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Faking built-in joinery: how we used flatpack and VJ to create an amazing TV unit

By Jen Bishop • 11 Comments

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I’ve shared our living room on here many times and I really love the space, but what people often ask me is: “but where’s the TV?” Well, there’s a reason I never showed the room from that particular angle because it was never ever quite right and I hate messy cables on show and the often cluttered look of an entertainment unit. That’s all changed now with this amazing built-in, which we did on relative budget.

Is it a TV unit? Is it a credenza? Is it built-in joinery? Who knows, or cares? It just looks and functions great! And this room is finally good from all angles. Not to mention, that navy!

That gorgeous navy cabinetry? It’s flatpack Kaboodle from Bunnings, like we used in the laundry recently, and the doors are one of the regular colour options (Bluepea) rather than being painted by us.

I feel what really takes it next level is the Caesarstone top. It’s White Attica, which I’ve always loved (since I saw it in one of The Block houses years ago) but wasn’t quite right for out kitchen (which is Noble Grey). I felt it was the perfect contrast for the navy in the living room and I really didn’t want to matchy-match with the kitchen because really, who matches their separate living room to their kitchen?! At the same time, there’s an element of continuity and flow there, thanks to the paint colour and the navy cabinetry being the same as the laundry. Not to mention we now have shaker profile doors in the living room, kitchen and laundry.

One of the things I struggle with most with TVs in general, and all the stuff that comes with them (speakers, cables, Foxtel box etc) is the generally messy or cluttered look. I knew that I needed to go one further to really pull together this cabinetry and this was with the use of VJ Board Pro board from Intrim on the wall behind. It’s painted in the same blue as the other VJ in our kitchen and dining (Chinchilla Fur by Haymes Paint).

So, how did we do it? First, we needed to chat with our electrician about getting all the cables in the wall and marking that out before Trent from Pure Renovation Group fixed the VJ Board Pro onto the wall. It’s a great affordable MDF product which is easy to install and comes pre-primed in sheets and ready to paint. I’d been on the Kaboodle 3D planner online to work out which combination of cabinets would fit the 3-metre wall as neatly as possible to create that custom look. Luckily for me, this worked out so so well using two different cabinet sizes! We did think about using less deep wall cabinets instead but as we had plenty of space here, we decided to use the deeper cabinets and create maximum storage.

To avoid them looking too ‘kitcheny’ we decided not to use a kick board, to make them lower, and we chose push to open hinges and no handles or knobs. Like planning the laundry, this process was very intuitive and easy, even for an amateur!

I really love the look and the contrast of the navy in this room. The stone finishes it off beautifully and stops it from being too dark. The paneling behind just pulls it all together. And overall, we have a very custom look for a lot less than custom joinery (which absolutely has its place but this isn’t the house or the room I want to invest in that for).

My husband was delighted that this set-up meant I agreed to us buying shiny new speakers for his hi-fi setup (he’s old school like that) on the basis that they were white, even if they are a bit bigger than I was led to expect but that’s another story… I drew the line at a new TV because there’s really nothing wrong with this one (and care factor: zero!).

Almost every ugly black box (Foxtel, amplifier, CD players and the like) is in the far left cabinet so there’s actually heaps of storage too, for things like CDs (I told you my husband was old school) and other completely non-TV and audio-related things that need a home. I mean, can you ever have too much storage? I think not!

I’m so thrilled with the end result and the only thing that could make it better would be a Samsung The Frame TV! The only downside? We can’t take this setup with us if we ever move!

I thoroughly recommend considering using flatpack to achieve a built-in look like this, or even to create your dream buffet, for example. I hope this how-to gives you some inspiration!

Photos: Jacqui Turk

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Sponsored by Kaboodle I’ve often said that elements like handles, knobs and tapware are the jewellery for your kitchen; the finishing touches where you add a bit of personality and…

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February 15, 2021

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Known for his stylish bar and shop fitouts, @jform Known for his stylish bar and shop fitouts, @jform__ this year turned his hand to an apartment reno and created something really special!

Come and tour this beautiful one bed warehouse conversion in Sydney's Surry Hills on the blog today via link in bio.

Currently for sale though @bresicwhitney

#apartmentinterior #apartmentlove #apartmenttour #mezzaninefloor #mezzaninebedroom #warehouseconversion #factoryconversion #surryhillslife #surryhillssydney #surryhillslocal #shopfitout #barfitout #shopfitters #jform #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #coolapartment #funkyinteriors #customjoinery
When her styling business took a hit, @vaultinteri When her styling business took a hit, @vaultinteriors decided to reduce her outgoings by moving to a tiny house. And we're not sure we've ever seen a more stylish one!

Although the move to a container home was motivated by financial pressures, Justine Wilson is loving her new simpler way of life.

Read her refreshingly honest, positive interview on the blog now, via link in bio.

It'll make you want to downsize too!

#tinyhomes #tinyhouse #tinyhome #tinyhouses #tinyliving #livingbiginatinyhouse #tinyhousemovement #tinyhouseonwheels #tinyhouseliving #tinyhousenation #tinyhouseattractive #tinyhomedesign #containerhouse #containerhome #containerhomes #containerhouses #containerhomedesigns #interiorstylist #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #smallspaceliving #smallspacedesign #downsizeliving #downsize #downsizingandminimizing #escapetothecountry #hawkesburyriver #hawkesburyriverlife
Appliance colour trends: They've certainly change Appliance colour trends:

They've certainly changed over the years. Remember when ALL fridges were white?! I remember the original BROWN wall oven in our 60s kitchen here pre-reno! I think the dishwasher was brown and beige (and it tripped the electrics every time we used it!) 😜

What do you think of this new dark stainless steel option (pictured) from Westinghouse as seen in @dnaofdesign_'s latest reno? Yay or nay? 

