You may or may not have read, here, but we bought an old 1950’s fixer upper last year (that we love) and we are in the process of updating it.
There are so many projects that go along with an older home and I am always amazed at how simple some projects sound and then once I dive into it I realize it is much more complicated.
This bookshelf remodel luckily is one of the easier remodels I have done in this house. Today I am going to show you how I updated my recessed bookshelf.
The bookshelf originally had 4 shelves. Each shelf isn’t very tall and the top shelf especially was awkward to decorate and clean. I decided to use my handy dandy Sawzall
That was a project all by itself. However, I love the shelf much better now that the top
shelf is taller.
The finish on the wood originally was a simple thick varnish. I was worried about getting the paint to stick so I used a thick coat of primer. I haven’t had any problems with the paint coming up. I removed all of the existing trim and replaced it with door molding that I had left over
from a previous project.
UPDATE**
This bookshelf underwent another makeover, let me know which one you like better.
Hawthorne & Main is all about finding your style for your space! It should be a reflection of you! 
Gorgeous! You did a really great job and the bookcase looks fabulous!!
Cher-Ann, thank you for stopping by!
Oh wow – that is all kinds of fabulous. Love the choice of trim, it blends in really well with the brick.
Thanks Laura!!
Wow, I can’t believe the difference! I would have never thought to take out one of the shelve, but it looks so much better (and you can fit different things!).
Looks great! popping over from Apartment Therapy.
Anne thanks for stopping by!
Love the transformation and how it totally updates the entire look. Especially like the frame around the shelves. Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday. I'll be working on a dresser…just bought some Ann Sloan paint and am so excited to use it.
Erlene thanks for stopping by, I enjoy linking at Merry Monday! You are going to love your Annie Sloan chalk paint. Cant wait to see what you paint!
I really love what you did with the bookshelf. It matches the space beautifully now, and you'd never know how dated it looked before. Awesome DIY!
Kristy @ 3 Peppers Recipes – Crafts, Cooking & Color
Thanks Kristy, it seems to work good for now. The brown is pretty dark but it makes everything match, which is better than what is was before 🙂
Love the "after". Blends in really good with the brick that was there. Great job!
Thanks Bobbie!
Bookcase looks super. Well done!
Thanks for stopping by Michelle! It definitely looks better than before.
Looks great! I love the paint color you chose and how it blends so well with the brick. I am always amazed at what a huge impact a little paint can make!
Thanks Megan! I went through quite a few paint samples to find that one 😉 I totally agree with you on how paint can create a big impact.
Really Beautiful transformation!
Carmody thanks!
Great transformation and I love the styling!
Thanks!
I love the end result! Especially the styling!
Much better! You did a great job, and I love that you got rid of the old scrolly trim, that really dated it!
Christine thanks for stopping by. The previous owners loved that scrolly trim, the outside of the house is covered in it…..that will change soon!
This is such a beautiful transformation! Thanks for sharing with us at Your Designs This Time!
Emily & Erin
Emily thanks for stopping by! Love your linky.
This looks so good! Pinned. We really appreciate you taking the time to be a part of our party. Please join us tonight at 7 pm. It is a pleasure to have you! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Kim thanks for stopping by. Love your linky!
Love the result, thank you for sharing! The bookshelf now looks perfect with the wall.
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