One day my Stylist, better known as my friend Rachel texts me and says "Hey I'm doing some renovations to the salon, Can you help me out with something?" Then she sends me the following pictures.
She wanted hanging storage to free up counter and floor space. I have seen these around, and contemplated making one a time or two. I just haven't had the need. It didn't seem too bad of a project in the grand scheme of requests I get. Besides, for what she puts up with me as a hair client (Yes, I'm one of those people), I more than owe her.
I started with the base. We discussed the specs, and I measured out exactly the size she wanted. She was quite modest at only 30" wide and 54" tall. You know me, Team Doing Too Much, I was pleasantly surprised when she wanted something much smaller than what I had envisioned. I pulled out my trusty tape measurer out of my purse and got to sizing. Then trip #1 to Home Depot. I got 3 8" wide boards. It took me awhile to cut them. My Miter saw is a 10" blade, which means with clearance only cuts 6". So, I had to do 2 cuts per piece.
After cutting, I started by painting all of the pieces.
Then I glued and nailed all of the pieces together. As you can see I had to use quite a few leveling tools to make sure everything was straight.
After I finished, I decided I needed more support for the door. Home Depot trip #2. I added 1 1/2" pine all the way around the front
I also added 3/4" dowels as guard rails. This way the bottles (or whatever she puts) don't fall forward when she opens the door.
Base piece done.
Now to move on to the door. Home Depot trip #3. The door was going to have a mirror. Being that I am a client, the bigger the mirror, the more surface I have for post hair flip and a full performance twirl (Judge me if you want). I decided on a 24" x 48" mirror. Unfortunately that would have to be custom ordered. I just so happened to google mirrors at the size I wanted, and found a mirror that with the frame was that size. The mirror it self was 18" x 42". That was close enough for me, so I bought it.
For the border I used 6" pine. I lined the pieces up with glue first, and then went back with my nail gun to secure them.
I added 1/4" moulding to the opening edge to create a a barrier for the mirror to sit in. It also added a little visual interest. I then finished painting both pieces.
I took both pieces outside and sprayed them with Polyurethane.
Next, I attached the door. I felt it was better to do this step without the mirror in it. I have yet to master lining up and attaching doors. So, the less weight made it easier. Home Depot trip #4. I bought these 3 1/12" door hinges and a handle.
I lined up and screwed the hinges to the base first.
Then I propped up the door and lined it up to the base to attach the other sde of the hinges.
With everything in place it was time to to add the mirror. This was done in a few layers. The last thing you want is an unsecured mirror. I removed the door from the base, and laid it on the floor face down. First I added the mirror inside.
Then, I added 3/8" pieces around the sides and glue to help keep it in place. Next was some foam board, and then the actual backing piece that came with the mirror. Last I added strips of craft wood, for extra support to hold it all down.
Then I took it out to the garage, and painted it to match the rest of the door.
Only thing left to do was put it together. I screwed the door back on to the base. Then I stood back to marvel at my creation.
To finish it off, I added a handle. Rachel is not too big on flair, so I went with something a more modest but still pretty.
I also added a magnet to help keep the door stay closed.
The finished product.
As you an see I did not add a back. Being that it was going to hang against the wall, I did not think it was necessary.
And in the salon....
How awesome is that! I have to say while not the most involved project I have ever taken on, it was not easy. Trying to get everything to be level and secure was a challenge. No one wants lopsided furniture. In the end, I'm happy with the outcome. Most importantly Rachel is happy, and that is all that matters.
It's on to the next project....!
