Sunday, July 10, 2011

Painted Bookcases ~ Before And After

Woo, hoo!!! 

Can you see me jumping up and down because this project is finished???  Ok. truth... We still have a furniture base to put on and a few touch ups, but that doesn't pour a bucket of cold water on my enthusiasm.
I've been wanting to do build some bookcases in our youngest daughter's room for over a year now. More pressing things kept popping up. Then, we had our house on the market for 6 months. After we took our house off the market, this was first up on our list of projects to do.
And now they're finished

Woo Hoo!!!! Yay!

bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist
Because Mr. Fanatic is so wonderful and always building things for me, I wanted to make this project a little easier for him. I found some really outdated bookcases on  Craigslist and  thought we could transformed them.
When Mr. F. saw them he wasn't so sure and my daughter was really nice and didn't say they were ugly. 
I told them everything would be ok and they would look fabulous... at least, they did in my head.
This is the actual Craigslist photo... (hence, the poor quality)
bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist

Here's a closeup of the top...
bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist


And a closeup of the gorgeous 5 piece mitered raised panel doors with applied molding. (cabinetry designer nerd alert!)
bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist

I will post about how I designed and Mr. Fanatic built these puppies up on another post and the before and after in my daughter's room, but for right now I'm just gonna show you the after....


Drumroll, please..............................................






bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist


These are actually free standing and not built in. Don't ya just love walls that are crooked?
bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist




bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist

Happy daughter!
bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist

love.
bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist


bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist


My daughter's special books from her favorite author...
bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist



bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist


Lots of storage below behind closed doors...
bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist


After we finished painting the bookcases white, I thought it would be fun to paint the backs a contrasting color. My daughter picked out the beautiful color, which is Valspar Nautical. I think it's perfect for her room.
bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist




bookcases, diydesignfanatic.com, upcycle, cottage, craigslist


Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

For Part 2 on  how to take some ugly outdated bookcases and give the a custom made look, click HERE

Pam 




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61 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 10, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    These are gorgeous Pam! I love the style and colors.

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  2. francesJuly 10, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    They are absolutely gorgeous I love them You have one lucky daughter Frances

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  3. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJuly 10, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    They are absolutely stunning. I love them and they have such wonderful character. Her room is beautiful and these definitely add to the overall appeal. Beautiful. Hugs, Marty

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  4. Kim - Commander-in-ChicJuly 10, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    They came out great!!! Love the turquoise painted in the background.

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  5. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovementJuly 10, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    Beautifully done Pam! I love how pretty her room is and how they look like they were built for the space. Great job!

    Pam

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  6. AnonymousJuly 10, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    you did a fabulous job. Actually, a super duper amazingly awesomely fabulous job!! They look so fabulous and really add to your daughter's (already pretty) room! Love them. Love the lighting, love the arrangements inside, love the cabinet doors, love the colors, love IT ALL!

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  7. Petie@inspirednesting.comJuly 10, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    One word.....awesome! You guys did a great DIY re-vamp! Bet your daughter loves them :)

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  8. Bonnie@ The Hopeless RomanticJuly 10, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    I love them! Are these built in? Either way they look great!.............Bonnie

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  9. RoeshelJuly 10, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    They're gorgeous! (so is your daughter!)

    I love the shape, the color - every detail!

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  10. TraciJuly 10, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    OMG Pam!! They're GORGEOUS!!! I love the feeling of finishing a project too!

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  11. Allison ShopsJuly 10, 2011 at 9:13 PM

    Wow, they look great! If the gap bothers you, get a piece of screen molding (not very wide and very thin). Painted white, and it's gone!
    Dropping by from Met Monday. I'll hope you'll come see the nursery I helped create for my first grandchild.

    Allison
    Atticmag

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  12. Rashon CarrawayJuly 10, 2011 at 9:26 PM

    They came out so beautiful. That pop of color was the perfect choice!
    Had so much fun with you this weekend!


