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Built in bookcase update

6 years ago

Any suggestions on changing the builtins would be appreciated. I would like to get rid of brass hardware to change shelf size since in 10 years I have not! Extending to ceiling and getting rid of 'overhang?' Piece is also a definite, Thank you for comments,

Featured Answer

radhannoo

6 years ago

Here are a few pics for inspiration....

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Comments (10)

nengquist
6 years ago
Extend shelves to ceiling with more of a classic border at top. Use brushed nickel hardware. Larger space between shelves. Just some suggestions. Maybe go with darker color.
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I changed black on the fireplace for antique brass, lol. And an old one at that. Everybody and theirs aversion I guess.. Together with that, whitewashing seems more natural looking. (I remember one of the last entries in Maria Killiam's blog was dedicated to changing a brick fireplace..many comments about fully painting vs whitewashing vs completely changing..if you want I can find it for you. Commenters share their experiences and all. ) Otherwise, I don't think the transformation is better than what they had. They like it more because it's newer, and they got tired of the old look. But for me, who sees it for the first time, nothing screams "What a great transformation". (and yes, I am somebody who hated her newly inherited fireplace so much she changed it as much as she could. (Still not done). So I get it. I fully get the desire to completely change the look of an irritating fireplace. I am just not particularly impressed with the article) I agree with nosoccermom-it's better to tackle(or not) the fireplace last. You'll see better what it asks to be, when you change other things around.
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That’s an old picture from the prior owners. There’s a different TV that’s much closer to the mantel. Turning them into a TV cabinet is not an option. We don’t watch enough TV to justify that. Painting over the old oil base isn’t an issue - I’ve had to do it for the rest of the trim. I’ve already sanded the built ins and primed. My real issue can be simplified to this: will SW Pro Classic latex semi gloss be too soft to apply Waterborne polyurethane on top? Or is it better to go with a flat latex and a semi gloss water poly? Will that option provide a similar sheen as if using semi gloss paint?
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Painting the cabs to a high standard is an investment in both time and money I would not do in a rental. Also, is the owner supplying the paint for the walls? As a landlord and a former renter, I would make sure that any colors chosen get the owners approval first. As to what shade could work best for you on the walls, can you share more pics? Agree with you that the current shade isn't working. And I would most likely paint out that bit of white trim to match the new wall colour, if the landlord approves.
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radhannoo
6 years ago
Wallpaper back of shelves for interest...or pop of colour...
PRO
Linda
6 years ago
agree with the above suggestion. In addition, I would have the doors changed to hidden hinges and update the hardware. If you really dislike seeing the standards, the easiest answer is just paint them. Those items will not get any wear so you don't have to go to extensive amounts of prep work, just leave them in place and paint
radhannoo
6 years ago
Decorate mantel
sclark217
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you for ideas and suggestions!
acm
6 years ago
I'd take out the divider on one side so you can put your TV on the bottom shelf there. And for sure remove the scalloped trim at the top, whether or not you extend the bookcase upward...
PRO
Nataliya @ Closet Factory (CT & NY)
6 years ago
Try and get rid of that wasted space up top. Either lower it on top or built it to the top of the wall.
User
6 years ago
BINGO, Closet Factory. Get rid of the curly-q stuff, take it up to the ceiling. Not loving wallpaper, in the shelves. Do think that paint might be good. But honestly, other than taking the shelves to the ceiling, the only thing I'd work with in this space is the mantel. That's a place for "bold". Can you stain it? Paint it? I would.
jck910
6 years ago
Totally take shelves off. Hang some beautiful art do not add more shelves to fill with "stuff".

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