Mini Library Nook (What I Did This Weekend)
I don't know if you remember, but my living room used to have three bookcases in it. Actually, now that I'm looking back, I'm not sure I ever posted any pictures that showed the room with the bookcases. Which is really funny because I have taken a lot of pictures with the bookcases. Heck, I've taken a lot of pictures of everything.
This is my dirty little secret, by the way. I have taken photos for about 10x more blog posts than are on the site.
But that's not the story for today.
The story for today is about bookcases. Once upon a time, my living room had three bookcases, like what I showed in that digital living room makeover I did, way back when.
When I rearranged and put the furniture in its new configuration a couple of weeks ago, what I didn't tell you was that one of the three bookcases had been orphaned. All this time it has been sitting in the entry to my dining room. Right here:
It actually made the dining room quite cozy, but it was also REALLY crowded getting through there, so it had to go. But where?
Enter the nook outside my master bedroom.
So my bedroom is at the end of a hallway, and the doorway is set back a little bit, so there's this nook next to the door.
I have always envisioned having a bookcase there, you know?
Cute, right?
So when I suddenly had an orphaned bookcase on my hands, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it.
Of course, we coudn't do it right then, because the bookcase was too big for the spot, so we stashed it in the entry area and ignored it.
Well. Okay, REALLY we used it as a convenient place to stick random crap miscellaneous things from all over the house that we couldn't be bothered to put away, didn't have a home for.
When it was full, we decided we'd better do something about it before it became permanent!
It was wider than the little nook, so Mr. Magpie rebuilt it to fit:
And in it went!
Eventually all the trim in this little area will be redone and the bookcase will get painted out white. Eventually I'll also put more bookcases to the right of the door as well, so there'll be a whole mini library down here. Key word being "eventually."
In the meantime, my room feels so cozy because the entrance is tucked in, and I love having another spot to keep all of our favorite books. I collect children's literature, so this will be a spot to keep it.
Here's another before-and-after view that hopefully will give you a better idea of what it looks like. (Let's pretend we don't see the scuzzy carpet, mmmmm'kay?)
I just love how it feels now to walk into my room. I can't wait to paint it and stuff it with books! Ha!
As for the entry area, now it feels a little bare. The shelf was too big, but it needs something. I'm thinking maybe a really big vertical sign or some subway art or something.
Here's what kitty thinks:
"Oh, brother!"
So that's what I did this weekend. What did you do???
P.S. Thank you SO MUCH for all your feedback about what you like to read in a blog. I didn't think I had a preference, but as I was reading I realized that I do! I like live action blogs. I love eye candy as much as the next person, but I'd rather see something real than all pretty all the time. So that's what we'll be doing here from now on. Beware! It's not all pretty! But it'll definitely be real. So, so very real. Ha. :-)
P.P.S. Linking up to the Weekend Wrap-Up Party at Tater Tots and Jello.
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Comments (13)
Barbara H.:
Adrienne:
Chicago Garage Builder:
Marie:
Marie:
Martina:
kijsa:
Fairfield House:
Thirkellgirl:
Anonymous:
Jonathan:
Laura Ingalls Gunn:
Linden Townhouse:
Like real and really like the bookcase! I'm so impressed that you folks know how to cut one down and I think it will look great painted!
Posted by Barbara H. | February 20, 2012 3:14 PM
Posted on February 20, 2012 15:14
I love your little library nook. That's a great idea! Can't wait to see more. And about all of those photos you have for blog posts - I'm right there with you, my friend. We're in the same camp. I don't think I'll ever run out of photos for blog posts, just time to do all of those millions of posts!
~Adrienne~
Posted by Adrienne | February 21, 2012 11:06 AM
Posted on February 21, 2012 11:06
Great use of the space, those strange corners for ventilation runs or odd room overlaps are always a pain. Nice job. The blank wall needs an unusual art piece, subway art is great or a stacked multi-piece painting to fill the space could look nice.
Posted by Chicago Garage Builder | February 24, 2012 11:49 AM
Posted on February 24, 2012 11:49
I love it so much, I was feeling so blah and sad, and your cozy book nook made me smile! Thank you what a wonderful idea, I am going to look around my house right now and see where i can put one in! You are an inspiration, great idea! xoxoxo I am brand new to this site, I am so glad I found you!
Posted by Marie | February 24, 2012 12:09 PM
Posted on February 24, 2012 12:09
I feel so blessed that I came upon your site, I am new to this blogging, please keep me posted on your inspirational ideas, in my little corner of the world, I don't get very inspired, Thank you! What a great idea your nook is, I love Library's in a home, can't have one unless I get rid of a bedroom or dining room, so this is a perfect way to add a touch of a library here and there! I love it !
Posted by Marie | February 24, 2012 12:19 PM
Posted on February 24, 2012 12:19
Love the way the bookcase fills the empty space near you bedroom door and LOVE that pretty bed!
Posted by Martina | February 26, 2012 5:38 AM
Posted on February 26, 2012 05:38
Beautiful! So glad to come back and visit!
Posted by kijsa | February 26, 2012 4:13 PM
Posted on February 26, 2012 16:13
Angela,
It's been said “A home without books is a body without soul.” I like your relocation of the book shelf (especially since I prefer to read or write to pass those sleepless nights in NJ!) Painting it will give a vintage cottage look -- functional and pleasing to the eye!
I spent the weekend emptying a room that has been used as storage. "Eventually" it's going to be my office. I would have much rather spent it the way your sweet kitten did!
Deborah
Posted by Fairfield House | February 29, 2012 5:32 AM
Posted on February 29, 2012 05:32
I want to see more of your dining room. I neeeed to. The little corner I can see in your header is inspiring me. I don't care what kind of a mess it is, it's the colors and juxtaposition of... um... odd things... that is floating my boat.
Love your book corner!
Posted by Thirkellgirl | March 2, 2012 12:16 PM
Posted on March 2, 2012 12:16
Great blog ~ I'm a new follower! ♥ Anne
Posted by Anonymous | March 5, 2012 10:24 PM
Posted on March 5, 2012 22:24
Great post. I love the new design you created...it's beautiful and also gives you more storage space...very useful! keep it up...
Posted by Jonathan | March 7, 2012 10:32 AM
Posted on March 7, 2012 10:32
What a fantastic use of space. I love the bed peeking through the shot.
Over at Decor To Adore my header changes every month. The green bungalow sadly is not mine but belongs to a very charming woman.
Posted by Laura Ingalls Gunn | March 19, 2012 7:39 AM
Posted on March 19, 2012 07:39
I think that looks wonderful! It will look great painted white. Yes, I am like you. I really do like DIY blogs. I love to see and am inspired by what others do in their homes. I love to see the process. As for what I did this weekend...we are constructing a farmhouse cabinet to conceal a wall air conditioner.
Posted by Linden Townhouse | March 22, 2012 5:29 AM
Posted on March 22, 2012 05:29