Recreate Hilary Farr's Stunning Multifunctional Storage Desk With Items From IKEA

It's no secret that Hilary Farr is a master of combining form and function. The HGTV star has revealed so many makeovers that increase both the style and functionality of a space. And, she did the same when a couple came to the "Love It or List It" crew looking for a revamped home. The retired empty nesters were searching for a space that better fit their needs, and Farr didn't disappoint. In the reveal video on HGTV, the designer called the multipurpose room "one of the most beautiful" in the house. To make it functional on top of stunning, Farr anchored the area with an ingenious storage desk.

The bar-height desk, featuring generous cubbies for storage and tons of surface area, can be recreated as a simple DIY for your own space. Built using budget-friendly IKEA products, it can even be customized to your style and the size your room demands. Your finished piece will be a versatile unit you can use as a craft table, work-from-home area, or even a play surface for your kids. In our opinion, this is one of the most brilliant IKEA KALLAX DIYs and takes the simple piece of flat-pack furniture to new heights. 

The KALLAX shelf from IKEA makes a perfect base for this multifunctional piece of furniture. The sturdy unit comes in black or white and contains nine cube-shaped shelves, ideal for storing books, crafting supplies, or decorative items. Pick up or order two of these to be used as supports at opposite ends of your desk.

Next, you'll need a sturdy top. While Farr uses a thick piece of wood for her project, IKEA offers some budget-friendly alternatives. You can browse their selection of 23 5⁄8 inch-wide tabletops like the MITTCIRKEL or the LAGKAPTEN, and place two side-by-side to create a spacious surface.

To assemble your desk, simply follow the instructions on your KALLAX units. Then, line them up at the opposite ends of your tabletops. Use wood glue to attach the tabletops to the shelving units, reinforcing the bond from the underside with wood screws. Just make sure to select the right length of screws to ensure they secure the surface without going through the top.

If your room can't accommodate the nearly 4-foot-wide desk, you can also create a narrower version. This is a great option for those who are already in love with their desk chair or don't want a bar-height surface. Using two of the shorter four-cube KALLAX units as bases, you can create a workspace that's closer to a typical desk height.

If you'd like to add a little concealed storage to your project like Hilary Farr did, you can use the IKEA KALLAX inserts with drawers to organize and hide your supplies. If you love modern farmhouse décor and are up for a few more steps, you can also add a mini sliding barn door to your IKEA KALLAX units. Not keen for more DIY work? IKEA also carries a variety of containers that fit the cubbies. If you'd like to add a little texture, mix or match baskets in similar materials like rattan and seagrass for a cohesive look. Or, select fabric bins in complementary shades that fit your room's color scheme. Alternatively, use a wallpaper hack to elevate the look of your IKEA KALLAX units.

Once your furniture is assembled and customized, use seating and accessories to make it even more functional. If you opt for the nine-unit version, bar height stools like these from Amazon, are a similar choice to Farr's. Then, add a few organization supplies to keep your desk in order and enjoy your new workspace.