What colour do you like your appliances?

See the rest of this home and kitchen and laundry design tips from the ex Blockheads on the blog now via link in bio.

#kitchenappliances #walloven #wallovens #combioven #combioven #microwaves #builtinappliances #builtinoven #builtinovens #homeappliance #westinghouse #kitchentrends #ovens #laundryappliances #darkstainlesssteel #stainlesssteelappliances
SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #foxtel #lifestylechannel #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterlivingroom #beforeandafterrenovation #realitytv #housetours #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo 😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror above the fireplace in this Art Deco one-bedder or the wallpaper in the kitchen (swipe)?!

It's been a while since we featured an apartment makeover on IA. Would you like to see more apartment interiors? Head to the blog now to see more of this one. Via link in bio.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior
#artdecomirror #artdecofireplace #artdecomelbourne #artdecofurniture #artdecobuilding #artdecointeriors #apartmentrenovation #apartmentinterior #smallspaceliving #melbourneapartments #melbourneairbnb #kitchenwallpaper #wallpaperaustralia
Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sh Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sheets and soap and powder!). We have a great roundup of the best options on the blog today. 

A whole host of brands are offering eco-friendly, low tox alternatives to the more chemical-laden ones. Not only that, they often smell amazing, look good on your shelf and come in recycled or recyclable (or even better, both) packaging. 

Good for your skin, your clothes and the planet: what’s not to like?

Do you use any of these?

COMPARE THEM ALL VIA LINK IN BIO NOW.

#lowtoxliving #lowtoxlife #lowtoxlifestyle #lowtoxhome #lowtoxlaundry #lowtoxswaps #naturallaundry #naturallaundrydetergent #naturallaundrysoap #ecolaundry #lowtoxcleaning #ecofriendlyhome #ecofriendlyhouse #laundryliquid #laundrypowder #laundrysoap #naturalcleaning #chemicalfreecleaning #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Play room goals!👌🏻 This is just one room fr Play room goals!👌🏻

This is just one room from today's real house tour which I really love because in employing interior designer @issyandhcreative the owners weren't looking for a complete rip out and re-do but rather to work with what they had in their new suburban home (including a dated kitchen) and give it a largely cosmetic glow up with styling and new furniture (some of which was upcycled). 

The brief was to create a family friendly home. "They weren't looking for perfection but rather a warm and relaxing retreat for their busy young family." This playroom though? Pretty close to perfect! And the mum did the colour coded books herself. Love that😁

Head over to the blog now via link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#playroomideas #playroomgoals #playroomdecor #familyhomes #kidfriendlyhome #kidfriendlyinteriors #familyhomedecor #sustainabledecor #affordablerenovations #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #beanbagchair #beanbags #colourcodedbooks #colourcoded #toyroom #kidsroomdesign 

Pix by @tealily
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarHelen McLean says

    February 17, 2021 at 8:40 am

    I’m intrigued about how the VJ wall and hidden cabling looks ‘behind-the-scenes’. Do you have any WIP of this part of the project?

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 17, 2021 at 9:21 am

      Nothing very exciting, just some holes big enough for a plug to fit through, through the back of the cabinets and through the VJ panel and the wall behind. It’s all very neat and an easy job for an electrician!

      Reply
  2. AvatarArthur K says

    February 19, 2021 at 6:04 am

    Nice place to hide any messy electronics equipment that accumulates near the TV.

    Reply
  3. AvatarTan says

    February 20, 2021 at 10:46 am

    This is so wonderful, thank you Jen for posting this.
    I bet you’re feeling a lot of happy peace and a big relief especially with the laundry being done too.

    Please can you tell me what little feet (or plinth?) you used under your entertainment cabinet.

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 21, 2021 at 3:55 pm

      Thanks Tania! Yes, we sure are feeling so much happier in our home as it becomes more and more suited to our family, needs and taste! The cabinets are just on the standard feet they come with and because we chose not to use a kick board, this creates the look of a shadow line, but in reality it’s just a small gap. Hopefully no hot wheels cars get stuck under there 😉

      Reply
  4. AvatarPatrick O'leary says

    December 30, 2021 at 3:20 pm

    Hi, looks fantastic! Just wondering how the cabinets are installed with no kickboard???

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      December 31, 2021 at 10:06 am

      We chose not to so they’d be lower and less kitchen-y! They have adjustable legs underneath the cabinets. We just have to be careful not to lose anything underneath them. The odd marble has been lost forever!

      Reply
  5. AvatarSteph Smith says

    February 21, 2022 at 6:17 pm

    Hi there, looks amazing! Did you use the Kaboodle 720mm wall end panel on the end and roughly what is the size of the gap left underneath the cabinets?

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 21, 2022 at 8:24 pm

      Hi, thanks! Yes we did, and the gap is probably about 20mm. Enough to lose a marble!

      Reply
  6. AvatarSue says

    March 13, 2023 at 7:25 am

    To extract any marbles, small toys or just dust, have you tried using a leaf blower? It’s also useful for under low-slung sofas or free-standing bathtubs (if they are not siliconed to the floor, which personally I detest). I occasionally dog-sit my son’s two gorgeous – but very hairy! – dogs, and the leaf blower is fantastic for blowing hair from under or behind furniture into the centre of the room, making it easy to vacuum! 😆

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      March 13, 2023 at 9:11 am

      What a great idea, thanks Sue!

      Reply

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