wall of bookcases around doorway – makes a huge difference

BEFORE

Totally inspired by this google image search for “bookshelves around doors,” we hired my dad to build us a wall of bookshelvs in the dining room.

DURING

The result? LOVE. Much better use of the space and oddly makes the room look MUCH larger, wider. Looks like a built-in, like it’s always been there. We added doors to the bottom two shelves once we realized that toddler True would be all over them – good move and provides locked storage for breakables. Our globe collection went up, along with some photo frames and beloved mementos.

(notice the farm/harvest table! long and narrow = perfect)

It seems the big move to the new studio also meant some big changes at our home. We traded couches with my mom (she got the green, we got brown) which means we got a whole new “look” to our living room, we moved True to a bigger room, moved the guest room, plus some other stuff (not to mention some serious garage, backyard activity at the moment). It’s keeping us busy (and unorganized) and on our toes….omg!

ps: Big thanks to Apartment Therapy for posting about our home’s alternative to baby gates (half doors!). Those half doors have been making the rounds (they’ve been “pinned” thousands of times on Pinterest, even!) Who knew it was such a need?! By the way, we have locks on the other side of the doors installed to keep them extra safe when baby can reach doorknobs.

And speaking of True,

It’s as if overnight he became a boy. My heart breaks and bursts all at once.

Here’s peek of what my mom and I have been working on in his new room:

It’s a work in progress but we’re getting there…

More soon!

Hi, I'm Kelly Rae Roberts!

Before I picked up my first paintbrush at the age of 30, I was a medical social worker. I followed my whispers and started playing with paint and everything changed.

Now I’m a full-time artist, author and Possibilitarian, who helps women explore and nourish their creative souls.

Don't want to miss a post?

Get my LATEST POSTS sent to your inbox.

5 Comments

Renee Valdes on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 11:56 am

What a fabulous project. I've repinned this to the "Small Spaces, Big Impact" pinboard on Pinterest/HomeDepot. Thank you for the inspiration.

Sara on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 1:56 pm

This is exactly what I want to do at my house. Di you use store bought items, a design, make it up as you went along?

April on Monday, March 18, 2013 at 5:15 am

My favorite part is that you have a globe on every shelf. What beautiful decor. Exactly my style. We currently have dark wood floors, dark distressed leather couches, vintage suitcases and a very dark Persian rug. Love how bright your room looks. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 3:06 pm

What color blue is this on your walls? I love it!

Becca@End Of Lease Cleaning Sydney on Friday, December 21, 2012 at 12:40 am

Wow, I just love the design… very pleasing and clean. I admire who works well in this kind of project. You'll feel refreshed if you will stay in that room. Thanks for sharing this. Keep it up!