Welcome to our newest decorating challenge, Styling Bookcases. This theme really is a challenge for me for a couple of reasons. One, I do not own a bookcase. (Unless you count the one in my five-year old’s room.) And two, how can I possibly guide anyone on how to style them properly if I don’t own any myself?
How then am I going to participate in this fun décor challenge? No I didn’t steal the bookcase one from my son’s room, I found one at one of my favorite thrift stores and gave it a makeover! (That’s more my thang anyway.)
Here is the gem of a bookcase I found for $24 at the thrift store:
Now to some, this might look like a sad dated little bookcase, especially with those curves at the top, but not me…I loved it!
I brought it home and turned it into a coastal cottage charmer:
I almost didn’t bring it home…I spotted this immediately as I walked in, but the guy who works there who knows me said he had two more bookcases in the back that they hadn’t had a chance to put out yet. I walked away for two minutes and when I came back around the corner, there was a girl literally hugging my bookcase! What?? I wanted to swat her away as she was pleading with her father to buy it for her. I walked around for a minute and came back and luckily it was still there. I grabbed the ticket and sprinted to the counter!
I am in the market to paint my TV console which normally sits between these two chairs in my living room. I used this bookcase as a guinea pig to test out this beautiful shade of blue. I brought the chairs over to see how my painted console would look between them. I like it!
I did have a bit of prep for this piece, as in filling in all the nail holes and dents/large scratches that would show once painted:
I loved that the back was made up of individual slats of wood, shiplap? The girl who was trying to steal my bookcase was telling her Dad how all they needed to do was take the ugly wood off the back. It was half Falling off, but no way… I carefully removed each piece and painted it.
And put it all back together.
Now about the styling part…I know there are all kinds of rules floating around out there, but honestly, if you like how it looks that should be enough, right? I am fairly certain I broke some styling rules here, especially since I don’t know them.
I just filled it with things I love…
A coastal theme seemed the best fit for this beautiful beachy color. This is Behr’s Serene Breeze and I am in love with it. I made it into DIY chalk paint and went to town!
(Imagine that basket filled with something suitable for a beachy bookcase.)
I did try to keep the colors of what I added to the shelves cohesive, and repeated colors and textures throughout.
I can only imagine what a challenge it must be to style large built-ins.
I do love how the curvy trim that dated this piece to begin with looks now that it’s painted.
And these pretty little hydrangeas were a couple of late bloomers I was lucky to find. Most of them are burgundy and deep green now.
The deep green fits perfectly with my Fall hutch, which I just shared with my new Fall Mini Pumpkin Garland. It has a much different feel than this Summery bookcase!
You’re sure to be inspired (and may find actual rules to styling bookcases) from my talented Décor Enthusiast crew. They’re sharing their own styled bookcases as well today:
Duke Manor Farm (Formerly Top This Top That)
If you have a styled bookcase or shelving that you’re proud of, we want to see it! Take a photo and hop on over to our Decorating Enthusiasts DIY Forum on Facebook and share with us! We created this forum not only so you could participate in our fun decorating challenges, but also so that you have a judge-free zone to share your projects any time, ask questions, and hang out with other creatives just like you!
But wait! There’s more! Let’s play on Instagram too!
Here’s how to play:
1. Add your own photo on Instagram
2. Tag it with the #DecorEnthusiast hashtag
3. Follow all 7 of your hosts here:
@christykjames (me!) @artsychicksrule @oursouthernhome @restorationredoux @refreshrestyle @topthistopthat @foxhollowcottage
We will choose one winner that will be featured on all 7 IG feeds this Saturday!!
Can’t wait to see what you guys have to share!
I’ll be back tomorrow to share my new Fall centerpiece for my dining room table…it’s another upcylcle! 🙂
Here’s a hint…I used this lantern:
UPDATE: BAM! See my new lantern centerpiece here now!
XO,
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Email * Facebook * Pinterest * Hometalk * Twitter * Instagram
I love to share at these great parties:
The Happy Housie Design Dining and Diapers Liz Marie Blog Funky Junk Interiors Savvy Southern Style Tatertots and Jello DIY Show Off Between Naps on the Porch Just a Girl and Her Blog Sand and Sisal Interior Frugalista
Shirley Dunn (England). says
Well done on spotting the potential in this bookcase. You were determined to get it!! Great colour & dressing..
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Shirley! Yes I was lol! 🙂
Susan says
I love this…it’s so fresh and adorable. I really like the color AND the way you styled it. I don’t believe in rules when it comes to personal decorating. “If you love it, use it” sounds like a Golden Rule to me and should be the only one that matters.
