Asked on Feb 28, 2013
I need some inspiration!
by Karyn Lisk
+19
My least favorite thing to do is style bookcases (or anything) cause I always feel I need to BUY something. I really do not want to buy but use my own stuff. Any ideas? Also want to paint this plate rack, either just the back on the inside or maybe all over and the back have a darker shade? I have some tissue paper in there right now? Not sure I want to do that cause If I want to change it down the road that would make it harder. I need it to POP against this wall! Any suggestions would be appreciated!!
These are the colors and things that surround it now.
a close up! It's very chippy now with a light, light blue and a stain over top to age it.
UPDATE!!
The new look! I love it!So subtle but now cohesive. added tulips on the table.
I painted the back of the shelf. Added white frames...love them...New Blue/aqua pillows.
Took away some trinkets and changed the table stuff beside the couch.
This is the other side of the room.
The other couch and the new pillows that match the rug.
This is another view of that side of the room.
Another one that is kinda the whole square of the room and how the color scheme works.
22 answers
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@Karyn Liak have you thought about painting your wall so that the bookcases pop as well as the sofa? You could paint the case the same colour as the wooden doors as well. I love the xo you have on the bottom shelf and the L on the top shelf, they add a lot of interest., you could think about painting the XO a dark shade of brown or a black or even hunter green and the L a totally different colour like burgundy to make them really stand out. Thanks for posting the question for feedback, Please do post an updated pic of what you finally decide to do. I am sure many others will have creative ideas to offer you :)
![Gail Salminen]()
Gail Salminen
on Feb 28, 2013
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I think it is a beautiful balance as it. If you want a little spark how about painting the L and the XO a bright color then tying in a new pillow and bouquet on the table. Maybe give the frames a matching coat of sparkling white and the back of the bookcase in the color of the doors. This could give a great crisp look that would accentuate any color with the letters and those lovely doors!
![Shannon O- Junkflirt]()
Shannon O- Junkflirt
on Feb 28, 2013
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I have been mulling over lots of bookcases since (hopefully) it will be our next project-here is an interesting instructional on how to style shelves: http://meganbrookehandmadeblog.com/2012/08/how-to-decorate-style-bookshelves.html
![Stacey B]()
Stacey B
on Feb 28, 2013
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You could paint the picture frames and letters along with the shelves...
![Stacey B]()
Stacey B
on Feb 28, 2013
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Great ideas ladies! Gail I though about a painting the wall but it continues down a corridor above another wall into a little room off the kitchen. With all the hardwood floors and the brick fireplace and all the ceilings being low and wood, I needed a light wall. I had a different couch and chair then that had color! I will be happy to post the update! I like the idea of painting all the frames and the L and XO. Stacey and Becky thanks for the styling suggestions. The other problem I have is that it was a plate rack so it does not have a smooth shelf but a board running down the middle and makes it hard to put certain items flat. Again, thanks for the great suggestions!
![Karyn Lisk]()
Karyn Lisk
on Feb 28, 2013
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Maybe paint the shelf a color from your rug like the green in it, and maybe take the white pillows off sofa and make them the green in carpet
![Donna C]()
Donna C
on Feb 28, 2013
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You can get foam board size it to the back of the bookcase and attace a beautiful fabric with spray adhesive - the foam board is flexible and easy to put in - you can change this out seasonally or at a whim
![Kathy R]()
Kathy R
on Mar 01, 2013
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I'll definitely paint the shelves white and add a glass vase with white flowers on one of the side tables. You also need a lamp. Maybe place the vase on one table and the lamp on the other. You seem to have antique-country style (I love it) so why don't you try putting some decorative plates on the shelves instead of pictures. You can put the pictures on the side table. The rest of the stuff can go in your cabinets, closet or storage box. It doesn't look that decorative. I have stuff I treasure in one of those big flowery storage boxes they sell in Burlington. It's under my bed so when I feel like traveling back in time I open the magic box...It's better that way because on the shelves it tends to accumulate dust...About buying new stuff... I understand you don't want to buy new stuff but updating the look of any larger or smaller space requires some investment. It all depends where you shop. For instance, Walmart has sheep antique-looking lamps. Even dollar stores have nice glass vases. Ross has really nice plates for your shelves at affordable prices and amazon.com sells the plastic plate holders for about $1 or $ 2. You don't have to spend a fortune really...Good luck with everything!
