Built-in Bookcases: Part 1

We are in the process of adding some built-in bookcases flanking our fireplace in our living room. My dad, who is very crafty and has been helping us (basically doing everything and we help). He is awesome! About a month ago we painted the walls and back in November we ordered an 8x10 rug and a new sectional couch from West Elm. It's scheduled to arrive the second week in February...talk about some patience! Good news is that it gives us time to get things like these bookcases done (along with some other DIY projects for this space) before everything arrives. Please excuse the clutter that surrounds our fireplace and the Christmas card holder that is still above it. 

We built the "shell" of the bookcases at my dads shop and brought them over in two pieces, the lower cabinet section and then the taller, slightly thinner, bookshelf part. We lined them up and anchored them to the walls. 

Here is my handy-man dad putting the facing on the shelving. We decided to add a little texture to the facing by using wood that has some grooves carved into it. 

Here is how we connected them at the ceiling. This will eventually have crown moulding at the top to finish of the "built-in" look.

You can see the design in the wood a little better in this picture. Also, that white is caulking that will be touched up and not even noticeable once everything has been painted. Caulking is harder than it looks, at least for me....and VERY messy!

We've made more progress this week on the lower cabinet area. Now it just needs some doors. We start sanding, priming and painting everything now! I am so excited and can't wait to see it when its all finished! It's already completely changed the look of the room and overall feel of the house too (the room looks MUCH wider). 

I will have more updates the end of this week hopefully! 

I'm partying at:

ohhbabydesigns

Its So Very Cheri