It’s been a big week at this casa thanks to Linda and her One Room Challenge! I’ve been dreaming of a wall of bookcases for just about ever and the ORC was the perfect motivation to get this done. I can’t think of a better room to have in a house than one that is piled high with books. Never mind that our current abode has about zero character or architectural interest – it’s an empty canvas just waiting for the likes of me – who fancies myself as a carpenter despite having no real skills – to come along and bling it out.
First up – the wall I planned on putting the bookcases on – the one surrounding the French doors – did not work out.

I kind of ignored the fact that the huge armoire in our living room had to go elsewhere to make the bookcases happen on this wall. I envisioned the armoire in our finished basement, storing blankets and bedding for the extra teens and tweens we always have around the house on the weekends. Long story short – it weighs a ton and took 4 burly movers to get it in here in the first place, so moving it would not be easy. (I had blocked that out when I was dreaming of my bookcase wall.) SO. Plan B. Keep the armoire (that I actually like, it just takes up a lot of square footage) in the room, and reconfigure the bookcases.
We put those little furniture sliders under the feet and I pushed it onto this wall. I don’t HATE it there, and there is NO other place on this floor it can go to, so guess what – it’s staying. More on the armoire at a later date because if it’s staying it’s gonna have to earn it’s keep in here
(and can someone tell me why the blinds and armoire look so red in photos but not in real life?)

Down came my black & white photo wall on the wall facing the dining room – and up went three Ikea Billy bookcases.


I showed some of these last week – bookcases that span over a doorway. I am a huge fan. I think they look so custom and just AWESOME. What do you think about them?



Of course no project would be complete without a few issues to work out. That little wall to the left of the doorway is a funky size and I’m going to have to retrofit the final bookcase in there. That should be interesting 🙂
Next week I’ll show you what I did to customize the bookcase backs….it might be the part I am most excited about!!
Did you see the progress of all the ORC designers yesterday? So inspiring! Today is the day the ORC Linkers share our posts at Calling It Home, and wow is there some crazy talent amongst the linking participants! Check them out here.
Thanks for stopping by. The Mister and I are headed off for a very long overdue 3 day getaway tomorrow morning, and I cannot wait! I have the best parents in law and mom in the world taking our kids to their 27947 activities while we’re gone. #thankgodforgrandparents
Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead, my friends!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
A big fat YES for the bookcases around the door frame! I love where you're headed, Lisa, it's going to be phenomenal! Have fun on your trip!
Jackie@AbsolutelySeriouslyFabulous says
I completely agree!
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
LOVE the bookcases framing the doorway! This is going to be stunning!
Tiffany says
I agree, love the bookcases framing the doorway. I can't wait to see this when it's done. It's going to look so awesome!
Linda Pakravan says
Yes, frame away! Have a great weekend!
Denise Greenwood says
I can see it already Lisa and it is going to be fantastic!! Love framing the doorway with the bookcases! You can do it girl!!
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Love the bookcases around the door, so pretty.
Stacey {steward of design} says
While your initial plan didn't work out I do love the look of the bookcases flanking the dining room. Godd luck.
Traci Hutton says
This is going to be so awesome…can't wait to see it finished!!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
frame that doorway, sister! it's gonna rock my world.
Simply LKJ says
Love the idea of framing the doorway. We added a wall of bookcases in our living room years ago turning it into a music/library room. We love it! A space that now gets used.
Privet and Holly says
Wish you could bottle
your energy, Lisa! Loved
all the posts that you put
up today : ) Your book cases
are going to be amazing
and I know you'll love
having your favorite books
displayed so beautifully!
We did the armoire dance
last year, which included
moving two down to our
finished basement and one
up and out to the garage
to be given away. You may
decide that it's worth it to
hire the burly men and just
be done with it. I was glad
to open the space, as we
didn't need it for housing
a TV anymore….
Enjoy your love weekend!!!
xo Suzanne
pam {simple details} says
Oh no, dang that armoire, come on big boys!! Any possibility it could work in the new kitchen, a free standing pantry, glass doors?? Oh my gosh I couldn't love the new spot any more, it's going to be gorgeous! And, I'm so intrigued about the back!! Ahhh, hope you have the best time, you deserve a nice weekend away! 🙂
kate@willowinteriors says
I am in love with this bookcase wall and you are so right that a little trim over the door will tie it all together!!! LOVE!!! Have a fun 'big person' weekend!!
Vel Criste says
woohoo! It's looking great Lisa!!! So exciting!
Dana Frieling says
It looks amazing already and you haven't even shown us the good part! I share your affection for bookcases that frame doors…greatness. Enjoy your hubby time!
Lisa Marie Wells says
WOW!! Loving how the bookcases are coming together!! I would for sure but them over the doors!! Keep up the good work!!!
Cathy Wall says
First of all, enjoy your getaway, I am jealous! Don't think about the ORC while you are gone, the bookcase install will be there when you get back, unless of course your inlays finish them while you are gone. I love the look you are going after and know that you will make it fab. Too bad about the armoire tho…. Pam had an excellent solution I thought!
Lesley Metcalfe says
I love decorating with books. Looking forward to seeing your shelves completed, and to seeing how you style them.
Calypso In The Country says
I love the way you are framing the doorway. I am so excited to see how this will turn out! Enjoy your time away!
-Shelley
Tracy Laverty says
Lisa- it's looking so amazing! I'm so excited for your bookshelves flanking the doorway- very chic and classy.
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
I'm so in love with the bookcases on either side, as well as above the doorway. It is going to look amazing. And cheers to you for doing all of this on your own. Get it girl!
Sara Lorton says
I absolutely love the armoire, but I even more adore the bookcases framing the doorway. I can't wait to see it all finished :)See you next week!
Rebecca { MyDarlingHouse} says
I love the #4 pic option! I'm a big fan of the bookcase around the door look!
Beth of designPOST Interiors says
I am so excited to see this project unfold. I really want to tackle this one day in our house!
[email protected] says
I love when bookcases surround a doorway! That will be great!! xo Kristin