Reader reno: A coastal VJ study nook for under $300

Reader reno: A stylish VJ study nook for under $300

As a full-time mum and medical student, Simone Galea needed a space of her own. Luckily she hadn't quite figured out what to do with the spare bedroom, so she turned the unused wardrobe into the ultimate study nook.

Better Homes and Gardens Online chatted to Simone about how she brought her vision to life.

Simone Galea

Simone Galea

What did your study nook look like before the renovation?

Before we built the study nook, I just had a desk that looked completely messy and I really did not like it! We had an empty wardrobe in our guest room so I decided to put it to use by turning it into the study nook!

What inspired your renovation?

I’ve heard it’s been said that having a nice and organised study area will make your brain function better, which is something I definitely needed being a medical student and a full-time mama!

When redoing the space, we just really wanted to utilise the space in our guest room as much as possible while also making it stylish.

Simone Galea

Have you done any renovations before?

Not as big as this! We have done kitchen shelves to add more storage and DIY hallway pendant lights which are made out of rattan baskets from Big-W.

Our next big project will be our decking, stone wall cladding that would include a L seat in our backyard and installing VJ panelling (which we will be making ourselves as it is a lot cheaper) in the very long hallway. I’m super lucky that my partner is great with tools.

Simone Galea

What kind of look were you after?

I’m inspired by coastal, boho minimalist kind of vibe.

What was the biggest challenge of the renovation?

The biggest challenge was getting correct dimensions for VJ panelling and the top of the desk as the wall in the wardrobe was not square.

Simone Galea

The renovation process

Remove wardrobe frames and wardrobe doors.
Cut VJ panels to size.
Cut timber for desk to size.
Nail glue VJ panelling and let sit overnight.
Install desk, starting with side legs (optional). You could nail glue the legs to the side of wall.
Install desk top and screw into the legs
Drill a circle into desk for cords.