Hello, lovelies! I’m back with a redo of a redo today! I’ve got a white painted bookcase that I used the gorgeous Parisian Letter Transfer on. This is a bookcase I bought back in 2020 when I was just starting to expand the Dixie Belle inventory in my booth.
I found it for a steal just before everything hit the fan in 2020 for only $75:
The Original Makeover
While I LOVED the doors on it, I planned to use it for a paint display, so I removed the doors and painted it in one of my favorite neutrals, Dixie Belle’s Driftwood, to make it look like this:
You can see that makeover and tips for styling shelves HERE.
In August of 2020, I expanded once again and upgraded to these IKEA shelves:
I have since added two more. That left this bookcase without a home.
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Adding the doors back was not an option.
Because it was 2020 and thrift stores were closed at the time, I was using what I could find in my stash to be able to continue to share projects here on the blog, and I ended up using one of the doors from that bookcase on this cabinet I built:
See this whole project HERE. It actually sold while the antique mall was closed, but they had been listing items on their Facebook page and got a buyer!
I decided to add a fun stripe to the bookcase and stick it in my booth.
This was taken in 2022:
What the issue may have been is that I would use this bookcase to display smalls, and I don’t think people realized it was for sale. Plus, I was just tired of looking at the stripes.
After over three years of sitting in my booth, I finally decided to bring it home and redo it.
Here it is without anything on it:
You can see also that I added back the ornate piece with the mirror across the top when I returned it to my booth after adding the stripes. I loved that detail!
A brand new direction
I decided to go in a whole new direction!
I started by sanding the stripes to smooth out any ridges they had added to the back, using my Ryobi Corner Cat sander and 220 grit sandpaper:
Then, I cleaned up any sanding dust with my shop vac and cleaned thoroughly with White Lightning and an applicator pad. (Mix one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water.) I swapped out my water for clean water and gave it another wipe down and this bookcase was ready for paint!
Paint
There is no need to sand when painting over pieces previously sealed with Clear Coat or Dixie Belle’s wax, so I was able to start painting right away.
I went with my tried and true Fluff white paint to give this piece a fresh canvas to work with:
Two coats covered perfectly. It looks much better already!
Sand
I lightly sanded all over to smooth using a sanding sponge…they are great if you don’t like distressing since they are super fine. If you want to distress, I recommend using a traditional 220 grit sandpaper. Once again, I used my shop vac to clean up any sanding dust (it is minimal with these sponges) and then I used a clean, soft cloth to wipe it down once more in prep for my transfer.
Transfer time
I knew I wanted to add a transfer to the back, but I also wanted to keep it somewhat neutral, so I chose this gorgeous Parisian Letter transfer:
If you haven’t used a transfer before, it is pretty straight-forward.
HOW TO APPLY A TRANSFER:
- Remove the white backing
- Position the transfer where you want it
- Use the burnishing tool included to burnish (rub with pressure) the transfer to your surface
- It is best to start in one corner and pull the clear plastic layer on top away from the transfer as you go.
- If you get any pieces that stick to the clear plastic layer on top, lay it back down and burnish some more
You may need to cut your transfer into smaller pieces and match it up to make it easier to apply if you have mouldings or trim you are trying to work around.
Here, I chose not to pull the backing away entirely, and instead folded it back a little at a time since I had that piece of trim that ran down the center…
That way, I could get into the creases more easily. For larger projects, if you can lay your pieces on their back to apply the transfer, that makes it easier.
Seal
Finally, it was time to seal this baby! I used Clear Coat in satin and applied it with the blue sponge applicator.
I like to cut my sponges straight across on either side to I have a nice, flat edge on either side.
Bookcase Makeover, again!
Let’s see if this time is the charm!
Better, no?
I love a simple black and white because it is still neutral.
And I love this transfer!
I sell this one a lot, and I was so excited to have a piece to use it on myself!
The top piece is such a unique detail, but it can easily be removed also…
I kept the staging minimal so you could see the transfer. This would be functional in any room in the house!
Here’s a peek without the shelves filled:
And that is a whole new look for this bookcase!
It will be going back into the booth, but this time, I won’t be stocking the shelves with anything.
**SHOP NEWS**
Have you heard??
