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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Dreaming of Built-in Bookcases

Country Living

I have always been a fan of built-in bookcases. So much so, that when we built our house we planned for a matching pair on either side of our family room fireplace. Unfortunately many things – including the bookcases – had to be deleted due to our budget.

Beautiful Homes

Ten years later, we have finally reached the point where we might be able to make this dream a reality.

Traditional Home

Beautiful Homes

The picture below of our family room is probably familiar to many long time followers.

Women’s Day Budget Decorating / Photographer – Michael Partenio
Stylist – Donna Talley, Regional Producer and Editor for Meredith Publications

What you can’t see in this photo is the built-in television cabinet on the left side of the room.


Up until about five years ago, this space was occupied with an antique wardrobe which we used to house the television. We were lucky to have a very talented local carpenter create this beautiful custom cabinet and are thrilled he most likely will be coming back to build the bookcases as well.


The space on either side of the fireplace is about 52 inches wide and our plan is to once again match the other architectural elements already present in our home.

I have been searching my files and have come up with two inspiration photos of fireplaces which are very similar to ours.

Source unknown

The preliminary sketches include a matching pair of cabinets with glass front doors. The top of the cabinets will sit just below the bottom of the large molding which makes up the top part of the fireplace. We have requested cut outs in the tops of the cabinets in which to feed electrical cords through to reach the existing outlets. The shelves will, of course, be adjustable and removable.

Country Living

One of the details which have not been finalized is the type of glass for the doors. I have been considering three options - seeded glass like the kind found in my kitchen cabinets, regular glass which I have in most of the other display cases in my house, and simple leaded glass panes.

Since this decision does not have to be made right away I would love to know your opinion. Which would you choose? You always have the best advice so I am looking forward to hearing what you think! Thanks in advance -
at

26 comments:

  1. MorganJune 14, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    I love your inspiration pictures! Built-ins are so gorgeous and they make a home feel so cozy. I wish we had them in our home... Maybe someday! I think the 2 bottom pictures look very similar to your home and those kind of built-ins would look fabulous in your living room.

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  2. AnonymousJune 14, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    Stacy, I am always in love with all the pics you post of your beautiful home. It is talented woman like you who have inspired me to redo my daughters room, which i just posted. I would love for you to stop by and check it out. Also, I am putting in my vote for regular glass, so we can see the pretty things you put on your shelves. Thanks for the inspiration. Sue

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  3. Savannah GrannyJune 14, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Stacy, what a beautiful television cabined. That man was certainly talented. It is great that he is still around to do the bookcases. Your plan sounds awesome. We also had to leave off the bookcases on either side of our fireplace. I took that money and build cabinets in our DR. Can't wait to see how it turns out.
    I think the seeded of old wavy glass would look great.
    Ginger :)

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  4. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJune 14, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Love the tv cabinet, it is gorgeous. The bookcases will be stunning. Look forward to seeing them. Hugs, Marty

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  5. AnonymousJune 14, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Great post, thanks! My set up is similar and I've been thinking lately it needs to be changed. I do like the glass doors, I think it looks a little more formal for some reason.

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  6. ChRiSJune 14, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    you have 1 of the most lovely homes that i so enjoy looking at....my sister in law had build in's like your showing.....original i had always loved them her glass was plain and she had lights installed i think it would depend on how you plan to use these cabinets....if for showing collectables i would go plain....if the appearnce of cabinets is all that matters then maybe the seeded glass but what ever u pick i am sure they will be beautiful

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  7. baileybunch5momJune 14, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    I can't wait to see your finished built-ins. I have one set in my living room. I am constantly rearranging the shelves. I think I would go with the leaded glass.

    I have always loved your drapes. Did you make them? They look like the ones on the Calico Corners home page.

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  8. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsJune 14, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    I'm a big fan of built in bookcases, too, Stacy! I'd love to have something similar in my own home {maybe the next one!}. I have to say the first two pictures show the style I would like. For your question ~ I like the glass in both of the last two pictures.

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  9. KathysueJune 14, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    I love your inspiration images. Your TV cabinet turned out to be a wonderful addition to the room. I am sure the bookcases will also. Kathysue

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  10. RemodelaholicJune 14, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    I dream of that too, I just don't have the fireplace in this house! So I need them all! I can't wait to see it all done, the other built-in is marvelous!

