit your needs.

• Stick to standard shelf sizes – Each shelf fits 11" deep storage cubes, so aim for widths like 24" or 36" to keep things simple and efficient.

• Sketch your layout – A quick drawing (even on paper) helps visualize how the components will stack and fit in your space.

Taking time to plan ensures your closet not only looks great, but functions perfectly for your daily life!

 

EASY! Hanging Your Closet Organizers

Hanging this closet system is SO easy!!!  Just cut a 1x3 board to the full length of your closet, and attach it to the back wall to studs in the wall, with the bottom of the cleat at 72" (or as desired).  Then just set the organizers on the 1x3, so the 1x6 back piece sits on top, and then screw the organizers to studs in the wall.  This way you can hold the organizers in place, match them all up, and make sure everything is hung level!

 

Modular Closet Build Video

I have built this closet plan in full closet systems three times now.  It is my go-to plan for easy to build closets (and easy to hang).  In this video, I built using a French cleat hanging system (but it is not necessary to hang with the French cleat, you can use the 1x6 method as instructed in the plans).

 

 

 

from Recent Project Plans https://ift.tt/hajk1mI