Sometimes I have a really hard time coming up with a post title... so I decided to just go with something descriptive today :)
You may remember the bane of my existence, the gigantic mirror wall in our living room. I've tried several things to improve it--this empty frame collage and painting the walls in the room. Both of those things helped, but it was a still a huge mirror with a crumbling corners and a crack at the top.
Well, a few months ago I was at my lovely friend Tanya's house (who is, by the way, a fabulous decorator and an amazing thrifter). She has a set of Ikea Lack bookshelves in her living room--they're the kind that have an open back. All of a sudden inspiration struck.
Ikea discontinued the Lack shelves, but that was ok, because I found plans to build them on Ana White's website. And since my mirror is a monster (8 1/2 ft by 12 ft), I decided to modify the plans to make the bookshelves the same dimensions.
Luckily I waited until my dad was out here on a business trip. He did 90% of the work, but I learned a lot! Dad helped me assemble them and put them up and then I finished all the patching, sanding, priming, and painting, which was a huge job in and of itself.
Jason and I spent the weekend categorizing books and arranging (and rearranging) them on the shelves. We also did a little furniture rearranging--I think the room feels so much more open and inviting now!
Jason and I always said (from the time we were just dating!) that our dream house would have floor to ceiling bookshelves with a bookshelf ladder. Well, they aren't floor to ceiling because the ceiling is vaulted, but if it weren't vaulted, they would be! I want to get the bookshelf ladder from Ikea to put at the end unit.
My poor photography skills are really not showcasing this project properly. You really have to see it in person to appreciate it's awesomeness! The shelves are directly against the mirror (and don't worry, they are anchored firmly in place) and so the back of the bookshelf is the mirror. It looks really neat!
This room still has so many things I want to change about it, but we will just have to get there one step at a time. In the meantime, at least I have an awesome shelving unit with tons of storage space and character!
7 comments:
It looks great - I need to come and see it in person soon!
Kate, they look amazing!! I have loved watching all the updates you've been making to your little home. Now I just need to hire you to come back to Laramie and help me out too. :)
By the way, I love how tiny Juno looks compared to the shelves. She definitely puts things into perspective.
looks great! funny thing is....we just made a bookcase too (only much smaller!). we need to come see all the work you guys have done to your house.
Brilliant! I've sympathized over your mirror woes, and this was a great solution. The bookshelf looks so good.
AMAZING!!! You've pulled it off! That is the best way to "use" that large mirror!! I really like it! I bet it's stunning in person!
Very comfy room!
Happy blogoversary :)
Now I see what everyone was talking about at Book Club! These look amazing! Boy, what a difference the shelves make in transforming the whole room! You guys are going to make your house so awesome you'll never want to move (hint hint!)
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