    Rashon
    www.ilovethrifting.com

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  13. LizJuly 10, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    WOW! Beautiful job!! I love it! Stopping by from something i whipped up.

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  14. Kara @ June & BearJuly 10, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    Those are gorgeous. I love shelves with a pop of color and that is a lovely color.

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  15. CarolJuly 10, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Fantastic!!!

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  16. AmandaJuly 10, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    They look awesome Pam! Great job. So nice to meet you this weekend!

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  17. Crystal @ Ordinary DaysJuly 10, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    Gorgeous! I love the color of the back of the shelves and the shelves are just beautiful. No wonder you have a happy daughter!

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  18. JoselynJuly 10, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    Visiting from BNOP. They definitely have that built in look. Love the color on the back. Nice work! Please stop by and enter my summer giveaway.
    http://www.thediyspot.com/2011/07/the-diy-spot-summer-giveaway/

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  19. MarigeneJuly 10, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    Gorgeous!

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  20. UnknownJuly 10, 2011 at 11:50 PM

    I love how these turned out! They totally look like built-ins, yet this is something anyone can do. I have to admit--I did a quick CL search, but no luck. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  21. Sweet Bee CottageJuly 11, 2011 at 1:29 AM

    Love, love, love what you did with the bookcases. Funny too because we just painted out living room (or what we call the library) bookcases with a blue background too. I love the turquoisey blue you chose. My daughter is all hot and bothered to turn her room turquoise. You've provided some great inspiration! Thanks!

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  22. FarahJuly 11, 2011 at 3:28 AM

    Beautiful Pam, love the colour you used... it turned out great sure your daughter will be the happy one
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    Love
    Farah

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  23. Paula@SweetPeaJuly 11, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    I love how these bookcases fill in the space beside each window and truly look built in. The nautical color that your daughter chose for the background is so pretty and looks great as a contrast to her display items. Great job!

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  24. ℳartina @ Northern NestingJuly 11, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    OMG Pam these turned out GORGEOUS!!! They look beautiful in her room and I love the color she picked for the inside! Perfect accessories too! Martina

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  25. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    HI Pam! Oh, my goodness - these bookshelves are beautiful! I love them and the different color on the insides.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  26. CIELOJuly 11, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    They're fantastic! Wow, love love the transformation. I'm still on the look for something as lovely as those pieces of furniture so I can do my own transformation. Love the white and green you chose. Thanks for participating in Show Off Your Cottage Monday and bringing me here!

    Cielo

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  27. Libby July 11, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    Love love love! And that color is so...perfect. Nice work Pam!

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  28. At The Picket FenceJuly 11, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    Those look INCREDIBLE Pam! I love the color contrast and the lights above. You did a fantastic job my friend!
    Vanessa

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  29. mary kathryn @ mathews family happeningsJuly 11, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    good gravy those are gorgeous! LOVE the colors! Enjoyed your I love thrifting post as well!

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  30. ScribblerJuly 11, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    Nice job! There isn't a wall in my house that's straight or level -- or any other surface for that matter. I have been struggling with my kitchen for a while, and the "out of whack" elements are making me crazy!

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  31. LizabethJuly 11, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    WOW! That was amazing! I love what your hubby did to the tops too! The color of the background with the white is truly awesome! You do have vision!
    Excellent job! Kudos...Liz

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  32. Janette - The2SeasonsJuly 11, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    Hello from your neighbors at BNOTP. I can't believe how well those bookcases fit your space. They look great!

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  33. kristinJuly 11, 2011 at 11:00 PM

    i love it, and I really love those cat book ends, I think i need those!!! :)

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  34. Pam - @diy Design FanaticJuly 12, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    Thanks everyone!

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  35. Korrie@RedHenHomeJuly 12, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    BEAUTIFUL!! They are stunning! The color is gorgeous on the back wall.

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  36. TeeJuly 12, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    Shut! Up! Those are amazing. I would have never had the vision to do that.

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  37. BluBabesCreateJuly 12, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Love how it's a built-in look!

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  38. KatieJuly 12, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    These are PERFECT! They look so nice in her room - and what a nice room! Great job!