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  11. Becca RossJune 14, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    I'll just copy and paste these inspiration photos right into my "living room" file. I would love to do built-ins. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Becca

    becca-homeiswheremystorybegins.blogspot.com

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  12. SuzieJune 14, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    We have a living room fireplace area configured much like yours. We have bookcases that are not original to the house but were added by my husband's grandfather in the late 60's. They are not true built ins but do have that appearance. They contribute to that room being my very favorite!

    http://livingbetweenthewords.blogspot.com/p/where-we-live.html

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  13. Barbara Bussey {The Treasured Home}June 14, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    One of my favorite glass types, especially in a kitchen, is the glass with "chicken" wire inside. Glad to hear your bookcases will soon be a reality.

    Barbara
    Transitions Home Design

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  14. Paula@SweetPeaJune 15, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    Built-ins are going to add the perfect touch to your already gorgeous living room. I would probably go with clear glass so people could see your pretty displays.

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  15. SHERRY HARTJune 15, 2011 at 4:58 AM

    Call me crazy but I vote no glass with maybe a painted back. I think it is easier to display without it and to view what is in there.

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  16. AnonymousJune 15, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    Not sure but there may be some limitations on glass for safety reasons. It could just be where you live and how strictly the builder follows code. I know in my kitchen I have glass front lower cabs and had to use shatterproof.

    I am dying to know the source of the rug in the fourth photo! You site Beautiful Homes. Is that a magazine? If you possibly have any more info on it I would be so grateful. I've been looking for a similar rug for SO long!

    Good luck with your project! Have you figured out what you'll put inside yet?

    Thanks,
    Ellen

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  17. Nan ~ Playful DecorJune 15, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    Stacy, that will look so nice! I've been thinking maybe we should do bookcases too. But then I was wondering about a too-crowded look? Hmmm... can't wait to see the finished look!

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  18. Abby M. InteriorsJune 16, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    This will look fantastic! The built-in TV cabinet is the best looking one I have ever seen. He is a carpenter to keep on speed dial!

    My vote is with Sherry--no glass.

    P.S. I hope you saw that I featured Red Door Home a few days ago as a thank you for being the "blog of the month".

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  19. maggieJune 16, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    I personally prefer bookcases without glass, but I would choose the leaded glass panes for your bookcases. I think the formality of your room lends itself to the leaded glass. I would definitely not choose the seeded glass because it would tend to hide whatever you display there.
    Your room is beautiful and I love your tv cabinet.

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  20. AnnJune 16, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    Your lovely living room will look lovelier with built-in bookcases. Your inspiration photos are just so gorgeous...I'm sure yours will look wonderful after.

    I've always love books, and I think its also time for us to add another bookcase in our house.

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  21. AnonymousJune 17, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    Thanks for the follow-up info. I have a couple of those Beautiful Home mags but couldn't find that pic. Ended up ordering Dash & Albert today....finally!

    Ellen

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  22. StephanieJune 17, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    Stacy that second to last picture is so much like your room! I had to re-read the caption to make sure that wasn't your room! I love your tv cabinet and the built ins will really fill in that dead space and make it look more finished. Good thongs come to those who wait :) you"ve waited long enough, I say go with th leaded glass, it just seems to fit the room.

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  23. CandiceJune 18, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    I love your style! The built-ins look great. I would choose the seeded glass, for a more antique/traditional look.

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  24. KarenaJune 21, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Stacy I really love your home and the images are all great. I just saw that you are the winner of Ram Sign!! perfect, congratulations!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Last day to enter my exciting Giveaway from the Artisans at Novica!

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  25. UnknownJune 21, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    Can't wait to see your cabinets. I like the seed glass. It give it a bit of age in a subtle way. Lucky you to find a great carpenter!

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  26. {darlene} @ fieldstonehillJune 23, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    great inspiration!!! you have the perfect spot for this. gets me dreaming. Oooh, I say, regular glass {paint the inside of the cabinets!}

    - {darlene}
    fieldstonehilldesign.com

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