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Monday, February 26, 2018

THIS WEEK'S PROJECT- PATTERNED BOOKCASE BACKS


Last year when I painted the living room bookshelves white, I knew I wanted to do something fun on the back of them, I just wasn't sure what yet.  So, I left the backs Urbane Bronze until I was inspired to change them.  I'm making a few changes in the living room this Spring, so I'm kicking off a little mini makeover in there with this project.




Over the weekend I started by painting over the darker color.


This is just one coat in but it already makes a huge difference in how bright things are!  Even though I loved the moody dark backs, I was ready for a change.


I've been thinking about this project for a while and recently showed you a few samples I was considering.  I was learning towards a pink pattern, but was concerned about that color up against the brick fireplace.  Since then I tried a green lattice fabric that I had on hand just to get a feel for that color- forgot to take a picture- but (shocker!) I think that color might work best.

Even though I'm proceeding to paint the backs white, I'm still not completely sure what I'm going to do about the pattern yet.  I might try painting a design myself (I've had some practice herehere, and here!), but if that doesn't work out I've got my eye on some great wallpaper or even fabric options.  These images are inspiring me for my shelves- (please click the link below and go to original site if you'd like to Pin, thanks!)



Hi Sugarplum- this one is fabric



Centsational Style- this one is actually painted!


Simple Details- wrapping paper!





And while we're talking shelves, even though the backs aren't patterned like I'm wanting to do, here are a few of my favorites beautifully styled...







(I wrote more about this home here.)


I'm finishing up the last coat of white this morning, then I need to finalize my game plan for what I'm going to do on the backs.  I'm also wondering if I need to paint the mantel white now...


Stay tuned. I have a few Spring Tours coming up in a few weeks and I'll be ready to share the end result!


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Would you like to comment?

  1. This is definitely a project I would like to pursue - have several oak made bookcases that were built after moving into our home years ago. Attempted wallpaper and my challenge was getting the paper to stay with push pins and wasn't happening. I can't afford to damage these as hubby will not be happy....painting is out since he's a purist on wood. I'm interested in what my options are in making this happen. Definitely like the wrapping paper because I have black/white large dots paper as my sideboard runner in the dining room - thought that was creative and love the look! Intrigued by all of these as they are beautiful and exciting! Who would have thought the day would come where we are doing this to the inside of bookcases? =) So look forward to your transformation Jen!

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    1. Another reader below suggested 3M strips... great idea! I also like this tutorial for making wallpaper removable-
      https://www.erinspain.com/how-to-make-wallpaper-removable/

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  2. I can't wait to see your final product! I have been following along with you for a long time! I love all of the things that you do. I agree, I think the mantle needs to go white! Looking forward to your reveal!!!

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  3. ooooh i am looking forward to seeing this reveal!

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  4. Loving the white backs. Yes, I do think the mantel would be pretty in white too. Or paint it to look like wood.

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    1. It's actually pretty wood underneath. I thought about stripping it but I think I'll try the white for now!

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  5. Can’t wait to see what you do!! I used grass cloth wallpaper behind mine and adhered it with 3m strips so I can change it out when I want but always looking for great ideas!!Love how cheerful your home is...Have a great day!

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    1. 3M strips are a great idea! I used grasscloth in my hall china cabinet and love the look!

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  6. I, too, agree that the mantel would be better white. I absolutely loved that finish you and your sister did on the bricks in your parents' house. Have you considered doing that to yours? Your favorite green in a pattern sounds perfect for the back boards. I used ASCP in "Antibes" on a mirror and the backboards of the white bookcases - both on my stair landing, and I love it.

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    1. I think you all are right on the mantel... today's project! :) Although I never ever thought I would, I've actually started considering painting the brick. Not sure I'm ready for that commitment yet! Ohhhh, that paint looks gorgeous!

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  7. Our daughter in law purchased a very thin piece of wood, cut it in length and width to match the back of the bookcase, so thin that she could cut it with a utility knife blade. She then painted it and now it is held in place by the shelves themselves. I wonder if you could paper a thin wood in the same fashion.? Then if you tire of the look, it would be super easy to change it. Love daughter in laws!

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    1. That is such a great idea, Margaret. I had actually already considered doing something similar. Nice option for easily changing it out later!

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  8. I would paint mantle white to match crown molding and the bookshelves on either side of the mantle. Would look really nice.

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