From Scrap to Storage
A DIY creator in Singapore is getting attention online after turning a piece of scrap wood into a functional hidden storage unit.
In a TikTok video posted on 14 April, user @allie.diys showed how she repurposed what looked like part of an old drawer into a custom-built feature for her home. The clip opens with the caption:
“Rich because I’m making hidden storage from scrap wood”
The video begins with her carrying the discarded wood up a flight of stairs and into her home, setting the tone for a project that leans heavily on reuse rather than buying new materials.
Step-by-Step Transformation
She starts by cutting the wood down to size, before displaying a basic rectangular frame made up of four sides.
The process then cuts to a series of stills showing the progression—from a raw wooden base to a freshly painted black structure, and finally a set of four shelves fitted into the frame.
The end product is simple but clean, with a modern look.
A Hidden Corner Setup
She places the finished unit by a window and installs a curtain from the ceiling above it, effectively concealing the storage area.
To complete the setup, she adds soft lighting and a yellow lounge chair, turning the space into a compact, cosy corner that doubles as hidden storage.
The end result shows a practical and visually intentional space.
A Feed Full of DIY Ideas
Her TikTok bio reads: “I pick up trash all over sg and make fine shytt :)”, and her content largely reflects that approach.
Beyond this project, her profile features a range of DIY builds and home upgrades. These include installing wallpaper, creating a self-watering planter, and transforming spaces using paint and reclaimed wood.
She also shares snippets of a small indoor setup where she grows kale, referring to herself as a “hydrophobic kale farmer.”
In another video, she documents building a balcony false wall using reclaimed wood—continuing the theme of working with found materials.
Turning Waste into Something Usable
While the concept itself is not new, her videos highlight a growing interest in making do with what’s available. Rather than sourcing new furniture or storage solutions, the focus is on adapting discarded items into something usable.
The appeal is straightforward: it saves money, reduces waste, and adds a personal touch to living spaces.
For viewers, it also answers a simple question—can something actually be done with scrap materials lying around?
In this case, the answer turned out to be a hidden storage unit that fits neatly into a home corner, with minimal cost and a bit of effort.
For inspiration and to keep up with her creative projects, keep up with Allie on Tiktok (@allie.diys) and Instagram (@alliediys).
Watch the video here:
@allie.diys
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