Does this built-in bookcase design work in real life?
HU-913321892
4 months ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (32)
Lyn Nielson
4 months agoSammie J
4 months agoRelated Discussions
Built-in bookcase in kitchen
Comments (21)Your #2 model, and your adorable nursery design, both go all the way to the ceiling, but your kitchen pantry cabinet doesn't. I believe that will make a big difference. Are you planning some tweak that takes the pantry cabinet to the ceiling, and then the planned bookcase up to the ceiling also? If not, then another option to consider is floating shelves instead of a fully framed bookcase. You might put one solid wood shelf at the same level as the center rail of the lower pantry door, and then space floating glass shelves above that. It would leave the floor for Max's dining room, and the eye movement through that floor space instead of closing it off in that corner. Also, you wouldn't have to deal with the tall, thin side panels that are worrying you. Just an idea......See MoreStrange Thoughts about Bookcases
Comments (9)Annie, I pinned it and reposted the pic that way-- hopefully will stay put now! Yes, I agree that the narrowness is an issue. Unfortunately, I think the same of my own (too narrow) but it was the only one I could find that would fit my space and my $. As for adding trim and moulding-- yes, that is my plan, except that my bookcases are wood veneer, and not white. It seems everyone who adds trim and such are working with white. I guess it will just take finding the right stain to make it work, and getting real wood trim. I've been wanting to add doors, but this wouldn't work for my kids . . .the little ones need easy access to their books and doors + little fingers are a problem. Graywings, I will work on getting some up. Roarah, your photo is very inspiring. My setup is the same-- enough room for one bookcase on each side + a window. Are yours made entirely from scratch or did you "hack" ones you bought? I have also been thinking of putting a bench under my window. I also love the idea of putting something under the bookcase. That gives me more options if I find shorter but vintage or antique ones. Jakabedy, I fully agree that one bookcase is the problem. However, that is all I have room for as well-- as I said above, a wall of bookcases creates a different feeling. I only have room for one on each side. Peegee, that isn't my room. As I wrote above, my wall color is much darker and there is not much contrast between the bookcase and wall color. My books and such are already arranged so that not much is on top. These combined ideas have been very helpful. I will have to think about the "problem" more and come back with pics. Thanks so much!...See MoreDark stained built-in bookcases and FP
Comments (21)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....See Moresemi-custom built-ins/bookcases vs custom
Comments (2)Form and function so they are bookcases there is the function as for form what do you want . An idea of your style where they are going all kinds of info is needed to answer the question. My first question to my clients is what are you wanting to display and how much space do you need to do so. I actually love the Besta system from Ikea with some display, some storage and a great place to mount the TVat the proper viewing height and IMO a decnet price for an amazing looking unit. The way they are you can get an almost custom look and perfectly designed for what you need....See MoreHU-913321892
4 months agomillworkman
4 months agolast modified: 4 months agoPaul F.
4 months agoDean Klassen - Superior Cabinets
4 months agoHU-913321892
4 months agoPaul F.
4 months agoPaul F.
4 months agoci_lantro
4 months agoHU-913321892
4 months agoHU-913321892
4 months agoshirlpp
4 months agoHU-913321892
4 months agoJeff Smith
4 months agolast modified: 4 months agoHU-913321892
4 months agonuttycrew
4 months agopalimpsest
4 months agolast modified: 4 months agoHU-913321892
4 months agoHU-913321892
4 months agoJeff Smith
4 months agolast modified: 4 months agoElizabeth Ann
4 months agohollywaterfall
4 months agolalucci77
4 months agoMargaret Hendren
4 months agolast modified: 4 months agoGannonCo
4 months agoHU-913321892
4 months agoPaul F.
4 months agoHU-913321892
4 months agoHU-913321892
4 months agoterrib962
4 months ago
Related Stories
KITCHEN DESIGNPersonal Style: 50 Clever Real-Life Kitchen Design Details
Get ideas from savvy homeowners who have a knack for creating kitchens celebrating personal style
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESHigh Style for Real Life
Your home may be gorgeous, but does it enrich your life? Below, some tips for a soul-satisfying mix of high style and functionality
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNPearls of Wisdom From a Real-Life Kitchen Remodel
What your best friend would tell you if you were embarking on a renovation and she'd been there, done that
Full StoryDESIGN FOR GOODAt-Risk Teens Get a Well-Designed Home and Real Hope
Designers and other volunteers create an apartment to keep older foster kids off the streets, off drugs and on a path to a better life
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESHow to Match Colors From Photos to Real Life
Differences in lighting and device screens can drastically change how a color looks. Here's how to correct for it
Full StoryWORKING WITH PROSHow Much Does It Cost to Hire an Interior Designer?
Interior designers may charge hourly rates, flat fees, cost-plus or a combination. Here’s what that means for you
Full StoryMY HOUZZDesigner Breathes Life Into Her Family’s Historic Home
Take a look inside this lovingly renovated former barn in suburban Chicago
Full StoryMORE ROOMS28 Great Real-Life Home Offices
Houzz Readers Prove You Can Turn Any Room Into Inspiration Central
Full StoryORGANIZINGPersonal Spaces: 12 Real-Life Savvy Shoe Storage Ideas
Check out how these homeowners keep their footwear organized — tucked away or out on display
Full StoryCLOSETSDesign Your Closet for the Real World
Let a professional organizer show you how to store all your clothes, shoes and accessories without blowing your budget
Full Story
HALLETT & Co.