I dream of built in shelves… so pretty- so clean and neat… but alas… they are only a dream!
But then the maker of dreams dropped into my lap in the form of Craig and His List!!
A nice lady that lived near me wanted her three piece entertainment center out of her garage for $200- two end bookshelves and a center Armoire. Now the center piece I couldn’t use because it does not fit the Hubs big flat screen TV- but she went down to $150 as long as I took it all so I did! and as of yesterday I sold the middle unit for $60, so I think I am doing ok on the deal!
This is how the beauties came to me…
Fine- but I have mostly dark wood in my house and I knew that this would be white to match with what we already had the TV on.
Because I am not a fan of sanding- it is way to tedious for me- I primed them both with Zinsser- it is awesome and will create a surface that anything will stick to!!
At a certain point in a project like this though I suddenly think…
Why, why am I doing this to myself? My arms hurt, I am sweating in the garage, realizing that the garage is a complete disaster and is probably what I should be working on… but I trudge on!
and still going…
It was at this point that I popped off the particle board backing- which if you have furniture with that on the back don’t waste your time pulling each staple out… just give it a few bangs with your fist through the front and it will most likely just pop off.
I had satin white paint on hand so that is what my final coat was- and then I was feeling a little creative so I decided to do my fave stencil on the backing and nail it back on.
Now this was going fine until I decided to get fancy and had my polyurethane out for another project and just thought… hmmm… why don’t I just put some on here too to make it shiny and nice and protected?!
Bad idea!! it has a yellowish tint to it so it looks yucky now! yes, Yucky is what I am going with. But I left them on for now to wait for energy inspiration to strike again and now it has! I think it would add a lot more interest if I switched the stencil- meaning- repainted the particle board the tan-ish color and then did the stencil in white- because it will then bounce off of the color in my curtains (more on that later).
ok, ok… here they are… but what are your thoughts… darker background for the stencil? no backing? sand down what I have and just leave it?
and cut me some slack with this final pick because I had to take any nice little treasures off of the bottom reachable shelves due to some sticky fingers and a pretty exciting March Madness Basketball game that was going on in the family room…
But there you have it for now… my pretend built ins:)
xoxo
Bee
I am linking up to ‘My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures!’
and also to Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays #10!
and to Thrifty Decorating!
and to Tater Tots and Jello!
and Saved By Love Creations!
and Thrifty 101
and Censational Girl
and Goodbye City, Hello Suburbs
and Saved By Love Creations
and Remodelaholics
Simple Home Life
Social Salutations
I think you have done a great job! I would keep it as is for a little while and then make a decision if you want to change anything. I personally like the simple stencil effect…it looks nice and clean. 🙂
I like it! I think I would go for a pop of color on the backing, but I dig the stencil too. If you want to get a “built in” look, make a shelf that rests on top of the two new shelves (and stretches across the middle section) and put some molding around the edges. Then it all looks like one piece. You are a goddess of domesticity!!!
@Sarah- You read my mind- that is exactly what I am going to do over the top and already have the molding to make it purty in my garage!! thanks for commenting!!:)
You are missing a pic of me. Add that and you will have perfection!
@beb45… uhhh… look closer!! ha!
hahaha!
You did SUCH a nice job! I want to do this. I am so excited to follow your blog, you little genius you. 🙂
THis is fabulous and I love the color!!!
XO
Kristin
I love it as is! I just got that stencil last weekend. 🙂 Love it!
It looks great as it is. I really like that stencil, it adds the perfect touch.
Great job!! I’d leave it … the stencil is so pretty and serves as a great backdrop! *Becca* (your newest follower)
http://www.adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com
Just jumped over from my uncommon slice of suburbia. What a great idea..I love the stencil. It adds just the perfect amount of color.
Wow! These are just beautiful! Thanks so much for stopping by….I’d love if you’d link these up to Thrifty Thursday…. 🙂
Thanks!
It’s the BOTTOM that needs molding! My eye went directly to the cool little ball round feet on the book cases and then over to the completely different legs of the middle section. Tack on a lengthy molding that covers the whole bottom in one long shebang!
I gasped when I saw this. I am having the same issue right now with almost the EXACT same bookcases given to me by my sister (mine have doors on the lower part). I have been staring at them for months trying to make them work with our flat screen tv console table. This looks fabulous. Thanks for inspiring me to get to work!
Bee…I love your “built-ins”! I am featuring them this week on Thrifty Thursday!
I think you did a great job. I know what you mean about hitting that point where you’re wondering “Why did I EVER think I could do this??”, but I’m glad to see you kept going. Beautiful
I love you craigslist- he is doing a wonderful job furnishing my home!
These look awesome!! Hello! I am stopping by from the Thrifty Thursday Blog Hop. I am your newest follower, and I cannot wait to read more. I hope that you will stop by my blog and follow me back 🙂
http://www.divvyupdiva.com
I love it! Love the stencil also! I’d love it if you would share this at my link party!
Simply Creations Link Party
That came out really great!
Bee – these came out fantastic!! I love the stencil! I was cracking up when you mentioned you were looking around your garage thinking you should be working on it! I have that thought more than once, LOL. Thanks for linking up!
– Jenn @ Social Salutations
I saw your post on Knock off Decor and I have to say that I think you did an amazing job!! I like the “yellowish tine” to the stencil. I think it adds some dimension to the shelves. I love the stencil you choose. It looks awesome!
Once again, you hit a home run. You are beginning to remind me of someone we know….HA. I know all about the sweat and achy muscles but your end product is worth it.
Congrats again!
Great job! visiting from the remodelaholic blog hop. Just followed. Follow back if you are so inclined. I have a crafty healthy DIY blog at http://www.apronsandapples.blogspot.com
LOved the stencil in the backgeround!
This turned out so lovely! I was thinking of doing this & stumbled across your blog – thx for being the guinea pig…LOL!