Meet John: A Clever Customer with a Brilliant Storage Transformation

I’d like to introduce you to John, one of our most creative customers. He exellently transformed an alcove using three affordable furniture options from Jali and shared all the steps of the process with us.

From Cluttered Space to Stylish Storage

John recorded his journey in detail, including photos that show how he turned a messy, unused dumping ground into a smart, built-in storage solution.

His project proves that with good ideas and a little creativity, you can completely transform your space.

John Shares His Story

John has kindly shared the whole story of how he created his stylish new storage area.

What a star! Here’s how he did it..

Combination unit makeover - step 1

Stage 1 – Assessing the Alcove

The alcove still showed the markings of the old shelving, which was less than half the depth of the space. The bottom plinth covered the heating pipes — apparently, that was how they used to build them.

Over time, the old shelves became a dumping ground for books, DVDs, and various bits and pieces. The clutter got so horrendous that I never even took a photo of it. Eventually, though, it was time for it to depart.

Measuring the Space

The overall size of the alcove was:

Width: 4’ 10”
Height: 7’ 6”
Depth: 18” (based on the plinth)

Choosing the Furniture

I ordered three pieces from Jali to transform the space:

1. Four-Door Cupboard

I chose a four-door cupboard with an internal shelf. However, I sacrificed one side to fit a small filing cabinet.

The filing cabinet actually determined the required height and depth of the cupboard.

2. Drawer Unit

I added a 2 x 2 drawer unit with wide drawers.

The drawers measured:

Width: 27”
Height: 7”

3. Shelving

Finally, I used Jali Shelving to fill most of the remaining space up to the ceiling.

I left a small gap for the coving and created extra room for storing a few odds and sods.

Combination unit makeover - Jali cupboard carcass goes in

Stage 2 – The Cupboard Goes In

The carcass for the cupboards goes into place [above]. The shelf on the left hand side was ignored as this is where the filing cabinet is going to hide.

Combination unit makeover - carcass in alcove

And another view [above], showing the box for the internet being in the way – had to lift the carcass over this – and this is where you realise how heavy this stuff really is. ☹

[Yes, John did add that unsmiley face – I can understand why, but it also shows how high-quality and well-made our furniture is. I remember helping a friend to assemble a Jali bookcase – he was particularly surprised at how substantial the back was compared to most. ☺ ]

Stage 2 – The Drawers  Go In

The carcass for the drawer unit goes in.

Combination unit makeover - drawer unit goes in

Maybe I should have moved the sofa out of the way – and the mirror !

Combination unit makeover - drawer unit on top

Drawers and doors are all fitted in:

Combination unit makeover - lower section complete with drawers and doors

Yes – I know there’s a handle missing, this was replaced by post in a couple of days, the first one had a fault in the finishing. Thanks Jali for the speedy replacement. [You’re very welcome John! We like to get replacements out as fast as we possibly can.]

Combination unit makeover - front view of lower section

Final Step

Add the Shelving:

Combination unit makeover - shelving goes in

And the map of the world (from my old office) has found a new home, very conveniently covering up the marks on the wall from the original shelving unit, which I had neglected to cover up.

And finally – the whole completed article. The carpet was the next thing to go!

Jali cupboard, drawer unit and shelving

The End

[Well, what more can I say, except to thank John warmly for his effort, time and generosity in showing us what is possible with some imagination, inspiration and a dash of DIY derring-do. So what are we all waiting for – future Jali projects, here we come!]