How One Architect’s Twist on IKEA is Transforming Simple Cubes into Storage Gold

IKEA EKET storage bench
Photo Credit: Rosemarie Thiedmann @live.like.archi | Instagram

Consider this your sign to look at IKEA with fresh eyes. Architect Rosemarie Thiedmann takes IKEA’s humble EKET cabinets and — in a brilliant twist — turns them into stylish and practical storage.

Rosemarie, who shares her innovative projects on her Instagram account @live.like.archi, unveiled two EKET hacks that are “slap-forehead” easy and may spawn a trend of flipping IKEA around.

She says on her Instagram, “What can’t you do with EKET cubes? Because all sides are equal in length, there are endless possibilities.”

EKET Storage Bench

eket storage bench hack
Photo Credit Rosemarie Thiedmann livelikearchi | Instagram

First up is Rosemarie’s simple yet effective storage bench. For this, she used 13 3/4″ EKET cubes. The flip-top chest is a larger EKET cabinet with a door (13 3/4 x 13 3/4 x 27 1/2″). By combining EKET cabinets of varying sizes and orientations, she’s created a multifunctional piece that offers both seating and storage.

The genius lies in its versatility – some cubes face upwards for easy access, while others face forward, providing a mix of open and closed storage options. She drilled a simple hole in the EKET door to serve as a door pull. A cushioned top transforms the 2-cube EKET into a bench seat. She used an MDF board as the base under the EKET cabinets but says it is optional, “Not a must, but it looks a bit better as if the furniture belongs together.”

This storage bench hack is a terrific project for DIY beginners and would be awesome for entryway storage.

EKET Cabinets To Bedside Storage

eket bedside storage
Photo Credit Rosemarie Thiedmann livelikearchi | Instagram

Moving on with the same concept, Rosemarie recreates it in the bedroom, producing a bedside storage unit that sits flush with the bed frame. This clever idea offers easy access to books, stuffed animals, and other bedtime essentials, right next to the bed. By elevating the EKET cabinets on an MDF base, Rosemarie ensures that everything is perfectly positioned, streamlining bedtime routines for parents and little ones alike.

With the cabinets facing upwards, their doors become additional surfaces, ideal for placing a bedside lamp, a glass of water, or a favorite toy.

Rosemarie’s hacks prove having a fresh perspective is key to IKEA hacking. By flipping the standard front-facing EKET shelving unit, she’s unlocked a whole level of possibilities. With just a few EKET cabinets, some connectors, and a bit of mixing and matching, she’s created storage pieces that are as usable as they are chic.

Now that you’ve seen this, isn’t it time to flip a few stylish EKET cubes in your home? Follow her journey and discover more innovative ideas on her Instagram @live.like.archi.

You may also like these EKET cabinet hacks

Sleek Behind The Sofa Storage Bench Made With IKEA EKET Cabinets

Photo Credit: @taraxhome_ | Instagram

Tara @taraxhome_ was frustrated with the clutter taking over the corner of her living room but didn’t want to sacrifice style or seating. On a tight budget, she got creative with some IKEA finds to build a handy behind-the-sofa storage unit.

Stunning EKET Sideboard

Photo Credit:  @crack_the_shutters | Instagram

Take the EKET to a whole new level of hotness, with a curvy profile. This is not a beginner-level hack, but if you’re game, it can be done. See how Jen made her curvy EKET sideboard.