Here's the "before" picture above. That's me with my sweet girl, and my two other furry ones. There's the dark n' dated bookcase behind us...yup, that dark oak wood just had to go! And the color we chose was a fresh white to bring more light into the room.
Here's the After...
Amazing what a little paint can do isn't it? As soon as they were painted, I went straight to work accessorizing these babies! I really didn't want to spend a lot of money, as we had just finished installing hardwood floors and that was pricey.
The first items I gathered were books...both my favorite ones and some vintage thrift store ones that I snagged for just 25 cents each! Then I stacked those books and even collections of magazines in various ways to add interest. Then I turned my attention to the picture frames. I added a new copper frame that I scored from The Pottery Barn Outlet in Gaffney, SC. However, all the others I already had on hand. Two frames I spray painted with my favorite Rustoleum Spray Paint in oil rubbed bronze.
Next I added a few shells from our family vacations. After all decorating isn't just for show (okay maybe a little)...but I love decorating with items that have personal meaning and memories! See the small black frame with the shell print? That's just a dollar store frame with free Vintage Printable Art that I printed from my home computer...so simple! The small black chest I've probably had for 15 years or more. It was brown with painted flowers. I sprayed it black to contrast against the white paint.
And finally the splurge. With most of my decorating projects I always like to add one cool item that I just LOVE & gotta have. Here it's the metal Ampersand that I bought from Restoration Hardware! I love how it adds a bit of whimsy to the whole design.
Okay, so that's how I decorate a bookcase...on the cheap! It's all about surrounding yourself with the things you love... family memories, a few thrifty finds, and some revamped accessories too.
Happy Accessorizing!
I love it! It looks fantastic! Quick question for you..What kind of paint and brushes etc.. did you use on your bookcase to make it turn out so good? We're going to be redoing our bedroom soon and every time I've tried to paint furniture I'm always left with brush streaks,...It never looks as good as yours does in the picture. Thanks! :0)
ReplyDeleteWow! What an amazing transformation. I really want to paint our oak built ins, I"m just so nervous!!!! Your bookcase and accessories look great!
ReplyDeleteWow...it really looks wonderful, Jane. You did a great job painting it and jazzing it up as well! I love it!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
It looks awesome - I am ready to re-style my bookcases for autumn/winter and love your ideas!
ReplyDeleteHi guys, thanks for all the bookcase love!!
ReplyDeleteTo the top question...this wasn't a Diy project for us, even though we do tackle quite a bit around the house. This time we hired painters to prime and paint this bookcase. It still was only around $100. Well worth the money don't you think? That was another reason I got thrifty with the accessories.
Jane
Finding Fabulous
That is an amazing transformation and well worth the $100. I love your sweet dogs too. I have always had 2 goldens until we lost one to cancer 2 weeks ago. My other guy is so sad w/o his companion. Best dogs ever!
ReplyDeleteAww...Suzy, our dogs aren't Goldens. Although I know Golden Retreivers are some of the best dogs ever!! Our dogs are actually rescue dogs and we're not sure of their histroy. Probably Golden mixes though. Sorry about your loss, I know that is devastating losing a furry family member!
ReplyDeleteJane
FF
it looks amazing! what a difference some paint can make- looks so fresh, and makes a huge difference in the feel of the space.
ReplyDeleteYour newly painted bookcases look wonderful! I have having the finishing installation touches to my new bookcases done tomorrow. So enjoyed seeing how you accessorized as I that will by my next step,
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing transformation! I love white bookcases:) Love the way you decorated it to.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely LOVE IT!! xo, Sandy
ReplyDeleteWell now I know what Ampersand stands for. I thought it was the "and" sign but I googled it to make sure. lol
ReplyDeleteThe bookshelf unit looks great. The back looks a bit blue even though I know it's white.
Thanks for sharing.