Our Library Set Up
When we left off last week, we had just finished assembling our bookcase/mantle. It was beautiful.
Unfortunately, the rest of the room did not look as good. The living room and dining room were in shambles and our friends were due to arrive in a matter of hours. This is something that I do to myself frequently – I put way too much on my plate forcing myself to get things done much more quickly than I would normally.
Besides cleaning, I needed to style the bookshelf and the mantle. Those who know me well know that this is only the first version of thousands that the library will undergo. It is hard to take a picture of the library because of the reflection in the glass.
As a blogger, I have been in need of a mantle for a while. Without one I was afraid that I could not be taken seriously. It seems that most bloggers have a beautiful mantle to redecorate every couple of months… or weeks… or days. Finally, I have one of my own. I did not have a lot of time, so I went for the simple solution. A couple of plants and some Shutterfly photo albums that I have made over the years. The little green dish holds the key to the cabinet.
Inside the bookcase, I used most of the books that had been in the living and dining rooms already. For some variety I added a couple of vases, two candles, the kitty Buddha and an old camera.
After shoving things on the shelves as quickly as I could, hoping that it would look presentable, I had to get the rooms clean. Thankfully, Douglas was willing to help me.
Here is the finished product. What do you think of our work? I think that our living and dining rooms look beautiful with our new library.
By the way, I want to thank Jo at Let’s Face the Music for the idea to call my new antique “The Library.” It is the perfect appellation. Our new library holds quite a few books and houses a mantle as well. I love it!
Happy Homemaking!
I am a teacher, traveler, artist, writer, homemaker and a whole lot more. In January 2009, I bought the Cape of Dreams. It was the second house that I had ever owned, but it was the first that I bought by myself. I now live in the house with my husband Douglas, our dog Kahlua, and Crème de Menthe, the cat. Because, what life is complete without a little Kahlua and Cream? I love arts and crafts of all kinds, and I refinish furniture as well. We are slowly redoing our entire house. You can read about my projects on my blog www.CapeofDreams.com
Love it love it love it! You have the coolest furniture ever! I’m still (slowly) making my way through your blog, so this is the first time I’ve gotten a good look at YOUR purple couch – it’s sooooo cool! And I love Buddha kitty! And the library, and the orange ball hanging from the ceiling!
That is the nicest compliment ever. Thank you! We do have a bizarre mix of things, but we love them all.
OMG I hope you don’t think I’m too much of a copycat – I just found Buddha kitty on Overstock and ordered one for myself! I hate shopping and usually ignore the multitudes of catalogs sent to my house, so I’m not exposed to too many things, but about once a year I see something online I HAVE.TO.HAVE. And Buddha cat is one of those! I’m such a copycat… Buddha cat just looks so serene!
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so I do not mind at all. 😉
The Library looks great in situe and styled. This post let’s us see how great your space looks with all the pieces you’ve been collecting. I especially love your plants-on-shelves wall. So much fun. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
A couple of the plants are not doing so well and need replaced. Other than that I am thrilled with that wall and the room in general. I have another change to show you soon. 😉
The library looks even more awesome full of books! I, too, love that kitty Buddha (for obvious reasons)!
Okay, I was wondering who the 1950s woman sitting at the dining room table is … until I realized Menderes is wearing headphones. Oops! 🙂
LOL! I won’t tell him of the confusion.
Your room looks very chic with the new “library” and its red and purple accents.
I am glad to hear that you think the room looks chic. I was thinking that the antiques might be pushing it the other way, but they are so beautiful that I would not even mind.