Help! Built in living room cabinets, what can I do???
by
Jennifer P
+19
Hi! My husband and I recently purchased a home and we are trying to update and make it our own. Our living room has a set of built in shelves next to our fireplace. Our first thought was to just remove them, however, after looking closely the hardwood floor does not extend underneath them. They currently have what appear to be old lead glass fronts. We want something more up to date looking, or just something that looks more modern. After weeks of picking out paint, carpeting, etc. I'm really drawing a blank, or not coming up with anything exciting or "pintresty" enough to make me happy. I'll add a quick snap shot. The mess is from carrying stuff in from the move, please ignore, I apologize. Any ideas would be wonderful!!! Thanks!! Have a great day ;)
Ignore the moving/painting remodeling mess on top. What can we do??
20 answers
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I would defiantly replace the glass in the doors, and i would paint it as its to much brown as it matches the floor and the fireplace either go white like the walls so it does look more build in or use a chance to add a pop of color(something that would match the other colors you plan on using)
Rustic Owl Treasures
on May 31, 2015
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Are you going for a cottage look? You could remove the old glass, chalk paint it or paint it bright white and replace the glass with chicken wire or faux wrought iron inserts for a charming effect. If you want a more refined look, stain the cabinet a very dark espresso and replace the old glass with beveled glass. Add new or antique hardware.
Parsimonious Décor Darling
on May 31, 2015
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If you change out the glass (clear, bubble or frosted), and added chunky shelves above, along with possibly painting the whole thing, you might just fall in love. I adore Parsimonious' idea of the iron inserts too!
Stacey B
on May 31, 2015
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You can remove the doors and use the doors to apply to wall as picture frames or to use as a frame around decoration, put baskets on shelving to get country feel with organization for items.
Kat1705371
on May 31, 2015
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If you remove the doors, make sure that you save them for the next home owner who may love them!
Barbara McGovern
on May 31, 2015
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I would do this: 1. Leave it the color it is. 2. Buy a large bottle of Elmer's glue. 3. Buy a quart of creamy white paint. 4. Do one section at a time. 5. First brush on a coat of Elmer's glue. 6. Before the paint has a chance to dry, brush on the cream color paint. (or any light color of your choice). Try to brush the paint on with one stroke, brushing back and forth will mix the glue with the paint, and neutralize the effect. 7. Stand back and watch: within 5 minutes, you will have a lovely "crackle" finish, with the original brown showing as the "veins". 8. Admire your masterpiece! (The glass windows will take on a totally different appearance... they will be absolutely lovely!!)
Mehartgallery
on May 31, 2015
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Oh My! Call me sentimental but those look like they come from a Craftman House. A true piece of history. If you would decide to pull them, SELL them. That may pay for your reno.
Sally
on May 31, 2015
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They are beautiful as is. Use your decor to "update" the look. It would be criminal to change these.It is okay to mix eras in decorating.
Vera Pifer
on May 31, 2015
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remove the doors (and save them). Paint the resulting open shelves with a high gloss "fun" color. Add some decorative and functional elements and don't forget a lamp to bring light to that corner.
Jeani Miller Miner
on May 31, 2015
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Replace the glass with luan. It's inexpensive and you can stain it to match the cabinet. Bring one of the doors to the hardware store and it can be measured to fit. Add open shelving above the cabinet to create more storage. Place a lamp on top. Depending on where this built in is located, it can house entryway things like keys, incoming/outgoing mail, etc.
Lisa Redmond
on May 31, 2015
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As a decorator I'm all for getting the "look" you want in your home. However from the standpoint of keeping original things in a home, I see what looks like a house built in the Craftsman style. (More pics would help me determine that.) The built in is what makes me think that. If you just moved in, why not try to live with it "as is" for a little while and see what you think. You may just love them :-) You could certainly get a more modern look by removing the doors but please keep them somewhere safe for the next owner. Three years ago we moved into a 1961 house with a cute little hallway built in hutch. I loved it but every time I tried to style it, the doors were an issue for the display. Finally we just took off the doors, stored them safely and if we move some day, we'll reattach them. They're part of the house's history so some day the new owner will say "Isn't this cute with the doors!" :-) Style is an evolving thing. Give it time with that built in. ;-)
CK
on May 31, 2015
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You have some very beautiful unique craftsman cabinets. I would not remove them or change the glass. Because of the simple lines, these can easily fit into modern decor. Paint the wall above them a deep or bright color that will bring out the beautiful wood and glass colors such as teal, british racing green or chocolate or whatever would work with your furnishings.You could do a stark chrome, black and white look above them and it would even work. Depending upon your tastes, you can hang floating staggered shelves, a large modern print or even a collection of decorative items such as african masks, antique weapons, Japanese kimono, or whatever tickles your fancy. Google "modernizing Craftsman houses" to see what others have done. Houzz has some nice ideas as well. Do keep these beautiful cabinets and fireplace and use them to create your own very special look. You will have something that no one else has as well as having a very expensive look.
Judy Capone Mantell
on Jun 01, 2015
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If you have intentions of selling the house later on, don't do anything to them. They will be a selling feature of this house. Most who purchase a craftsman style home want to keep those features you are wanting to get rid of. If this is truly a craftsman style home you could be potentially lowering the value of your home by removing those elements of design....especially if they are original to the home. If you want a more modern look to your home, use furniture, rugs, drapes, etc to add that modern touch.
Fran McCarty
on Jun 02, 2015
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Love them as is.
Marion Nesbitt
on Jun 02, 2015
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Here's my 2 cents...I would paint them & the mantel of the fireplace white or cream color. Keep the glass as is so it pops out the cabinets. Then I would take the darkest color in the stained glass doors & put that on the walls.
Kayo Frazier
on Jan 07, 2016
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love the craftsman look! those look like original cabinets... don't touch them with any thing but furniture polish. you will diminish the value of your home. .
Dfm
on Feb 05, 2016
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If you couldput some thin hardboards in front of the glass(sticking on them with double faced tape so you don't harm them, and paint those hardboards creme color.Then add above a couple of wooden open shelves with some crème colored things on it , it will have a modern look.
Swinnen Lisette
on Aug 20, 2016
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I have to agree that is the focal point and they are beautiful. Maybe paint the wall an accent color then once art is on walls it will detract and eye will focus on art and book cases. Think of them as extra storage. I would put some large wild colorful artwork that works together but not a matchy thing or art on one wall and super huge mirror or clock on other wall for balance. Please don't put a bunch of framed family on mantle, keep it simple with tall candle holders that hold big chunky candles and simple glass piece for other end then on holiday's you can add more items. These are only my opinions I'm not a professional by any means. And everyone has their own style and I respect your feelings. If you have them removed please use a professional and save them for future sale. Then if I were you I would extend hearth since you can't find same flooring.
Eroque022810
on Oct 13, 2016
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I would just stain them and the mantle a darker color depending on the size of your room. Java gel looks nice on projects I have seen. Add some door pulls
Diane Taylor Noel
on Nov 11, 2016
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The cabinet is actually gorgeous and matches the FP. If you don't like the color of the wood, paint a uniform darker color (pick a color from the glass - (charcoal or the whiter color?) That would make it all more contemporary. Not sure if you have one on the other side of the FP, but you could also continue building up with a painted out bookcase above. If you don't like the glass, that should be simple to change out to something you like.
Mary
on Nov 12, 2016
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