ReStyling the Living Room Bookcases
Good morning, Lovelies! I hope you all had a spectacular weekend!
If you’ve been reading for a while, I’ve mentioned a time or two (or ten) that I’m working to give the rooms on the main floor of my house an updated feel without making any major purchases. Pookie and I are hoping to downsize in the next 2 – 3 years so it just doesn’t make sense to replace furniture with that looming on the horizon.
For the last few weeks I’ve been working in my living room. Things have been moving at a slower pace in this room because I’m just so ovvvver the furniture in there and was having trouble figuring out what to do.
I still have a couple of projects to complete before showing you the entire room, but I thought I would at least show my restyled bookcases to you.
The first thing that I did was to paint and stencil several sheets of foam board that I purchased at Dollar Tree.
When I looked at my living room, it was just a sea of brown furnishings with green walls. Blah, boring and heavy. So I pulled the deep red color out of the upholstery to use as an accent color and to try and breathe some life into this room. The stenciling was done with a metallic gold craft paint.
I was trying to use items that I already had in my stash as much as possible. I had no idea where it was going to lead, but as I started working, things just kind of came together. Does that ever happen to you?
When all was said and done, I think there is kind of a gardeny theme going on. Thankfully, that inspired the urns on the top shelves, which is one spot that I particularly struggled with.
When I first moved here (about 5 years ago), I wanted a library feel to the living room so these bookcases were mostly filled with books. Part of the process of updating this room is to lighten things up. So I removed most of the books and only used the ones that I like the looks of the most.
And here is a look at the entire set of restyled bookcases.
Quite a difference, I think.
From this…
…to this.
I really like the restyled bookcase. I agree with you that between the stencil and the plants that the changes bring more “life” to the bookcase and to the room as a whole.
Lovely – the stenciling really makes the bookcase stand out!
I love it Suzy, the bookcase looks AMAZING!! =) xo LIz
That looks great. Love that added to the back.
Beautiful Suzy…I love the change…great idea to use the stencil…I was just going to wallpaper my foam core…but I really love your stencil!…
WOW! Love the stenciled foam board on the back. That was just genius. I really like the lighter look. I think you really nailed you goal look.
Blessings, Ginger
Suzy, you certainly have the magic touch. I love the idea of stenciling the foam board. Is there a tutorial (pretty please). 🙂 xo
Oh, this looks great! I love how the pillow ties in with the stenciling.
I love the bookcases. I like the green jars and the cloche. Very pretty.
Cynrhia
Great update!!
I love what you did to the bookshelves! It really changes the look and feel. 🙂
Have a great day.
Love all the green pottery! The stencils look nice, too! My favorite thing is how you did the ferns in the glass. Like the wreath from the old photo, too.
I love how you transformed your beautiful bookcase.
Dee
What a great idea to paint & stencil foam core!! Your new look is great!! Blessings!
What a great change! Love the foam board idea! I may copy! Getting ready to pin it now. Thank you so much for sharing this at Meet Me Monday party! Love, Me http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com
You did a fabulous job. I didn’t realize that Dollar Tree had foam board. I see a project in the works for my glass front kitchen cabinets. Thanks for the inspiration! Looks wonderful.
Beautiful transformation!! You did a marvelous job, Thank You for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful week!
Aledia @ Plum Perfect
Wow. just wow. I really admire you ladies that stencil. That made a world of difference!
What an awesome transformation! The bookcases look great!
Great job on the re-styled bookcases! I loved seeing the before and after. The stenciling made such a difference.