Dixie Belle has formulated a BRAND NEW product that will combine BOSS with SLICK STICK!!
No more guessing which one you will need since one product will both block stains and odors AND act as a bonding primer for those super slick surfaces as well as Silk Mineral Paint.
I will be able to order it on Monday, the 15th, and I am hoping to have it in stock in my Etsy Shop by the end of next week! In the meantime, I still have tried and true BOSS and SLICK STICK available in my shop, but quantities are limited.
New Silk Mineral Paint Colors!!
Also, be on the lookout for SEVEN brand new Silk colors releasing next week!
Here they are:
Love!! Look for these in my Etsy Shop by the end of next week as well!
Let me know how you liked today’s makeover. I’d love to know which makeover you prefer!
And I’m hoping to have a solution for the missing drawer hardware on this one so I can share it on Tuesday!
UPDATE: No need to wait! See how I solved the missing hardware issue HERE now!
Have an amazing weekend!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
EMAIL * INSTAGRAM * FACEBOOK * PINTEREST
Robin Stephens says
Golly, that’s beautiful! I’d so want to keep that. In fact, before I realized you were keeping it…(I was quickly scanning the post)….I was thinking…..Hmmmm…how can I quickly get to Va Beach!! 😂 Search for more pieces that you could transform to look like this one!! 🥰 Lovely! Happy and prosperous 2024.
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! I’m so glad you like it!! I hope your year is off to a great start! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Oh so lovely and fresh! This one is my favorite! You always get me with the black and white! I would buy it if I didn’t live so far away! I looks so fresh and happy now! The new products look amazing, the colors are beautiful! I am sure you will use some of the new colors to show us just how beautiful they are!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I love a simple black and white too. Hoping this one doesn’t hang around long now!! And yes, I will definitely be trying out some of those new colors! Have a fantastic weekend, my friend! XOXO
Geri Davis says
Although I loved both looks for the bookshelf, I’m leaning towards the transfer more! Very classy look. Super excited about the new colors coming in next week!
Christy says
Thank you, Geri! And yes, I am excited too about having some new colors to play with too! XOXO
Cory says
Each iteration of that piece has been beautiful and served its purpose for that time. Love them. I appreciate your posts always, but your posts about updating something you’ve already updated are especially helpful. They remind me that one piece can have many “lives.” That my decor tastes change as I change. Let’s call it finessing. Fine tuning. As DIYers, we know it and live it, right? So maybe it’s more that when you post about a second or third makeover of the same piece, I feel seen. Lol
It’s just a great reminder that, hey, as DIYers, we have the ability to recreate as many times as we need/want to. And without spending a fortune nor adding to the world’s garbage. Thanks for sharing—you’re inspiring!
Christy says
So well said, Cory! I love that! Thank you! Yep, and maybe it will be encouraging to those that may be fearful of the choices they are making…it can always be changed! XOXO
Candy says
Absolutely gorgeous!
Christy says
Thank you, Candy!! XOXO
Holly H. says
I like them both, I think you’re right about people did know it was for sale. Definitely will sell faster if you only put one or two items on it, so they are easily removed. If I had to pick though I would go with the second look.
Christy says
Thank you, Holly! I am definitely going to keep it free of other items this time! XOXO
Leah says
The newest makeover matches the soft curvy top of the bookshelf nicely. Generally, I like furniture that has a simpler look, but a piece or two with beautiful details and filigree adds interest.
You have given me a greater appreciation for those details.
I would also love to see some makeovers with the black paint. Those are always stunning.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Leah! I do also love a good black makeover and it has been awhile! XOXO
Janet Huey says
It gives me hope with the slow movers I have; I have assumed that almost piece of yours flies out the door. They are so gorgeous.