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  39. ~Lavender Dreamer~July 12, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    Very beautiful! What a transformation! We went to some furniture stores today pricing bookcases! ♥ We may need to think outside the box! ♥

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  40. Claudia FabianaJuly 12, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Incredible! I love how it all turned out, and I really like the accessories. Visiting from Tuesday's Treasures and following....

    ciao from Newport BEach

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  41. abeachcottageJuly 13, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    They turned out really great, lovely colour! And the room is beautiful too.

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  42. DIYbyDesignJuly 13, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    I actually gasp out loud those are so incredible. What a transformation. They absolutely look built in. I am so impressed. Thanks for sharing at my Sizzle into Summer party.

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  43. Soul PrettyJuly 13, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    OMG! My daughter's bedroom has gotten a make-over every year for her birthday for the past 13 years...this year I decided to go to Miami instead...since next year is the big 16...and we are planning a blow out party for her...Until I read your post, I had no intention on making over her bedroom this year...You have inspired me! Your make-over is just beautiful.

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  44. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleJuly 13, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    Pam, this looks fantastic. What a pretty bedroom. I love the added color on the back of them. I know your daughter must love them. Thanks for joining the party!

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  45. jess@balancing the dreamJuly 13, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    great job!! I love the blue color!

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  46. ColeyJuly 13, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    This is soo great. What wonderful colors!

    www.whatyoumakeit-coley.blogspot.com

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  47. Samantha from Colonial Curve CottageJuly 14, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    Those turned out really great! I'm inspired!

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  48. Samantha from Colonial Curve CottageJuly 14, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    Fantastic! I'm inspired!

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  49. Becca BertottiJuly 14, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Absolutely beautiful !! The transformation is amazing ... thanks to your magic, they truly do look like custom, built-in bookcases. And, your daughter is quite the decorator, too, as that is a gorgeous color she chose for the back. Stunning room, too !!

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  50. Amy KinserJuly 14, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    What a gorgeous room! The bookcases look wonderful, especially with the contrasting colors. Great job.

    Nice to visit with you.

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  51. The Decorative DreamerJuly 15, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    I thought I missed something! Wow! They are fabulous! I love the colors you used too. So pretty!

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  52. Jo-Anna@APrettyLifeJuly 15, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    They look fantastic! I love the colours!
    Jo-Anna

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  53. KathyJuly 16, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    Love the new look! The blue color is so fresh and makes a perfect background! Just love the look of this bedroom!
    Kathy

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  54. Courtney ~ French Country CottageJuly 16, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    These are amazing~ I love how they turned out! The combination of colors are fabulous and you did a great job building them up!! Well done! Your daughters room is so pretty too!! Thanks for sharing this at FNF :)

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  55. DebbiedoosJuly 18, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    Holy Cow Pam, they look amazing! They truly look custom made. Love the color too..you did a great job!

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  56. DIYbyDesignJuly 19, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    These are so awesome. I will be featuring it tonight at my Sizzle into Summer party. Please stop by and pick up an I've Been Featured button. The link opens at 8pm EST. Thanks.

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  57. AnonymousJuly 21, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    These are seriously amazing and inspiring!
    I'm a follower of your site now - everything looks great!

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  58. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of SuburbiaJuly 21, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    It's just gorgeous Pam, I love it! I would say that is one happy girl :)
    XO
    Kristin

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  59. LindsayJuly 21, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    I am in love with these! I have been wanting to do faux built in cabinets in our living room for a while and you have inspired me to search for a cabinet I could use instead of building from scratch. I can't wait to read the tutorial!

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  60. CarolynJuly 25, 2011 at 2:31 AM

    Gorgeous and very inspiring. You've done a wonderful job with the room.

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  61. Yvonne @ StoneGableAugust 9, 2014 at 10:01 AM

    I audibly sighed when I saw the after! What a fabulous job, Pam! These bookshelves look like they are built-ins! Your sweet daughter is so grown up!!!!

    ReplyDelete

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