Bookcase Styling and Adding Color

I wanted to share with you and show you what a difference a coat of paint will do for an oh-so drab looking built-in bookcase. When we moved into our home back in August of last year, the built-in bookcase in the den was pretty stark white, as you can see. We weren't sure whether or not we should keep it or get rid of it. We thought opening up that wall and removing the bookcase would give us additional room, but we made it work and kept it. It's a beautiful built-in, and removing it seemed pretty wasteful.

{Before picture of the built-in before we moved in, super white}

When we moved in, we had the painters slap a coat of paint to tone the white down a bit, and that helped out tremendously. We lived with it for awhile, but I always felt it needed something. I've seen some cool ideas for the back of bookcases, and knew we could do something more with it. Just took me some time to get there.

A little too busy for my taste, but love the idea of wallpapering.

{Image via Belle Maison}

Simple and tasteful..love how the color ties into the drapery panels. Love the depth. 

{Image via Decorologist}

Very light and airy. Gives a nice punch of color, and not too dark.

{Image via Southern Living}

Love the idea of stenciling. 

{Image via Decorpad.com}

So, here are still some before pictures after we toned the white down. Now, it blends in more with the rest of the room and doesn't stand out like a sore thumb. We went with the color Ash (Low Gloss) from Restoration Hardware to paint the room and bookcase. It's a great neutral, with just the right amount of warmth.

{Before Adding Color}

{Before Adding Color}


So here is how it looks now! Color!! Subtle, but just enough to pop books and accessories. I love to color coordinate my books. I take the book jackets off, and pair up similar color books. This is a great way to not get things looking too busy and creates a nice flow. 

{After Adding Pop of  Color}

Let me know what you think? Did I do ok with the color? I went with Valspar Eggshell, Secret Moss. 

I definitely feel it's exactly what it needed...a little punch of color. 

Have a great weekend and remember...