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April 6, 2007
Posted by: Cathy at 8:19 am
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Its always good to repeat colors in a room. A great place to add some color and accent the things you display is to paint the back of your bookcase. It acts as a mini wall so you don’t have to commit a big wall to the color. Pick an accent color of your room and either take off the backboard to paint, or tape off the area to be painted inside the case, or paint right on the wall area itself, if its an open backed bookcase. Use a flat or satin paint, 2 coats will usually do it. Here are two examples of the impact a little paint can make (picture the backs left white…Blah). One is a black back and the other is red, (it looks pink…) To view the room, go to “Living Room” category and find Fun .
and Happy Living Room.
Back
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1. What a great idea! I have never even considered that approach. It’s a neat way to add a new twist to existing furniture. Thanks
by Kevin — 4/7/07 at 4:45 am #
2. That is really such a good idea, especially for someone like me who is nervous to commit a whole wall to a color! Thank you!
by Rachel — 4/11/07 at 8:27 am #
3. Hi Rachel,
Good to hear from you. This idea adds some great color and interest to a room without changing all the wall color. Let me know if you try it.
Cathy
by Cathy — 4/11/07 at 10:16 am #
4. Just striking!!!!! Your mind is always working….hands also…it sounds like.
Great job. Love your home!!!
by Julie — 4/21/07 at 6:23 pm #
5. Thanks, just happened to like this idea and have been trying to decide what I could do to perk up my living, Thanks again
by Lula [...] — 5/21/07 at 11:07 am #
6. Hi Cathy,
I think we are “soul” sisiters as far as decorating. I just painted the backs of my kitchen cabinets! It looks great.
by Tina Marie — 5/21/07 at 12:02 pm #
7. In the picture of the black backboard bookcase you have too many goodies in it. Scale it down so someone can focus when looking at it.
by Dre — 5/21/07 at 2:22 pm #
8. I disagree about having too many things in the bookcases, at least as far as the display items on top. The red draws your eye up and initially you do not see the books on the bottom. That could definitely be scaled down. If that is what you were referring to then you are right on. Otherwise, the display is well done.
by lynn — 5/23/07 at 7:24 am #
9. Yes, I have too much stuff in the bottom of my bookcase. I don’t follow my own decorating rules. I’m going to get doors made to cover the bottom. Whats the old saying…do as I say not as I do!! LOL
by Cathy — 5/23/07 at 2:29 pm #
10. What a great idea! I have been looking to do something different to
a wall in my florida room and painting the back of an old bookcase I
have may just work. Thanks!
By Ellie 6-7-07 9:27 am
by Ellie — 6/7/07 at 9:27 am #
11. Your welcome Ellie!!!
by Cathy — 6/7/07 at 11:26 pm #
12. hay!!
good project
senks
by FreeStoring — 12/11/07 at 7:50 pm #
13. I love this idea. I’ve included a picture of my built-in bookshelf. We just moved so it’s a work in progress. I’m trying to decide how to paint it. We will be painting the surrounding walls a light beige. I was thinking of painting the back wall of the bookcase a dark brown to match the area rug. What do you suggest? Thanks!
by Jennifer [...] — 1/29/08 at 9:25 pm #
14. Hi Jennifer,
Sounds good to me. Any color works as long as it has a relationship to the room colors. Just remember with very dark backgrounds to contrast it by using some lighter foreground accessories. I’m sure it will look great.
by Cathy — 1/30/08 at 12:28 pm #
15. Hi Cathy,
I love your design advises on bookcases. My delema is I purchased a new home and want to add some builtin bookcases to my upstairs loft (my future office and library.) However, I have no idea were to start locating a company that offer integrity in thier work and that would offer a decent price. It’s a new home so I’m so I’m lost and I need help! What do you suggest and what company would you recommend?
Thanks for your help!
Maria
Charlotte, NC
by Maria — 4/11/08 at 11:14 am #
16. Hello Maria,
I’m glad you like the ideas. As for finding a reputable company to build your bookcases, ask friends or neighbors who they have used or could recommend. Call some interior design firms and ask them. Get at least 3 estimates and ask for referrences to call.
Good luck with your project.
by Cathy — 4/11/08 at 1:43 pm #
17. I find that asking friends can really be hit or miss. Even if someone has good taste, for example, doesn’t mean they know the right person to do the job. I myself like to have sources of advice that is reliable. I would find and register at any of the helpful websites for your geographical area. In the Northern California Bay area, for example, the Berkeley Parents Network is a fabulous source for referrals for most anything, not just parent-related. A couple of years ago I got great advice at a message board sponsored by one of the large hardware stores; I think it was Ace, but it might have been Home Depot, either might provide the kind of referrals you’re seeking. There are other decorating sites beside this one too, but I don’t have them bookmarked on the computer I’m using right now. (Maybe others can recommend, or you can search.) Not knowing your experience with discussion boards, I’ll assume you’re a novice and office this bit of advice: When you go to one, first read through the posts to get a handle on who’s who. Often “gurus” emerge who can be relied upon for solid advice, so look for such contributors. And *always* search your question there before asking, using all it’s possible phrasing and terms, before submitting, because regulars see it as rude when folks don’t, and can get irritated to the point of ignoring such inquiries. Finally, report back your findings to save the group future effort. Best wishes!
by Calabrese — 4/13/08 at 3:10 pm #
18. Great advise Calabrese,
It’s always great to have our bloggers jump in and add to the discusion.
I always learn so much and I’m sure you do to. Hopefully Maria will follow your additional advice to find a source for help with her project.
We teach and inform each other and that’s what it’s all about!
Great comments!
by Cathy — 4/14/08 at 5:51 pm #