Large cubbie hutches, that work with the Cabin Collection. Perfect for storing everything from extra blankets to display objects to books and entertainment essentials. Shelves can be made adjustable.

A few weeks back, I made a commitment to focus on the projects that I need done around my personal home. And I want to thank all of you for understanding and supporting me, for being patient with your own requests as I try to fill them in between making my personal home better.
With the help of the Real Alaska Man, over the last week or so, we've been devoting much time to a new entertainment center. And yesterday, I couldn't help myself. I just had to share a quick photo with my friends on Facebook. So many of you have already seen this . . .
When I first started building furniture, saving money was the main motivation. And money still is a huge factor. But as I'm sure you know all to well, when you finish a project, and it is painted to match an impossible slate fireplace, a dark shade of gray that only comes from a can, you become overwhelmed with a feeling of wow, I (in this case, we) actually built this. And you wake up in the morning and think, wow, did we really build that? (as opposed to ugh, how much did we spend and when is the credit card bill due?)
There are so many reasons why DIY rocks. It's healthy. It can save you money. You can get what you want. You can customize projects. But my most favorite part of DIY is when you move a piece of furniture into your home and sit back and smile, and think, it's not perfect, but we built it with our own hands. What I like to call the DIY High.
You could probably say that I am a tad addicted to the DIY High. I had big intentions of posting the plans for the entire rest of this collection tonight, but we are already dove into our next DIY project and couldn't quit until we ran out of materials at 10PM! So today we'll look at the plans for the side hutches, and I'll get to the center hutch in the next day or so.
And for those of you asking, here's a quick breakdown of the project.
- Estimated cost: $250
- Paint: 2 Cans of Flat Enamel by Valspar in Mark Twain Gray Brick (Get a free Valspar sample here)
- Time: Here and there over a week, approximately 20 hours
- Composition: 100% pine boards, 2x2s are furring strips, box is made of 1x12s, with 1/4" plywood on the back
- Plan Collection: Cabin Collection
I am very happy with the gray, it's a softer more muted version of black. For this project, we pulled the sprayer out (a first for me on furniture projects) and I found the sprayer gives a more even finish, but does not necessarily cover imperfections in the wood as a brush might. Our sprayer was purchased to paint the exterior of our home, but it worked great for this application as well. We also sprayed a top coat on to give the piece a dust-able finish. I lightly sanded by hand exposed edges (just giving Grace a head start if you know what I'm talking about) to distress prior to the clear coat. I'll post more pictures of the finish with the center hutch plan post.

Preparation
1 – 1×12 @ 8 feet long
1 – 1×12 @ 4 feet long
3 – 2×2 @ 8 feet long
1 – 1×2 @ 8 feet long
1/4″ plywood, 48″ x 18 1/2″ (optional back)
1 1/4″ screws and 2 1/2″ screws
wood glue
finishing supplies
2 – 1×12 @ 48″ (Sides)
4 – 1×2 @ 11 1/2″ (Width of 1×12 – Side Trim)
4 – 2×2 @ 48″ (Legs)
3 – 1×12 @ 15 1/2″ (Shelves)
5 – 2×2 @ 15 1/2″ (Shelf Trim)
2 – 1×2 @ 15 1/2″ (Shelf Trim)
1 – 1/4″ plywood @ 48″ x 18 1/2″
Instructions
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 6
Step 7
Finish as you finished the base. You should also anchor the hutch to a stud in the wall behind the hutch and attach to the base with screws for safety.
Comments
Laci Waner (not verified)
Mon, 01/31/2011 - 22:15
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!! ..and
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!! ..and Grace is the most beautiful model!
Lacy m (not verified)
Mon, 01/31/2011 - 22:35
Love it!!! Im thinking I
Love it!!! Im thinking I might need to add this to the ever growing list of projects. I'm almost done with the shoe dresser right now!
FYI: your valspar link goes to a picture.
wendy (not verified)
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 03:20
I have been hoping for an
I have been hoping for an entertainment center like this for a LONG time. The only thing I might like to add are some doors to cover up the TV when it's not in use. I'd like them to slide back into the entertainment center (as opposed to hanging out in the open for everyone to run in to!). I'm a novice builder, though. How hard would this be and should I even attempt to tackle this anytime soon?
LOVE your site, btw! And another, btw, my dad was military and we spent a couple of years in AK. Can't say I'd want to be there right now, but maybe in a few months when it's summer! :)
Bethany (not verified)
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 04:40
Hey! I was thinking about
Hey! I was thinking about building the Pottery Barn Rhys media center, and this is pretty much it! This is sooooo so so so so amazing Ana! Thank you so much for sharing these plans.
christy panzarella (not verified)
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 05:28
Ana! I love that you took a
Ana! I love that you took a night to play with the RAM and build more for YOUR home. I adore your blog, but I think it's even more awesome that you have time for your family lately!
WashingtonPharmGirl (not verified)
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 05:35
Hmm...now if only I could
Hmm...now if only I could find a wall to put this on. This old house is not set up for normal furniture. There are maybe two outlets in the whole house. Wish it wasn't so unsafe to do DIY wiring. Don't worry. I won't. For now.
jenspire (not verified)
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 06:09
Ana White, you've outdone
Ana White, you've outdone yourself again!!! Makes me want to just leave work right now and build something.
Annalea (not verified)
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 08:28
I love DIY high . . . it's
I love DIY high . . . it's something that, while in a renaissance, is still so rare today.
And another thing I love: your little Grace. She's sure a sweet-looking little girl!
Jenny (not verified)
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:48
I love it! We need some
I love it! We need some built-ins on both sides of our fireplace and I so wish I knew how to make some. I want to, but don't know where to start. I wouldn't even know what to buy?!
Grace is adorable!
Grace (not verified)
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 15:57
Love this! Thanks give
Love this! Thanks give giving Grace a head start on the finish ....Hey we Graces
stick together!
Grace
Gracefulvintage
PS Link for free Valspar sample doesn't work...it's a pic of Grace