Submitted by Four Generations One Roof
There are projects that simply transform a space, and then there are projects that transform a space while holding a deep well of emotions. This particular endeavor falls squarely into the latter category. For weeks, I’ve hesitated to share this story, not because of the complexity of the DIY, but because it’s intertwined with a recent, profound loss. This past summer, we said goodbye to my beloved grandmother, or “Gram,” at the remarkable age of 92. While her life was long and wonderfully lived, the farewell was nonetheless difficult. We were incredibly fortunate, however, that her final chapter unfolded right here, within the comforting embrace of our family home, our “little compound.” And it’s this bittersweet presence that brings me to the heart of this post.
Before her passing, Gram would often sit and watch, offering gentle encouragement as we embarked on creating a built-in bookcase. Its primary purpose was to lovingly display her cherished Blue Willow china, a collection that has been passed down through generations in our family and carries immense sentimental value. But this room, affectionately — or perhaps ironically — dubbed “the Year 1 Room” by my husband, needed more than just a display. It needed purpose. Located off the foyer and garage, nestled between the kitchen and family room, it served as little more than a walk-through space, devoid of storage or definition. My vision was clear: create a beautiful showcase for Gram’s china, and, crucially, provide much-needed coat storage. Yes, I know, china and coats might seem an odd pairing, but practicality often dictates design in a home with virtually no closets!
The “Year 1 Room” got its name because it became a repository for all the inherited treasures that didn’t quite fit anywhere else – items marking the first year of our combined family life in this home. It was a space begging for personality and functionality, a place where sentimental pieces could truly shine. As you’ll soon see in the dramatic before-and-after photos, this room underwent a complete metamorphosis. But before diving into the visual journey, I want to highlight the key inspiration behind one of the most striking features: the barn doors.
My inspiration for these unique barn-style doors stemmed from a captivating post by Ashley over at The Handmade Home. She shared a picture of incredibly cool barn doors that immediately captivated me. I was particularly drawn to the idea of them sliding open on elegant, equestrian-style flat hardware. In my previous posts detailing this project (which you can find here – Stage 1 and here – Stage 2), I delved into the initial excitement for this high-end hardware. However, a quick check revealed a significant hurdle: the cost was approaching $900 for the sliding mechanism alone. While beautiful, that figure simply wasn’t within our budget for this functional yet sentimental space. It was time for Plan B – a creative, budget-friendly solution that would capture the aesthetic without breaking the bank.
This image truly ignited the vision for our barn doors, setting the aesthetic tone for the entire project:
Picture via The Handmade Home (a fantastic source of DIY inspiration!)
And now, for the stark reality. This was our built-in bookcase before the transformation. A true “train wreck” disaster area, made even less appealing by the ancient camera I was using at the time. Please forgive the poor picture quality – it’s a testament to how far technology (and my camera skills!) have come. Thankfully, I’ve since upgraded!
And here is the spectacular “after” shot of the bookcase, captured with my new camera! I’m still learning its intricacies, mostly relying on the auto setting and hoping for the best, but the improvement in clarity and vibrancy is undeniable.
To achieve the barn door look we adored without the hefty price tag of sliding hardware, we ingeniously opted to mount the doors on traditional hinges. This simple pivot in design allowed us to replicate the desired aesthetic for an astonishingly low cost – just $22! The top black pieces, which so perfectly mimic the sturdy flat track of authentic barn door hardware, are actually aluminum strips purchased from Home Depot and given a quick, transforming spray paint treatment in black. It’s amazing what a little creativity and a can of spray paint can achieve.
The transformation of this space brought both beauty and essential functionality to our home. The newly installed doors not only enhance the room’s aesthetic but also cleverly conceal the storage behind. Here are more glimpses into the completed project, showcasing the details of our DIY journey and the final look.
Every element was chosen to maximize both style and utility in this previously underutilized area. The result is a seamless blend of form and function that truly elevates our “Year 1 Room.”
The doors, though hinged, provide the desired rustic charm and architectural interest we initially sought, making a bold statement in the entryway.
And here’s the true triumph of practicality: we finally have a designated place to hang coats! This simple addition has dramatically improved the functionality of our entryway, keeping clutter at bay and making arrivals and departures much smoother. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in daily living. YAY!
And the best part… We have a place to hang coats! YAY!!!!
A closer look at the budget-friendly aluminum strips, painted black, perfectly illustrating how a clever DIY approach can mimic high-end hardware for a fraction of the cost. These details truly complete the barn door illusion.
Beyond the functional aspects, this project has beautifully achieved its primary sentimental goal: showcasing Gram’s cherished Blue Willow china. Each piece tells a story, a tangible link to generations past. Alongside the china, I’ve displayed some of the antique books she also gifted me, many dating back to the 1850s. They fit perfectly with the “Year 1 Room” theme, adding character and a sense of history to the space. It’s a wonderful blend of elegance, history, and practical living.
The journey to hanging these doors wasn’t without its humorous mishaps. I vividly remember my dad’s initial skepticism when I first proposed the idea of adding doors here. “Why do you want to do that?” he questioned, unconvinced by my inspiration picture. The installation itself proved to be a comical challenge; at one point, we accidentally dropped one of the doors, sending it cartwheeling across the floor! Thankfully, neither my son nor our dog were in its path. Despite Dad’s momentary “meltdown,” we persevered, and finally, the doors were securely hung.
The best part? Now both my dad and gramps proudly take credit for the doors and the design! Seriously? It’s a testament to how even the most resistant family members can come around to a good idea once it’s realized. Their newfound admiration for the project is just another layer of joy added to this already special space.
For those interested in the nuts and bolts of how we constructed these doors, don’t forget to check out the detailed process in Stage 1 and Stage 2. Your comments mean the world to me, so please leave your thoughts below! I often wish my Gram were still here to see the finished project. I can only imagine her reaction, but I truly believe she would be so proud. Miss you, Gram ~
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