Your story of the little girl reminds me of when I went to Goodwill the other day…there were two women standing by a dresser, deep in discussion. One took off towards the front of the store, and the other one was left there, standing over the dresser. She had that nervous look, eyes darting back and forth and I was pretty sure she would have body slammed anyone who took an interest in that dresser. Recognizing a kindred spirit, I just smiled and walked away.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Susan! I like your Golden rule, and that story is too funny. We’ve all been there ha ha! XOXO
martina says
Beautiful makeover…love the color!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Martina! 🙂
Debbie Refresh Restyle says
Perfect color! So glad that little girl didn’t get it 😉 Great styling!
Debbie
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Debbie… me too! I couldn’t get out of there with it fast enough. 🙂
Shannon says
Soooooooo love every little thing about every little thing!! The makeover, the color (sa-woon), the textures, composition…
ADORE. SO. MUCH!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Shannon! I love that color too! XOXO
Becky says
Wow, really NICE job on the shelf! Amazing what good taste and paint will do. Every time I see your work, I wish I had your ability to pull stuff like this together! Where do I get the education for this/Where did you start?!? The shelf itself is beautiful, and the decorating is lovely as well. …Don’t tell the other ladies, but for all you “don’t know how to do bookshelves” (ha!), I like yours by far the best. It’s so light and refreshing!
Christy K. James says
You are so sweet, Becky!! Thank you! I think it’s harder to come up with ideas sometimes for your own space. I am planning on selling this bookcase, so there is no pressure to pick just the right color or style it just perfectly because I won’t have to look at it every day. Décor in your own home can be a lot more challenging, but sometimes you just have to jump in and go for it! 🙂
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
What a pretty makeover (and color and decor!! 😉 ) you gave this little thing you almost didn’t end up with! lol I’m so happy you did!!! It’s a beauty.
xo
Nancy
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Nancy pants! Muah! XO
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
It’s far from a sad little bookcase now Christy – beautiful. I love the way you styled it with coastal charm too.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Marie! This was a perfect test piece before I paint my TV console. I think I like it!
Ange says
Great looking piece and BTW you did great job placing all the accessories in the bookcase. Very pleasing to the eye.
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Ange! 🙂
MaryJean says
Another great makeover, Christy!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, MaryJean! 🙂
Linda Petersen says
I love it Christy! The color is beautiful & the styling perfect. I love “ruffles” across the top & bottom of pieces. Anything Shabby & Cottage romantic is my favorite style. You are awesome at whatever you are doing :)!
XO
PS I am doing the mini pumpkin garland~~~so cute.
Christy K. James says
We have very similar tastes, Linda! I love anything that looks like it was pulled out of a quaint little cottage, even better if that cottage was by the sea! I’m so glad you like this, and I’m thrilled to hear you are making a pumpkin garland! Aren’t those tiny pumpkins the cutest?? XOXO
Anne@DesignDreams says
Why does everything look better painted in aqua?! Great makeover!
Christy K. James says
So true, Anne! Thanks! 🙂
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
Such a fun project and update. Can’t believe you stole that poor child’s bookcase. I’m sure she was left traumatized! LOL! She’s probably a future DIYer with that vision. Well done my friend. Love the coastal styling!
Christy K. James says
Ha ha she was 14 or 15 probably. She should have stayed by it lol. Don’t think she knew who she was messing with. 😉
Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says
Christy, your bookcase came out so cute. I love the color and decor. Styling rules or not it looks Ahhhmazzzing!! I don’t know the rules for styling bookshelves either and I’ve been battling that DIYsease for years. If you love it then it’s perfect!!
Hugs,
Denyse
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Denyse! Ha ha DIYsease…I might have to use that in the future lol!
Nellie says
Hi Christy,
Oh my, I love what you did with this old bookcase. It is adorable, and love the color and the way you accessorized it. It really looks beautiful and Coastal………….
Great job hon,
Blessings for a Happy Fall,
Nellie
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Nellie! I love anything with a coastal feel. 🙂
Carole says
Christy, isn’t it amazing when furniture is brown you miss all the wonderful scrolls, scallops,etc. I couldn’t see the bottom scalloping until you painted it. It looks great; the color is beautiful. You do the best work!!
Christy says
Yes, Carole that is so true! Painting a piece really shows off the pretty curvy details! And sincerely, thank you for your sweet words. I truly appreciate them! XOXO