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One Room Challenge Week 3: Changing Design Plans

Challenges· Design

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This entry from the One Room Challenge Fall 2017 was a bland walk through but is turning into a cozy library! Week 3 focuses on the changing design plans that invariably happen with any room- in this case, a plan for library built-ins that have changed for the better!

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OMG, week 3 already?  I can’t believe how quickly the time is flying during this challenge-but then again, that’s probably the biggest thing everyone who has ever done a One Room Challenge seems to have in common, so I don’t know why I’m surprised!

Catch up on my One Room Challenge Week One and One Room Challenge Week Two posts!

So this weekend, Michael and I worked on the library bookcases.  And changed the plan right up until the nth hour, of course.

Have y’all seen Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick’s built in library bookcases in her prior home?  She did an amazing job on them, and they’ve been my plan from the very beginning.  Here’s what they look like:

 

We desperately need storage in this space, so I really love the idea of the cabinet on the bottom (here’s to closed storage!) with the shelves on top.  So Michael and I were going through all of the cabinets and wood we needed to buy.  And the more we planned, the more nervous we got.

Here’s the thing.  We’re not carpenters.  We can cut some wood, we can nail some stuff to the wall, but making good accurate measurements and putting all of those steps together (especially in an old house with wonky walls)…then things start to go a leetle bit pear shaped.

So Michael started negotiating.  “Let’s just get some cheap bookcases from Wal-Mart and stick them on top of the cabinets.  Add some trim, nobody knows.”

Don’t laugh.  I was very seriously considering this.  Even sourcing some beautiful graphic peel and stick paper to put on the backs and hide the tell-tale seam.  #challengeaccepted #imnotaboveit

Luckily, these bookcases from Target saved the day:

 

Score.  Closed cabinet storage on the bottom and open shelving on the top.  And at $134 (plus 5% off for using my Red Card!) it was much less expensive than the cost of built-ins.
It comes in black, espresso, and a kind of barn wood color, which is what I got.  None of which will work in my room, of course, so I’m painting them white. Here’s what they look like so far, painted (sorry for the terrible image quality):
This entry from the One Room Challenge Fall 2017 was a bland walk through but is turning into a cozy library! Week 3 focuses on the changing design plans that invariably happen with any room- in this case, a plan for library built-ins that have changed for the better!
The other thing is, they’re about 6 feet high- too short for our room, which has 12 foot high ceilings with doorways that are around 8 feet high with the transoms.  So, we will be doing a bit of construction in here by building an extension across the top to kind of tie them all in together and elevate them a bit.
In other news, I also ordered this beauty from Pier 1:


It was $99, marked down from $299!  And way cheaper than the Serena and Lily in my vision board.
And guess what came in that I love love love?
This entry from the One Room Challenge Fall 2017 was a bland walk through but is turning into a cozy library! Week 3 focuses on the changing design plans that invariably happen with any room- in this case, a plan for library built-ins that have changed for the better!


It’s perfect for this space, and half off!  And I have been looking at it for months and months.
Here’s a peek at how it looks in the room:
This entry from the One Room Challenge Fall 2017 was a bland walk through but is turning into a cozy library! Week 3 focuses on the changing design plans that invariably happen with any room- in this case, a plan for library built-ins that have changed for the better!
Also this week, I’ve been picking out some fun lighting!  Here’s what I’m loving:
This entry from the One Room Challenge Fall 2017 was a bland walk through but is turning into a cozy library! Week 3 focuses on the changing design plans that invariably happen with any room- in this case, a plan for library built-ins that have changed for the better!
 The downlight sconces are here (and here’s a brushed steel option!) but I think the white shaded wall sconces must be sold out 🙁

What’s next

This week, I’m continuing to work on the bookshelves, assembling and painting.  This weekend, I’m hoping to hang the large artwork in the space.  Next weekend, my mom is coming up, and I’m hoping she can help me with a fun window treatment!

Thanks for following along!  You guys are the best <3  Be sure to check out the rest of the One Room Challenge participants- guest participants and featured designers– trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

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Comments

  1. erin - whaling city cottage says

    OMG….it’s looking so good! That sofa is yummy. And I selfishly hope you get the articulated arm sconces because I’ve been stalking those for our living room and would love to see how they work in your space.

    • Beth says

      Thank you Erin! I LOVE those sconces (especially that they’re plug in so no electrical work- yay!) so I think you will get your wish!

    • Beth says

      I know, how does the time fly by so quickly? Seems unreal that we are halfway there! Thank you so much for stopping by!

    • Beth says

      Thanks Tim, I’ve gotten lucky with sale pieces for sure! You have two rooms to shop for- can’t wait to see what you pick out!

    • Beth says

      I’m kind of in love with it too! It just makes the room 🙂 I can’t wait for you to see it!

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