I wanted these built-ins to be a good mix of books and color. I wanted it to not be so serious, as a bookcase completely filled with books or glass objects can be. We are pretty playful people and I think these built ins reflect that:
On the top right of the built-ins are two black and silver plates from Pier One. They were on sale for $4.50 each and I got the stands at Hobby Lobby for $2.99. Down a shelf–The large silver frame and white mat were found in the Ikea As-Is section for $3! The “art” inside is actually a thick and gorgeous wood placemat from Pier One I got for $5. Art is all around us, eh? The turquoise vase was $10 from Ikea, the gold-ish vase I had on hand, but I believe it is from Ross. The little natural mirror is from Ikea for less than $3.
Moving down, we have a collection of books and a souvenir from our cruise to Mexico 3 years ago. The little turquoise glass lamp is from Target for $12.99 and the shade, also Target, was $7.50–although they are currently having a buy one, get one 50% off home decor sale, so the little set was a screaming deal. (Also–we still need to get a plug plate for the plug hiding behind that, oops!) Below that, is a family photo, a framed envelope from a letter exchanged between Chris and I (we fell in love through letters…handwritten ones), a little green candle and my favorite yellow pear–a $6.99 HomeGoods find. Two pillows stacked on the bottom shelf (have had them forever!) add color, while still keeping it Greta-friendly.
On the top shelf of the other side is a great basket I found at Home Goods for $6.99 and a large, glass, turquoise candle holder from target for $11 stacked atop my old year books. :) Below, “friendship” bamboo from Ikea ($5) is appropriate placed next to a “We Not Me” poster (found here) in a simple black $5.99 Ikea poster frame. The wooden gesture doll is from Ikea and the little gold pot I had on hand and I spray painted gold.
These two frames I had on hand. The caricature (I’m pretty sure you’ve seen) is by my talented friend, Lance Fry. Next door, is a simple $2 white frame from Ikea with a paint chip in it to create a little ombre art. I threw a couple yarn balls in mason jar and paired it with a vase I had on hand. Below that are some white storage containers I found in the as-is section of Ikea for less than $2 and a few of my old art books. On the bottom shelf is a huge storage basket filled with Greta’s blocks. I was so happy to find this at Ross for $19.99. It’s big enough to store toys for Greta and narrow enough to fit in the built-ins. It was one of my favorite finds.
Overtop of the television, is an old encyclopedia collection I found in the online classifieds for $10. The basket in the middle is from Ross. While we are talking about classified finds, all of the National Geographics I found on KSL (like Craigslist) for $30! A 13 gallon bin filled to the top with National Geographics. So far, I have discovered some dating back to 1954, and some newer issues from 2003. We have already enjoyed looking through a few with little Greta.
We filled those, too:
Whew! And that, my friends, is what we call a wrap. Favorite part for me? I honestly love the yellow National Geographics–they were our first find and really served as a jumping point. What do you love? What would you change? Is there such a thing as too many baskets?
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Looks great! I find that I re-style my bookshelves every year or two, which has been a nice way to enjoy our collections of favorite books and souvenirs (we have too many to display all at once).
Just one suggestion: have you considered painting the wall underneath the bookshelves white? To my eye, this would give it a more integrated look (especially the solitary bookshelf on the end). They look great regardless– just an option!
Job well done!
They look great! You did an awesome job and I’m in love with those National Geographics! What a great find!
*sigh* It’s gorgeous. I wish we weren’t renting. And I could pay you to come do my house.
DIY Hint: Libraries often give away or sell (for SUPER cheap) magazine collections.
You got a steal… but if anyone else is looking… ask your local librarian.
Gorgeous!! I am stealing your idea of placemats for art. I just bought some silver frames and haven’t been able to decide what to put in them. Off to Pier One…