Smiles,
I'm still in the process of transforming our living area to a cottage style,
hubs and I have been working on changing an old ugly bookcase
in to a cottage one on a very frugal tight budget!
Here's how the bookcase looked before we started (before room painted)..
Yikes, that's an ugly bookcase don't ya think?
It's missing a leg - and has absolutely no CHAR.RIC.TER, if I say so myself - but it was $30 bucks!
It was slotted to go in the hubs workroom, but never made it!
Can you believe hubs still moans under his breath about it! - Like get over it!!!
The leg was repaired and we painted it white.
We used it like this for just about a year.!!!
Me thinks it needs a "cottage" updo...
First we pulled the back off..
we found some old paneling laying in the basement.
The right side shows how it looked like before we painted it white...
Liked the varying widths of the panel...
and ruffed it up a bit with sandpaper..
Next we focused on the top of the bookcase - No cottage look here!
Wanted a "farmhouse" looking top -with a dark stain.
..
found these 2 FREE pieces in the basement..Way to Go... and sanded them clean....
Next hubs sawed the boards in varying widths.
To join the planks together Hubs used a Biscuit Joint cutter (very easy to use).
to make slits like this (sorry about photos)
then you just stick a "biscuit" (buy them) in the slots, use some wood glue....
and clamped together for a few hours...
We stained it with our fav stain color - dark walnut... nailed and glued to the bookcase top.
I heart the farmhouse table top look...helps to age the piece.
This is how she looks up to this point - yes that is a lot of birds - that's another story!
OK, focus! With just those two changes she already looks a whole lot better.
Still needs a little somethin'?
A little somethin' included trimming out the sides...
Adding some pretty scroll deets on the the front...
But her legs are just NOT doing it!
We tossed around so many different ideas.
Our inspiration came from a very charming bookcase we already have!
Hubs got to work tracing it on some leftover wood..
and nailed it to the bottom of shelf, but we didn't like the "line" showing...
We bought this cute trim at Lowes..and attached to the bottom...
Ruffed it up a bit, and aged with a dark stain..
Pretty, and cottagey don't ya think?
A few closeups...
love the paneled look in back of bookcase
Total cost - $30 bucks! The only purchased items was the wood trims (side, scroll and bottom trim). Everything else was from our scrape piles from garage and basement!
What A Makeover - Drab to Fab!
She's not Ugly anymore! Can't wait to decorate her!
What have you done with your ugly bookcases!
Wow! Great transformation!
--Katie
It amazes me every time I look at it. Never thought it would turn out this good!
Amazing transformation, Cathy! Totally cottage now...love it!
I just love how cottagey she looks.
Great makeover.
Loving how she turned out, smile every time I look at her!
Your hubs won't be mumbling under his breath after this fabulous transformation! Love the dark top!
Kelly
I adore your cottage bookcase. You and your hubby make a great team!
My gosh! Your bookcase transformation is amazing. LOVE it!
It now looks like an expensive purchase from Pottery Barn.
Wow, this transformation looks amazing!
Thank you so much for linking up to Meet Me Monday! I just shared on Facebook. Such a great makeover and great pictures to take us along the way! Love, Me http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com
Thanks so much for sharing on Facebook, made my day. So glad you like it new look!
fabulous job. I don't have a hubby with a biscuit maker but he has many power and un-powered tools that I borrow from time to time. working on a wooden remake from a old round patio table to a bin for my art prints to use at art festivals and art shows.
I'm right in the midst of this and hope it turns out half way decent. sometimes my mind makes up ideas and these "Ideas" don't turn out like I had imagined. But I will keep trying. anyway thanks for a bit of inspiration and know how from your post today
-KAT-
I never expected it to turn out this good, it really surprised me. Each trim we added didn't seem to make that much of a difference until it was completely done. Than Wow! Hope yours works out as well.
I want this made over bookcase! Love it!
Can't have it, she's not leaving my house!
Genius Girl - you found a use for that old paneling that is thrown out every day (probably every hour!) This bookcase would fit in with any decor. Great job, but I really want to know the story of the birds!
Distressed Donna Down Home
I didn't think the paneling would work out so well, we really use it because budget is tight right now. Don't think I would change it out, look good just as she is. The bird story is a long one!
Wow!!!! It looks so nice!!! Your hubby really knows what he is doing. I love all the detail you put in to this. I also love it up against the green wall! I would say your room is coming together. I am your newest follower via Linky. Hope you can visit me sometime too:)
It does look nice doesn't it? I am exciting how the room is coming together, small steps turn in to a beautiful room. So worth it!
Great job, Cathy! You realy gave that bookcase a beautiful transformation. Well worth the initial $30.00 for something that size.
visiting from Nifty Thrifty Tuesday : )
I agree pretty spectacular for only $30 bucks. She is so pretty now!
What an imaginative and impressive transformation. The bookcase now looks as if it isn't even related to the before picture at all.
It did take imagination and patience. It's hard to believe it is the same piece!
It is amazing how much difference the legs make. I don't know if I have the patience to go from ugly to charming, but you sure did a great job.
I agree the legs made all the difference, without that don't think it would look as good!
LOVE what you did here with this bookcase.
I love it too! We are so happy!
Wow - what a great transformation. It's gorgeous! My link party [The Inspiration Board] is up right now. I would love for you to stop by and consider linking this up! My readers would love it.
http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2012/05/inspiration-board-link-party-51.html
It is a great transformation which surprised us also. Thanks for liking!
Oh how i love this transformation!
That's so glad you love it as much as us!
I love your shelf! It's totally cottage style and looks like something from the store..very professional job! Thanks for sharing your wonderful project at Sunday Blog Love! Can't believe it's the same shelf!
I agree it does look like an expensive piece, never would believe where it began!
Awesome! This turned out PERFECT! XO, Aimee
She does look perfect! Thanks!
SUCH a transformation! I just love the finished product!
Thanks for sharing it!
--Katie
So glad to share with you, thanks for liking it.
Great transformation! I love all the little details you added.
Yep great transformation, thanks!
what a big difference. I love the contrasting top and repurposing paneling! what a god use of that - if we ever talk my parents into ripping down theirs i will steal some to repurpose!
We are running a Before and After Link party to support Habitat for Humanity, with a chance to be featured on other big blogs and win gift cards. Would love if you entered! http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/2012-before-after-series/