I recently started adding some decoration to the built-in bookcases we put in our home office. I wanted something that looked nice but also had a purpose — small decorative boxes to store little items while making the shelves more attractive.
I’ve always liked the look of Z Gallerie Ming boxes. They have a clean, modern design with a geometric emblem on the front that gives them a bit of shine. They also come in a lovely aqua color that fits perfectly with my office. But there was one problem: they cost $59.95 each.
That was more than I wanted to spend. I knew I could decorate wisely by saving money on small details like these. So, I decided to make my own decorative boxes, inspired by the Z Gallerie Ming boxes — not exact copies, but pieces that had the same style.
Inspired, Not Copied
Instead of trying to make an exact duplicate, I focused on creating something personal. I believe that using something you admire as inspiration can actually help you come up with something even better. You’re not just copying; you’re adjusting the idea to match your space, style, and needs.
In the end, my homemade boxes worked out better for me than the original ones. They were the right size, the right aqua shade, and made from stronger materials. Plus, I had the chance to add my own creative touch.
The Simple DIY Process
Here’s what I did. I bought two small wooden boxes from Michael’s. They were a little smaller than the original Ming boxes, but that was actually better. I planned to stack them on top of books, which would make the shelves look more interesting.
First, I took off the metal latches from the front. I filled the empty spots with wood filler, let it dry, and then sanded everything smooth.
Next, I used a sponge brush to apply primer evenly. For the paint, I chose Sherwin Williams Ovation high gloss enamel in the color “Tidewater.” I had the shade custom mixed so I could get the exact soft, light aqua I wanted — just a little lighter than the Z Gallerie version. The enamel gave the boxes a nice, strong finish.
Adding the Perfect Touch
I wanted to add a geometric detail like the emblem on the Ming boxes, but I couldn’t find anything exactly the same. So, I got creative and found some nice dresser pulls on Etsy. They were simple, stylish, and just the right touch.
I drilled holes in the front of each box and attached the pulls. They worked great as both handles and decorative pieces, giving the boxes a polished look without making them too busy.
Big Style, Small Price
In the end, I spent about $20 total — only $10 per box, thanks to some coupons I used at Michael’s and Lowe’s. That’s a big difference compared to $60 each!
Best of all, they look great on the shelves. They add both style and function, giving my office a personal and useful accent.
Why DIY Decor Feels Good
This project reminded me why I enjoy DIY projects. You can take inspiration from expensive items like the Z Gallerie Ming boxes and create something that fits your space better, saves money, and lets you be creative.
When you make your own pieces, you aren’t stuck with what’s in the store. You decide the size, the color, the materials, and the little details. In the end, you end up with something truly your own — a piece that looks great and has its own story.
Would you like me to put together a simple DIY guide for this project?
