When we moved in last winter this room off the entrance way was closed off - making it feel narrow and dark.
This is on the left side when you enter the house - the living room is on the right
We opened it up to create a small den ( more like a t.v nook really ) directly across from the living room - and to allow much needed light to flow through this ( kind of ) dark house.
( you can see the first set of built ins we tried in the photo - let's just say that was a trial run and now we've learned what NOT to do - )
But we never finished it ...................
For many many months now it's looked like this ( this house has very high ceilings )
I try not to look up as much as I can ......................but I'm developing a hunch in my back from staring at the floor so it's time to do something about it now.
Except I wasn't sure what I wanted to do - and to be honest with you there's been so much work going on everywhere else in this house that it just kept getting pushed and pushed further back -
I'd come up with an idea and then work on gutting out another room - and so on and so on - but this weekend it hit me - out of the blue - more built ins - but this time framing the doorway !
( I think this will be the Maison du Livres - House of Books lol )
Here's some inspiration I've found
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( it's not happening lol )
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( and even then this place won't be finished )
Here's a close up of the first set - you can see more of it here
The next one will have a lot of crown molding and more substance involved ( I hope LOL )
Have a wonderful Monday all !
Much love,
Me
LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?
JOIN ME AT THESE FABULOUS PARTIES !
BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH MY UNCOMMON SLICE OF SUBURBIA
A STROLL THROUGH LIFE AN EXTRAORDINARY DAY
KATHE WITH AN E SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE
HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS OLSON FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE
MY TURN FOR US MY ROMANTIC HOME
MISS MUSTARD SEED ONE MORE TIME EVENTS
LIFE ON LAKESHORE DRIVE I SHOULD BE MOPPING THE FLOOR
UNCOMMON DESIGN
uh oh, looks like John will have to get his saw out, I say the arched shaped one, give him a challenge, lol, just kidding , I love them all, in fact I have some pinned in Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteIf you only knew my extreme passion for books... Now you`ve started me off on my home library wish again. Crap. Why do I read blogs????!!!
ReplyDeletexoxox
I love it, and I think it is a great idea. I will be interested in how you do it. I've wanted to do something similar, but smaller between our tiny library and my daughter's room by using another piece and molding, but there are other projects. You are in the cold right so it is better to focus on the inside. We are trying to get some needed things done on the outside before it is too hot. xoox
ReplyDeleteYour idea for the doorway to this room is Wonderful! I'm drooling over your fabulous inspiration photos!
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
I thought you'd say taping and sanding drywall, but I should have known that would be too simple for you. :) Bookshelves will be lovely and fit your space perfectly. I like your inspiration photos.
ReplyDeleteThat will look beautiful, can't wait to see it finished!
ReplyDeleteTania
I love this idea of bookcases surrounding an opening. My late cousin had an older home with this feature, and ever since I first saw it, I have tried to figure out how to replicate it where I live (wherever that was at the time). So far, I haven't found a spot, but I am still working on it! Yours will look great I have no doubt.
ReplyDeleteOh thanks so much !
DeleteI'm so excited to this project started :)
xoxoxo
As far as I'm concerned one can never have enough books or book shelves. They're all gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIt is going to be beautiful. Love all the inspiration pics. That last one with the arched door oh la la love that. Have a great start to the week my friend.
ReplyDeleteKris
Love, love, love this idea!! That arched one is to die for ~ probably be a b*tch to build!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you come up with!
If I remember correctly, your last built-ins thoughts were that you made a mistake on making the built-ins, so GO FOR IT! Include John, so he won't feel left out!
ReplyDeleteI already repinned many of your ideas, because that's what I'd like to do around my bathroom door in a few years... It'll be easy to pick up a book to read in the hot bath, because by then, the bathroom will be insulated of course!
ReplyDeleteWonderful inspiration photos.
ReplyDeleteThat would look awesome. How much wine does it take before letting John in on this kind of plan? ;) BTW...you seem to have moved a couple of times. Have you ever sold your home and had NO IDEA where you were going??? Even up to 1 and a half weeks before closing? And, how much wine would you guess that would take??? Just wondering. :/
ReplyDeleteThe perfect solution to your high ceilings. It will give them a finished look and think of all that space to decorate. Pinning these images.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne !!!
DeleteHopefully we can do it - I really don't want to hire this job out !
xoxo
ok, I tried to comment this morning but my stupid iPad wouldn't cooperate SO now I'm on my computer and will try from here. I love the whole idea of built in bookcases. I'm a book nut so I've always wanted a library or shelves surrounding a window or door. Interestingly, I was thinking about where I'd do that in the farmhouse just this past week. I have a couple of spots in mind. Thanks for the inspiration. I cannot wait to see what you do so I hope that is one project you do sooner rather than later. Oh, and I want to know if John rolled his eyes when you told him. Do tell!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Cecilia
Actually Cecilia - I've passed the first hurdle because John's completely on board with this one LOL !!!
DeleteHoping to start this weekend maybe - wish me luck !
xoxoxo
I think book shelves would be perfect for there. What does 'you know who' think???
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, does John know about it yet? 😉.teehee. Tried to find my box of ASCP and waxes, searched the house, the barn, the attic and the cellar. Box was in the dining room all summer but now gone. So tired of wasting time and energy looking for things. Just want to start living instead of ripping and rebuilding. I know I have your sympathy as you do mine. Best of luck with your project. Patty
ReplyDeleteIt's been 12 years in this house, and I'm still trying to figure out what to do in certain rooms in my house! I think the built ins are a grand idea!
ReplyDeleteAny one of those ideas would be beautiful! I love a big archway too. I think they recently did one on fixer upper. Perfect for that high ceiling. Anything you do will be gorgeous Suzan.
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to have high ceilings! Love all your inspiration pics Suzan. I can only imagine all the conversations that will take place between you and hubby! haha
ReplyDeleteThere is not another thing in this world that anchors and gives a room the substance we all search for than BOOK SHELVES...I am about to add plain shelves to our living room to add books.....come summertime. :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad there is another person on the planet with a project for every single day! Love the built-ins. Especially the arch!
ReplyDeleteLove your inspiration pics. I think your room would look great with the bookshelves. I really like the fourth pic..the one with the brown leather chair. They all are really nice though.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much !
Deletexxx
Oh, bookshelf heaven! These are all wonderful inspiration photos. Makes me want to add some builtin shelves to every room in our home. Ha! That's not happening either. My husband would see them as just another place for me to fill up. '-)
ReplyDeleteOh ya, I love them! We thought of doing built ins on our high wall, but recently bought an entertainment center. Hasn't been delivered yet, now I'm thinking that maybe should have waited to buy. lol! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Oh I'm jealous! I want built-in book shelves! But...I think Sam would have a heart attack if I added one more project just now! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI like your collection of inspiring book shelves, and I love the one you built! It looks so warm and inviting! I have an empty wall in my living room and I have been wanting something like this. I would love if you would drop by and link this up to Celebrate It! blog party. It's all about sharing how we celebrate the big and small moments of our everyday lives.
ReplyDeletehttp://thefreshmancook.blogspot.com/2015/01/celebrate-it-blog-party29.html
If I could cut arches I'd do that built in on mine! I love them.
ReplyDeleteI love the inspirations! Looks like you're off to a good start! Can't wait to see how it all turns out in the end :)
ReplyDelete