skip to main content

Home Decorating Remodeling Design Dilemma

Should I paint the bookshelves to match the built-in cabinets?

smalloldhouse_gw

last year

These photos are of either side of what will be our main living and dining space. The architect designed the space for symmetry on each side of the room - a fireplace flanked by bookshelves on the living side and a built-in hutch flanked by bookshelves on the dining space. In the frenzy of picking all the finishes, I selected very pale greige cabinets for the hutch (our adjoining kitchen has a slightly darker greige.) But I'd already had the contractors paint the fireplace-side in BM Simply White, which I'm using for the whole first floor walls and trim.

Now that the hutch cabinets are here and they're building the shelving alongside, I'm not sure what to do.

Keep all the shelving white? Match the hutch color on that side only? Or paint all the shelving and the fireplace to match the hutch?

If it matters, I've ordered a marble mosaic tile for the fireplace surround and the hutch backsplash. I'll use a remnant of Silestone Lagoon for the small counter that's part of the hutch (same as my kitchen counters.)

Featured Answer

Lindsay K

last year

I think it would look nice if all the shelving and the hutch were simply white.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

HU-187528210
last year
Didn’t read the whole story lol. 😬 but I’d do one color. Very pretty!!
smalloldhouse_gw thanked HU-187528210
Related Discussions
Built in room divider bookshelves/storage?
Q
Comments (8)
We took standard tall kitchen cabinets and laid them side by side to make a half wall, think we used 5 cabinets. Put a nice wood top on them and covered the backs with plaster board so they look like they had been there forever Finished off the ends. I made sure the cabinets opened on the foyer side so I could put furniture up against the cabinets if I wanted to. When we sold that house the lady that bought it was thrilled with the extra storage space and the thought that went in behind it. It was much better than the faux planter/room divider that had been there. Even DH who normally doesn't say much about the projects I want done in the house had to admit they were a good choice. We had considered doing a bookcase type thing BUT honestly it wasn't open storage I wanted or needed but hidden. This foyer was right off the dining room and kitchen and it was ideal for small appliances, platters, occasional stuff that I wanted close at hand but out of sight.
...See More
How to do built in bookshelves
Q
Comments (17)
Cloud Swift - We came to the same conclusion as you regarding support. The unfinished pine we selected will basically be 9in depth and we have 2 bookcases (36in and 30in). So that spans 66in and we had just 67 inches. I am hoping the finish trim will take care of the rest. BTW, we did check out IKEA Billy and really liked the height extender and it seemed to be a good option as it had all sorts of other accessories like doors, bookends, lights etc. The depth was 11in and we felt 9in will give us a more builtin look as our recess was exactly that. We also wanted to maximize the seating there. I would have done Billy other wise. For price/ value, can't beat IKEA. As it is less than 10mi for me, it is sort of hard to avoid the temptation :)
...See More
Painting built in book shelves white
Q
Comments (4)
It seems a shame to mount the TV on the fireplace when you have two other good walls that a TV could be mounted. Plus it would be at a much better viewing height. I can see a black fire screen would look better, but the mantle seems to fit the space. I think a large piece of art would look good hanging over the mantle. As for the bookcases, I would paint foam core board or wrap a pretty wallpaper on foam core to change up the back of the cases. Either a print or grass cloth would work.
...See More
What should I put in the empty space between book shelves? And more?
Q
Comments (16)
Hi sparkleivy- I like the blue color and together with the ivory beige it looks sophisticated. I would use the space underneath the TV for either a a table or closed storage. The type of closed storage depends on your needs, whether you need a cabinet or drawers or a file cabinet, but it should be attractive. I would suggest changing around how you have arranging the things on your shelves. Your flag deserves to be displayed with honor. I would purchase a display box for the American flag, they are made of wood with a glass front, and tuck in a dessicant packet to prevent mold or rot of the flag. Make sure you get the correct size box for your size flag. A burial flag is larger. Then put the flag on top of the book shelf. Put the airplane on top of the other bookshelf. Why are you displaying a book with the front facing out like that? Do you have a living room? Do you entertain? Should your liquor and glasses be in a bar piece in the living room or is that bookcase the bar piece?
...See More
smalloldhouse_gw
Original Author
last year
Thanks @Lindsay K and @HU-187528210! The hutch has a brand new factory finish so I won't be painting that. The question is whether to leave it as a break from all the white or to blend the shelves on one or both sides in.

Right now I'm tempted to leave it as is, wait for the counters/backplash/fireplace surround to go in as well as all our rugs and furniture, and only change out the paint if it looks like a terrible sore thumb....but open to other views.
Lindsay K
last year
@smalloldhouse_gw, yes, I think that’s a good idea. I’d leave it as is, and then post another picture once you get all your things in. I wouldn’t want to paint the surrounding shelves yet...hopefully they will look fine white.
smalloldhouse_gw thanked Lindsay K
Yayagal
last year
Leave it, it's lovely.
smalloldhouse_gw thanked Yayagal
HU-187528210
last year
Right. I’d blend it in. The shelves on the side should be the same color as the middle piece. You can wait and see. I just think it’s more elegant one color. And less of a hassle before all the furniture is in.
smalloldhouse_gw thanked HU-187528210
calidesign
last year
If the greige color works with your furniture, I would paint the fireplace the same color as the hutch, with all the shelving on both sides in white. You could also paint the backs of the open shelving in the deeper greige color from your kitchen, but I'd wait until your furniture is in to decide.
smalloldhouse_gw thanked calidesign

Related Stories

COLOR 11 Terrific Paint Color Matches for Wood Details

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Pair your wood trim and cabinets with the right shade of wall paint to bring out the beauty in both

KITCHEN CABINETS Kitchen Cabinet Color: Should You Paint or Stain?

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn about durability, looks, cost and more for wooden cabinet finishes to make the right choice for your kitchen

KITCHEN DESIGN Mix and Match Your Kitchen Cabinet Styles

By Natalie Myers

Combine contrasting materials for a kitchen all your own

KITCHEN CABINETS Pros and Cons: Painted vs. Stained Kitchen Cabinets

Wondering whether to go for natural wood or a painted finish for your cabinets? These observations can help

KITCHEN CABINETS Kitchen Confidential: 7 Ways to Mix and Match Cabinet Colors

Can't decide on a specific color or stain for your kitchen cabinets? You don't have to choose just one

MOST POPULAR From the Pros: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

By Vanessa Brunner

Want a major new look for your kitchen or bathroom cabinets on a DIY budget? Don't pick up a paintbrush until you read this

KITCHEN CABINETS How to Update Your Kitchen Cabinets With Paint

By Five Star Painting

A pro gives advice on when and how to paint your cabinets. Get the step-by-step

KITCHEN CABINETS Why I Combined Open Shelves and Cabinets in My Kitchen Remodel

By Lyndsye Felsman // By Design Podcast

A designer and her builder husband opt for two styles of storage. She offers advice, how-tos and cost info

KITCHEN CABINETS How to Mix and Match Your Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

By Toronto Interior Design Group

You’ll want to consider style, finish, the number of drill holes and more

KITCHEN CABINETS New This Week: 6 Blue Paints for Stylish Kitchen Cabinets

By Mitchell Parker

See how undertones in blue cabinets create diverse styles and moods, from playful and fun to daring and dramatic

Sponsored

MAC Design + Build

15 Reviews

Loudon County Full-Service Design/Build Firm & Kitchen Remodeler

More Discussions

What do you think of this tile for a shower?

31

Help me design my home office please

9

OK Houzzers - suggestions re this small living room

4

what's your experience with different interior trim in different rooms

1

Kitchen Help Counter Height Stool Suggesgions

0