Wednesday, January 25, 2012

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:




Featured On The  Crafty NestPhotobucketDesign Dazzle
sew many waysUndertheTableandDreaming






















The 36th Avenue

DelectableHome

17 comments:

  1. way to go! they are going to look amazing!!!

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    1. Thanks, Cassie!! I just found your blog yesterday and I am loving it!

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  2. Your built ins will be fabulous with your fireplace!
    thanks for sharing at Catch as Catch Can
    gail

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    1. Thanks! We have been doing a little at a time! I have more updates to share soon!

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  3. I love this idea. I want to do something like this in our new home since we don't have a fireplace...So glad I found your blog. I'm follower #5 so we can keep in touch from the very beginning..Stop by and follow back cause' I would love to have a new blog friend. Lori

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    1. Hi Lori! Thanks for following! I bet it would look really nice to have some built-ins even without a fireplace (or find an old mantle and add that in somehow?)

      I am following you over at Bleak 2 Unique!

      <3 Michelle

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  4. I'm your newest follower -- love your blog! Can't wait to see more gorgeous wedding pics :)

    Come by any time and of course feel free to follow along as well

    Jenny
    www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks! I am now following you as well, your home is beautiful by the way!

      <3 Michelle

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  5. Looking good! That is almost identical to our fireplace, so we'll be watching closely!
    Thanks for sharing,
    Sara

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  6. So wonderful that you're making such great progress (go dad!) ...

    ... would you like to share at our multi-blog "Imagine the Impossibilities" link party? I think everyone would really enjoy it as much as I ...

    Here's the link: http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/01/imagine-impossibilities-2012-link-party.html

    We stay live until Friday midnight (CST). Hope to see you at the party!

    Linda
    itallstartedwithpaint@gmail.com

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  7. Everything looks wonderful! I can't wait to see the doors! What a great project! Thanks so much for linking to the party!
    blessings,
    karianne

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  8. Those will be great. I'm SO happy to have my builtin bookcases. But now I need some like yours in our living room.

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  9. Those are going to look awesome! I LOVE bookshelves that flank mantels! Can't wait to see the end result!

    Thanks for linking it up at Creatively Living!
    --Katie

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  10. I love that grooved trim, such a great upgrade so far. Thanks so much for linking up to the challenge. I'm now your newest follower.
    Karah @ thespacebetweenblog

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  11. So pretty - I can't wait to see the updates! Thanks for linking up @ the Delectable Home.

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