Pages

▼

1.05.2012

Beautifying Bookshelves

One of the things on our to do list is to Style the office built-ins. They need some serious help. Right now I have all those books on the right side, making the whole thing look SO unbalanced, a hodge-podge of containers with no real theme, clutter everywhere. I need to re-arrange and edit and make it all look better.


I'm definitely drawn to painted white bookcases with contrasting painted interiors, like Kate's Billy Bookcases over on Centsational Girl.

source

And John & Sherry's dining room built-ins over on Young House Love.

source

And I also saw these on Pinterest, unfortunately I have no idea the actual source so if anyone does, please let me know!



I also love the look of painted bookshelves backed with interesting wallpaper.

source


But alas, as I've mentioned before, we're currently renting our home and I just don't feel right about taking a paint brush to someone else's shelves so for now we're working with the wood look. So I was elated to see these wood shelves backed with wallpaper. Still cute but also not real comfortable with wallpapering in a rental...


So, for now I'm working on styling the stuff on the shelves as they are and considering backing our shelves with fabric (using tape) - possibly even white shower curtains that I already own and no longer need. Hmmmm...what do you think?

Also, I had a great day - I went to IKEA with my sister today and scored lots of cool stuff. Can't wait to tell you all about it!!! 
at

7 comments:

  1. M Mommy to 4January 5, 2012 at 11:16 PM

    You could try the fabric starch on fabric method of "wallpapering." It supposedly peels right off. Or find some pretty wrapping paper (which would probably be pretty easy right now) and stick it up with double-stick tape. Rentals are tough sometimes but it looks like you've got some great ideas! I'm excited to see how it turns out!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AngeJanuary 6, 2012 at 12:01 AM

    I know some people also purchase form board or really stiff poster board and glue fabric or wallpaper to that and cut it to fit behind the shelving. Some people have also used wrapping paper to do that as well. :) Just a few more ideas to throw around for you. Will be looking forward to seeing how it turns out!

    ReplyDelete
  3. BeckyEJanuary 7, 2012 at 9:22 AM

    Hi Katie! I love the contrasting colors too. Very pretty! By the way, how do I find you on Pinterest?

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJanuary 7, 2012 at 10:14 AM

    Becky, I started following you on Pinterest just now. My name on there is Katie @MakingItTooPerfect. Or just click "Follow Me on Pinterest" on the right side of my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownJanuary 7, 2012 at 10:24 AM

    M Mommy to 4 - I've heard people on the Nate Berkus show talk about fabric starch wallpapering. I also like the idea of using the wrapping paper. Great idea! Btw, I just love hearing from readers! Thanks for commenting. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJanuary 7, 2012 at 10:25 AM

    Ange, cutting foam board or poster board to fit is a fantastic idea. I LOVE it. Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  7. ErinJanuary 9, 2012 at 5:23 PM

    Oh, the life of a renter longing to decorate. I feel your pain--I was SO happy when we finally bought a house of our own and could do anything we wanted. Landlords, after all, generally frown on things like knocking down walls. I think your temporary solution idea is a good one! You'll beat the renting blahs yet! :)

    ReplyDelete