![Dayoris Custom]()
Dayoris Custom
on Mar 01, 2013
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I think it is lovely the way it is.
![Lyn]()
Lyn
on Mar 01, 2013
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Love the foam board idea! Jenny, Great ideas! I actually have bought some new stuff. I don't really like plates, my look is more shabby chic then country, but I do have some cool turquoise and brown plates that could try it on a shelf!. Not sure about the lamps cause the shutters are the lighting. But love the vase idea as I have a few already and love the idea of putting the pictures and frames on the side board! Thank you so much!
![Karyn Lisk]()
Karyn Lisk
on Mar 01, 2013
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Great! Just do what makes you feel at home :-) These are just mental sketches...
![Dayoris Custom]()
Dayoris Custom
on Mar 04, 2013
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I love that about this place...Input form everyone and I get to choose what works for me! I really appreciate all that provide feedback! An update will be coming soon! did some things this weekend!
![Karyn Lisk]()
Karyn Lisk
on Mar 04, 2013
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Please post the 'after' picture if you got some time ;-)
![Dayoris Custom]()
Dayoris Custom
on Mar 05, 2013
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Jenny I will this weekend...2 more things to do and it will be completed!
![Karyn Lisk]()
Karyn Lisk
on Mar 06, 2013
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Nice :-) Take your time...I'm sure it'll be beautiful. You seem to have good taste. These projects are great because you can share & perhaps inspire others do the same.
![Dayoris Custom]()
Dayoris Custom
on Mar 06, 2013
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Updated pictures! Loving the new look...especially the side table, new pillows and flowers on the coffee table! Thank you to all who helped give great suggestions!
![Karyn Lisk]()
Karyn Lisk
on Mar 13, 2013
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@Karyn Liak I love the subtle changes you have made. It looks great. The cushions were nice finds for your room. Thanks for updating us with pics :)
![Gail Salminen]()
Gail Salminen
on Mar 13, 2013
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Yes, definitely the red flowers & blue pillow add life. I'd still add more color to it. Thank you for sharing your pics. Looking great!
![Dayoris Custom]()
Dayoris Custom
on Mar 14, 2013
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Jenny, I'm actually thinking that the wall needs to be painted. I have a green/blue color that is light enough to not darken the room but dark enough to contrast the couch. Funny how when we moved in it was painted a dark mustard yellow and it was so dreary with the wood ceilings and floors. But the white after getting 2 new couches now needs color. Always changing. I'd paint the ceiling a nice crisp white, BUT I get a NO from just about everyone!! But especially my husband!
![Karyn Lisk]()
Karyn Lisk
on Mar 14, 2013
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Looks so homey and comfortable. One thing about the shelf behind the couch, do you think it might look better a little lower, like with the top even with the pix? Seems to be floating above. Or is it deep enough you would be bumping your head? Love the X & O.
![Pam Kaiser]()
Pam Kaiser
on Aug 30, 2013
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Inspiration? I love it like it is!
![Joann Locascio]()
Joann Locascio
on Mar 10, 2015
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Pam kaiser, I'd love to lower the shelf but its deep and we would bump heads on it. I made the OX by putting modge podge and material on the cardboard letters from Joanns!
![Karyn L]()
Karyn L
on Mar 10, 2015
Gail Salminen
on Feb 28, 2013
Shannon O- Junkflirt
on Feb 28, 2013
Stacey B
on Feb 28, 2013
Karyn Lisk
on Feb 28, 2013
Donna C
on Feb 28, 2013
Kathy R
on Mar 01, 2013
Dayoris Custom
on Mar 01, 2013
Lyn
on Mar 01, 2013
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