It’s a New Year and the perfect time for organization! My husband and I started cleaning out our closet, old storage and other organized spaces in our apartment. I came across so many needs for storage, mostly things I wanted concealed. But then there were collections of random accents and accessories that I didn’t want to hide away in storage boxes. I needed a beautiful way to display my favorite dishes, books, magazines and a couple vintage pieces. And so, I transformed a great bookcase from Better Homes and Gardens products at Walmart to fit my eclectic feminine style. It was a simple DIY that just took a weekend and I’m in love with the result!
In their collection, I found a wonderful bookcase with crown molding detail for just $80. The only issue for me was the color. I tend to stick to cool and bright color tones and while the cherry finish was pretty it just didn’t fit my home. So I paid around $15 extra for some paint supplies and wrapping paper to fix up the bookcase!
Be sure to read all the way to the end on this one. I have instructions for the DIY and a giveaway surprise for one lucky reader!
I first started by deciding on a paint color. I went through a ton options before deciding that white was the best choice. I grew up in a home filled with white furniture and it’s just sort of stuck with me. Plus the wrapping paper, (yes wrapping paper!) I picked out was an aqua and white lace pattern. Yes extremely girl, but prior all my dainty accents were on dark shelves. I needed something bright and happy to showcase them!
Before I get into the steps from my DIY, I’ll share a little bit of how I styled the bookcase. Styling is sort of a gradual process for me. I like to let my plans simmer for a day or so before committing to a design. First, I cleared off my dining table. As I went about my day at home, I slowly collected my favorite decor accessories, books, magazine collections, dishes, etc. and placed them on the table. Then, I slowly added pieces to shelf a few at time. I would step back, see how I felt about the look and then continue to add more. If something looked off, I immediately put it back on the dining table. I put a time limit on myself, because I could go on and on editing!
I’m to happy to have all my pretty magazines and travel books on display too! I think the bookshelf really shows off my personality and passions. Don’t worry, my husband is getting his own beer enthusiast storage set up too. Always need balance!
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Now for the How-To!
This is a great weekend project. I definitely recommend spreading the tasks out over the course of a couple days. The painting can take quite some time, especially in between coats!
- The BHG Ashwood Bookcase comes with step by step instructions for assembly. I definitely recommend having a helper, especially if you’re short like me! Follow all the steps up to putting on the back board. We’re gonna save this step for later!
- Paint the bookcase once the frame is built. Since I used white, it took couple of coats to hide the dark finish. I used a 1 quart can of Kyrlon Colormaster Acrylic Paint in satin white. Then I used a combination of a paint roller and sponge brush to get the job done. I painted the shelves separately. I let everything completely dry for about 24 hours before finishing the assembly.
- While the paint is drying, grab some ModPodge or other craft glue and your favorite roll of wrapping paper. I cut the wrapping paper to fit the bookcase backing. Then using a mini paint roller, spread on an even coat of glue. Work quickly so that the glue doesn’t dry.
- Carefully roll out the wrapping paper, print side up and smooth onto the backing. You’ll need to smooth out the wrinkles as you lay it down. Now if you hate glue, go ahead and use a staple gun to attach the paper. Have an assistant on hand to hold everything together as you staple.
- Nail on the backing to the frame of the bookcase and then add in the remaining shelves. Step back and admire your work!
And now for the surprise! Through my partnership with Better Homes and Gardens products at Walmart, I have a $100 gift card that you can use to DIY your own bookcase!!! Just follow the entry steps below and good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Contest ends January 15th, 2015 at 12:00am EST. Winner will be notified after drawing via email and the gift card will be mailed.
*This post is brought to you in collaboration with Better Homes and Gardens products at Walmart via the BHG Live Better Network. All content, ideas, and words in this post are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that allow me to create new and special content like this for Planning Pretty.
My living room, for sure!
We need to better arrange our closet space.
Definitely our living room!
i love it! i’ve been in dire need if bookshelf ideas for my bedroom in the apartment, which is definitely in need of organization since everythng has to go in such a small space–just like when we were in school.
I’ve been working on paring down my wardrobe. Small closets and love for shopping don’t mix so well.
My new home office!!
I need to organize my laundry room.
My family room desperately needs organization!
My bedroom needs help! Thanks for the chance!
Definitely my bedroom!
My sewing room. Needs some kind of organization but not sure where to start
MY ENTIRE HOUSE!!! LOL
My kitchen. Seems I clear one counter off, trying make things more organized and neat and another counter becomes cluttered. The pantry and cabinets need help too.
I need to organize the area around my computer, but that bookcase is beautiful and I would love to do one of those for all my antique treasures from my relatives.
My bookcases could really use an update! Thanks!
What a great contest!
Our craft room is an absolute disaster!
I’m a Special Ed teacher for students with moderate/severe disabilities. I need to organize those parts of the house that support my arrival and departure from home. It involves transporting bags of teaching materials a thermos, rain shoes, and cell phone.
There are sometimes more than a few bag to take to the car and in the early morning it is easy to forget my lunch in the fridge, or my cell phone on the dresser.
My goal is to be organized before I go to bed each night so that my morning is spent on getting ready for my day with very special children.
My office is always in need of organization!
I need to organize my room. There’s a problem when even your closet door can’t close anymore.
My scrapbooking room is in dire need of organizing. I love to scrapbook but never have enough time to organize.