Painted Built-Ins, Family Room Update

Well, I’m loving  how our family room is coming along.. It’s quickly becoming a favorite room in our home, and simply makes me happy to be in.  Simple changes, but significant in the overall feel & look, I would say.

Here is a before & after comparison:

I started w/ the mantel a couple of months ago.  I knew as soon as it was finished that I couldn’t wait to tackle the built-ins as well.  Details of primer & paint are on that post.  I think Erik started to wonder how this would turn out when he saw it during this stage.  Just the primer on, but I assured him it would be fine… lol

It took some playing around w/ styling each shelf once I was finished.  Lots of up & down on the step-ladder moving items one at a time to get a feel for balance.  I even texted my sweet friend who is a professional interior designer when I first started, and she said, “It’s too organized, mess it up a bit”.  Cracked me up, because I wasn’t satisfied w/ how it looked and she was exactly right.  By taking some of the books and keeping some upright, some stacked, then adjusting the other items here & there.  It’s tough though w/ that many shelves!  I’m super happy w/ the turn out now.  Thanks for the advice, Jules!

Most of the items we already had, but I did pick up a few to add.  The baskets on the bottom shelves are new (around $6 & $7 each).  The book ends; vintage truck was an heirloom from Erik’s grandmother.  The heart has scripture on it, a gift to me from Erik several years ago.  The crystal piece was a gift from my mom when we got engaged.  Both aqua colored, ceramic birds were super cheap (less than a dollar).  The lantern is new ($6), butter dish is another heirloom from Erik’s grandmother.  Teal bookend, ceramic pieces I picked up ($3 each).   The wooden hand in a scout sign was carved by Erik’s grandfather.  Loving that we can display special details in a place in our home that we & the kids can always see.  All the books we’ve had, but never displayed because we didn’t have a spot for them.  I love that we do now!
 So quite the project, but definitely worth the time & effort.. On to the next one! 🙂  What are you currently working on around your home?…