How to upgrade a wall unit?

[HandyAnne]

Hi! I am attempting to renovate an aged wall unit in our downstairs area. Photo attached (apologies for the gear dumped there by my kids).

It measures 3420 long and 2080 high with kick board. The base shelf is 600 deep and the top shelving 300 deep. The base consists of 6 cupboards measuring 720 high x 500 wide and a set of 5 drawers 390w x 140h. The top has a series of shelves.

I would love to "modernise" the unit and place a wall mounted tv in the centre. I like the simple lines of scandi furniture. I have seen some Bunnings inspo of timber moldings on kitchen islands and like this but unsure how it would work for me. Also like the look of the acoustic timber panels as a feature???

I am stumped for ideas which is delaying the motivation of getting in and getting it done. Any assistance or advice you can offer

would be so greatly appreciated. Ta, Anne. 

Wall unit

[MitchellMc]

Hi @HandyAnne,

Since the TV will be the central feature, I suggest starting by creating a template from cardboard that matches the size of your TV. Attach this template in the middle of the unit to visualise the space and determine which parts of the cabinetry you’d like to keep or remove.

Based on your desire for a simple, Scandinavian-inspired look, I think you could simplify the top section of the unit by removing the dividing cabinetry. Keeping the sides and top would help maintain structure. To give the unit more of a modern feel, you can add some DAR pine or pine moulding around the frame. This will not only enhance the design but also give the unit a more substantial look.

For the internal area around the TV, VJ panelling could create a lovely texture and warmth, complementing the modern aesthetic you're after. Mount the TV in the centre, and add floating shelves on either side to balance the design while keeping the lines clean and functional.

As for the acoustic timber panels, they could work really well as a feature element. These would blend nicely with the wood tones and elevate the overall feel of the unit.

I’ve created a rough rendering to give you a better idea of how this could come together. Hope this sparks some ideas and helps move the project forward.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[HandyAnne]

Hi Mitchell,

Many thanks. I love what you have suggested and the design rendering. The only thing I need to consider is the storage below as it is a very serviceable area, but the doors and drawers are outdated. There is one main shelf behind each set of doors providing space for roller boxes and is great for storage. The drawers are quite shallow and not closing ideally. I prefer balance in the unit and as it is the configuration is 2 doors, drawers, 4 doors. What would your suggestions be for this area?

Thank you so much Mitchell, I've loved and appreciated what you have suggested so far, especially the VJ paneling.

I look forward to your reply, A

[MitchellMc]

Hi @HandyAnne, 

For the storage area, if the doors are still structurally sound, repainting them with a fresh colour could be a great way to modernise the look without having to replace them entirely. Adding a decorative trim around the edges could elevate their appearance. Also, panelling such as the Prempanel 2700 x 600 x 21mm Oak Timber Acoustic Panel can also be cut to size and adhered to the front of the drawers and doors.

For the drawers, if they're not closing properly, it's likely the rollers or sliders have worn out. Replacing these with new ones would help restore their functionality.

If you're still aiming for balance, you might want to consider swapping out one set of the cupboard doors for open shelving. This can help break up the solid lines of the cabinetry and add a more airy, modern feel to the lower section, especially if you pair it with some minimalistic decor or baskets for additional storage.

Mitchell

[Jason]

Great to see you get fantastic advice from Mitch @HandyAnne.

Let me also tag some other community members for their thoughts: @Benskimo, @sammilne, @JoeAzza.

Jason

[Benskimo]

Hi @Jason thank for the flag, and hi @HandyAnne - this looks like a fun project! Plus, you're already starting with decent structure there. I like @MitchellMc's advice about removing the draw faces in the middle to open it up a bit. Personally, I'd keep a consistent wall colour 'behind' the shelves, which makes it look a little lighter (you can see it here in this shelving project I did). I personally like contrast, so the back could be pale and the shelving could be mid-to-darker tone wood, or the shelving (and cupboard doors) could be white, with a dark panelled backing, using the VJ panelling.  

You might like to take the opportunity to break up the shelving pattern a bit either side of the TV, rather than just straight shelves across all of it, again like here or here. Think about what you'd like to showcase on the shelves themselves... books? Some ornaments with personal connection? A taller vase/plant?

Just my $0.02. Have fun with it!  

[HandyAnne]

Thanks a million for the ideas. Feeling motivated and ready for action. Will keep you updated on my progress.