I am sure people thought the case was not for sale.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Janet! I often have pieces that sit for a while waiting for the right buyer to come along, but they do usually eventually sell. I was never really happy with this one though, so it was time for a redo. Hopefully, it won’t sit too long this time! XOXO
Charleen says
The third times the charm!! Really like thus transformation. I believe it will sell. Hopefully much sooner than 3 years. Love your work,you are truly talented at what you do. Have a blessed new year and a grand day.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Charleen! I appreciate that! Hoping it sells now! Enjoy your day too! XOXO
Mary Tucker says
I always open your emails first. Love the Beachy decor, but unfortunately live in the Midwest. I too love the second one better, really there hasn’t been any makeover that hasn’t made me want to come spend hours in you shop. (and buy,buy,buy)
Christy says
Aww I love that SO much, Mary! Thank you!! I wish you could come see it in person! XOXO
Sue says
Oh so lovely! I didn’t even realize there was a mirror on top with the first design. I love the new French transfer you applied to the back drop. The sweet chair in the staging is so perfect next to the shelf!
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! Isn’t the mirror such a pretty addition? And that chair sits in that corner of our dining room, so I just had to scoot it over a bit and into the photo ha ha! XOXO
Lorri says
I like this redo the best!!!! Im sure it will sell in a hot minute..lol. You can put this piece in any room and it would lovely. Your Super Power along with giving pieces a new life is Staging.❤️ I have learnt alot by looking at how you placed items and try to copy that look. Thank you😍
Christy says
Thank you, Lorri! I sure hope so! And you are the sweetest…I appreciate that so much…you know the staging is one of my favorite parts! XOXO
Celia says
Love the new look, something special about script transfers. I wish I could handle large pieces like that but I enjoy seeing your results. Thanks for all your info.
Christy says
Thank you, Celia! I just love script transfers too. I’m glad you enjoyed this one! XOXO
Cyndi says
They’re both beautiful, but I’m like you–I love that mirror detail at the top, and a classic white and black is always a winner in my book!
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I prefer this one too or maybe I was just tired of looking at it the other way lol! XOXO
Janina says
Oh, Christy, that is really pretty! So simple but really elegant. I love it!
Christy says
Thank you, Janina! I’m so glad I brought it home to redo! XOXO
Marion says
As always I love the new look, but the old one was nice too and I hope the shelf sells quickly. You are very inspiring Christy – thank you so much for all your posts! Like the person above, I look for your email first on Tuesdays and Thursdays!
Christy says
Aww I love that, Marion! Y’all sure know how to make a gal feelloved…thank you! I hope this piece sells quickly now too! XOXO
Debbie says
I personally like it this way. Just seems to be simple. The bookcase/cabinet is there to show off “her goodies”.
Christy says
Thank you, Debbie! I’m really glad I finally brought it home to redo! XOXO
Alexa says
I love both versions. I think your work is just beautiful and very inspiring. You make it look so easy, I want to do what you do but not sure I could pull it off. Maybe some day! My husband and I travel in our retirement, so maybe one day I will make it to your shop in person!
Christy says
Thank you, Alexa! That means so much! It would be awesome if you could make it here. Happy travels!! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
What a great change-over! Really LOVE the new look. It’s so fresh and inviting. Good job, as always!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Caye! It’s funny how a piece can look totally different with just a couple of changes! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
I love the improvement of this piece!
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Rose, thank you! XOXO
Cecilia says
I love that transfer! The shelf turned out great; I liked the stripes but this looks so classic.
😊Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I think this look will sell it now…I love this transfer too! XOXO
Lizzy says
I LOVE the new look. Just gorgeous.
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! Hopefully, it won’t last long now! XOXO
Nancy Sharp says
I would buy that instantly. I loved it with the doors too. Yo can never have to many shelves, at least in my house.😄
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you, Nancy! Oh how I wish I hadn’t used one of the doors or I would have added them back and kept this piece for sure! XOXO
Gloria Ardrey says
I love both ways but I think the new one is perfect. I live in Florida, but if I lived in Va. my house would contain just about everything you do!!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Gloria! What a lovely compliment! XOXO
Niki says
I like this one best. I like the freshness of White with the black transfer, but again I’m sort of stuck on white after years of blue then gray-gray is so gloomy and I need a new season. Maybe a color will win me over this year. There is always hope!! The new silk colors are fun!
Christy says
Thanks, Niki! I prefer this one too. Isn’t if funny to look back at all of our color choices over the years? At least the good thing about white is you can always change out accessories to bring in any color you like! And I am looking forward to having more colors to play with with the Silk! Enjoy your weeekend! XOXO