Have you ever had a brilliant (or so you thought) design idea, and others didn’t quite see your vision?? That’s kinda where I’m at with our basement remodel. In my last post, I mentioned we are refinishing our basement from the concrete jungle that it is now, to a fully finished lower level. We’re so excited! I had the idea to have the contractors install a huge open shelving unit with plumbing and gas pipes. I gave them a written description taken from this post and I printed out a picture of what it could look like. This is what I showed them…
Now granted, the printed pictures were in black and white, so maybe that took away from the unique effect these shelves have. Here is how the conversation went…
Me: I have this great idea to have you guys install a shelving unit with gas pipes and stained wood planks. It will be a cost effective way to have a large shelving unit!
Contractor: You want to do what??
Me: Install shelves with gas pipes.
Contractor: Ma’am, that’s not going to look good.
Me: {Cricket, cricket} I think it will give an industrial, chic look!
Now all kidding aside, the contractors have been wonderful to work with. They are reliable, on time and do a great job at a great price. So, no complaints here. My bubble was a little bursted, though. They said they could do it, but the only problem might be the location. Since it’s a basement, they mentioned the gas pipes will rust over time, even after spraying them with rustoleum. The dampness that’s natually in a basement will make that happen, for sure. I am not one to give up on my vision very easily, but I’m not too sure I want to double check that every guest has had their tetanus shot before touching our shelves. And by looking on line, it seems as though every person who tried this project has theirs on a main level room. So it might be back to the drawing board. I haven’t given up all hope yet on the idea, and they said we still have time to decide. My sweet husband already knows about my quirky ideas, so he is on board with whatever! But, here are some other shelving solutions I have found along the way that can take its place…
I like that these shelves are white, and I especially like the look of the symmetrical cubes. They can make these or stack together ready made cube units from Home Depot. (This is when I really wish I lived near an IKEA! I could have them install the Billy bookshelf or large Expedit and call it a day! If we do this, we would paint the walls first and then install the open shelving unit after. That would create a nice contrast. We will also add some trim, to mimic the look of true built in shelving, so no one would be the wiser!
So, that’s where we’re at now. Decisions, decisions!
Have you ever been looked at like you’re crazy when it comes to design ideas??
It would have looked amazing but shame about the rust issue – great idea, though! I, too, hope and pray that Ikea moves closer to me – need an Expedit or 2.
Don't give up. Contractors are wonderful at saying no. There could still be a way to make that idea work!
Amber, I know you won't settle, but please, please, please don't listen to your contractor. Contractors are great at executing our plans, but have no "vision." When I wanted to build an 12×24 pergola I was told by a contractor that it was not going to look good. I eneded up going with a different contractor and EVERYONE loves my pergola! 🙂
fabulous job you've done. My mother told me long ago not to think builders could envisage anything. Our builder kept telling us – I'm not hte designer, I have no idea what that would look like and I really appreciated his honesty.
Amber, do not listen to them! If they use copper it will obviously end up with a green patina, iron pipe-will rust, galvanized (especially painted) should NOT!!! Asked hubby whose dad was a plumber for MANY years!!! I say go for it. Worst case, you have to touch it up every now and then.
Do it anyway.
If you are at all like me, you'll be ready to replace it with something completely different by the time it starts to rust anyway 🙂
Stick with your first idea for sure! Love the look of the shelves using plumbers pipes…so industrial chic! Unless you have lots of water…like frequent flooding…I am sure painted galvanized pipes and fittings will last for years rust free! Go for it!
Do it. Your basement is not so damp that those pipes will rust immediately. Go with your vision.
Do it! 😉 I'm sure it will be fine.
See if they can build it out of the electrical conduit piping. Cheaper, stronger & no rusting. Plus it can always be painted if desired. Luv the examples!!!
Hi Amber! Have you checked out the industriaL style shelving at Restoration Hardware? It looks like the "plumbing style" but the finishes don't rust out–just a thought and I love the look you are going for!
Sindy