It’s a new year and that means many thoughts turn to plans to do things a little different, a little better and perhaps even more purposeful.
I know, it all sounds like resolutions, right?
It seems one resolution I have every single year is to get more organized.
I’ll bet you’re thinking about that too.
We’re definitely book lovers in my house and with that in mind, I thought you’d enjoy seeing how I used beautiful bookcases to add high impact and organization to our living space.
Let me start in my family room space.
When we first moved into this house, there was his huge, empty wall to the right of our fireplace.
As you can see, it turned out to be a great spot to add built-in bookcases.
The unit provides ideal storage for many of my books but also helps eat up that blank wall.
Long paneled window treatments, Lenox Tan paint (Benjamin Moore HC-44) and chair-railing that flanks the fireplace helped to finish off the space.
Here are a few photos of the bookcases under construction in my music room.
Once again, this is an example of how blank space can be put to good use.
The large empty wall areas on either side of the French doors were a total waste of space.
So, installing bookcases here were a logical choice.
It was a lot of fun watch it all come together.
Big transformation, huh?
I’d say so.
This music room is actually my favorite room in my entire house.
You can read more about how I decorated the rest of the room and why I love it so much in my earlier post HERE.
Before adding these bookcases to this loft area, this was an awkward-looking, recessed wall.
We had a really hard time to find any piece of furniture that fit the open space from width to width.
I’m a big believer in finding ways to use all the space in your home to suit your needs.
Bookcases add beauty, functionality, organization, visual interest and valuable vertical storage.
Here’s a look at the finished bookcase and the overall loft space. I think the built-in is the true focal point and makes all the difference in how this room presents.
I use this space as a mini office and because it’s just steps away from my attic work space it’s very convenient. You can see more about this room makeover HERE.
Meanwhile, as you’re eyeing large empty wall spaces around your home… consider how great a bookcase would look there instead.
Thanks for stopping by.
See you back here next time. ♥
Your house is spectacular. I love the bookcases — I think they personalize a room. You’ve done a great job of planning. I’ve got so many books and cookbooks I don’t want to get rid of *sigh* next house we move to will have more bookcases. xoxo
Thanks, Marisa.
Definitely hang onto those cookbooks.
Keep this idea in mind for your next home.
You may be surprised where a bookcase can be squeezed in.
Hope you have a wonderful week.
I love the detail you incorporated into your built in bookcases. They look like they have always been there and they add so architectural interest to your rooms. And I would love to have a place to put all our books.
Thanks so much, Peggy.
For years, I had so many of my books boxed up in my basement.
It’s nice to have them all at my fingertips now.
What a wonderful finishing touch! Not only are they pretty and functional, but to me they say, “Come in, grab a book, have a seat, and get cozy.” I would do just that too, while you get me a cup of coffee like I just know you would! 😉 I love your beautiful home!
Thanks for your sweet message, Sherry.
I appreciate you taking the time to let me know you enjoy my creative efforts.
Happy day to you.
Your bookcases are just beautiful! You have a terrific carpenter!
I love books and bookcases to put them in, but I don’t have an expanse of space to put one.
Thanks, Suzy.
I love my bookcases too and it’s great to finally have them all in a place where I can find them (instead of in boxes in the basement-lol).
Lisa…I remember one set of the beautiful bookcases….they certainly add such beauty to your home. I have often wished if I had a second story hallway, I would line it with bookcases….Love, love the way you have such wonderful bookcases throughout your home!
Shirley, can you imagine all these books in boxes in the basement? That was tough-lol.
That’s how it was when we first moved in.
It didn’t take much to talk hubby into getting built-ins installed and I love having all my good reads at my fingertips now.
Happy day.
My former mother-in-law was an avid reader and my former father-in-law did not understand her longing for volumes and volumes. Their home was small but with some thought plain unfinished bookcases (about 60” high) were nailed together, trimmed with attractive molding and painted white. Directly in front of the bookcases two swivel chairs were placed with a table in between. The bookcases with all the beautiful books was a very attractive “wall”.
Francean, what a lovely image you’ve shared of in your in-laws bookcases.
If I could find a space for a bookcase on practically every wall in my house, I would-lol.
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for the kind words you leave when you stop by my blog for a visit.
Happy day to you.