Is there anything better than a beautiful, functional, do-it-yourself piece of furniture? Maybe a free car full of money, but otherwise not much. We were thrilled to receive Kim and Scott’s email about the built-in media wall they built with help from friends. The project was custom-made to fit their space perfectly and cost just $252 to build, saving them at least $450 compared with similar units that often retail for $750 or more. Here’s their story:
We started with a very green accent wall and gradually added a few new pieces to the living room — a shaggy rug, a Craigslist coffee table, and so on. After those changes, we grew tired of the bold wall, and decided that if we were going to repaint, we might as well create a whole new media wall. Of course, right?
With the help of friends in another state, our road-tripping wall made its way back to Chicago, where it was finished, styled, and enjoyed. We have a tiny city condo, and although the media center is much larger than our previous piece, it actually saves space, looks built-in, and completes our room. Thank you for the constant inspiration with your many projects — large and small! — xx, Kim & Scott
This project is a great example of how thoughtful design and simple materials can transform a room. The flip-down wood drawers are both attractive and practical, while the tailored shelving provides just the right amount of display and storage. The new neutral finish replaces the old bold color and makes the space feel larger and more cohesive — an important benefit in a small condo.
Beyond aesthetics, the built-in approach optimized their limited footprint: it looks integrated with the architecture and consolidates electronics, media, and décor into one organized wall. The result is a room that feels complete and intentionally designed rather than cluttered with mismatched pieces.
Kim and Scott’s timeline shows how a project like this can evolve organically. They started with a desire to repaint, then realized an opportunity to build something more lasting and customized to their needs. Enlisting friends to help with transport and finishing made the process feasible and budget-friendly, demonstrating that a collaborative approach can yield professional-looking results without a professional price tag.
If you’re considering a similar build, focus on planning: measure carefully, design shelving to fit your electronics and décor, and choose hardware that supports both function and style. Simple features like flip-down drawers and adjustable shelves add versatility, while a neutral paint color unifies the whole room.
Their success is a reminder that DIY projects can deliver high style and practical savings. Thanks to Kim and Scott for sharing their experience — and for the inspiring photos. Their built-in media wall is an achievable model for anyone looking to upgrade a living space with custom storage, smart design, and a modest budget.