We received our refund last week. The Husband and I knew exactly how we would spend it. Yep, we each got a latte at Starbucks. Grande.
No, actually, I'm joking. We had enough money from our tax refund to have a custom bookcase built in the boys’ bedroom (they share a room). It is anchored to the wall and cannot be moved. If we ever sell the house, it will automatically convey, along with fresh splinters of my soul.
I will show you the bookcase we had before. It was nice, but did not make maximum use of the space.
BEFORE
 |
| photo taken by MOV |
So, we gave that bookcase to a friend of mine.
Now, here is the new bookcase below.
AFTER
 |
| Photo taken by MOV |
We love it. As you can see, the capacity is more than double. To put it in perspective, here is a photo of the bookcase with my younger son Short in front reaching for something. It is a huuuuuuuuuge bookcase.
 |
| photo taken by MOV |
I designed the bookcase. There are a few special features I would like to point out. The shelves are deeper on the lower half of the bookcase. The top part (sort of like a hutch) is only 12 inches deep. The lower portion of the bookcase (base) is actually 18 inches deep (some of their books are oversized). The counter top area (right where Short's hand is) is made of a natural birch wood.
Let me give you a close-up of that so you know what I'm talking about.
Each child gets to put his books on their half of the shelf unit. We did a bead-board backing to go with the overall style of the room. The counter top part lines up with the height of the ledge that tops the bead-board and wraps around the room. The top of the bookcase by the ceiling has a thick molding, about 4 inches. I thought this would look nice and dramatic. The bookcase is so large (it is constructed as one piece), it would not fit down our tiny hallway (there is a turn in the hall). The carpenter had to pop a window out and bring the whole shelf in through the window! (He did put the window back later.) I wish I took a picture of THAT ordeal!
Here is one more photo of the finished product.
Ta-da! The boys are really happy with it, and I am happy that there is less stuff on the floor. I love built-in bookcases. Let me give you a close-up of that so you know what I'm talking about.
 |
| Photo taken by MOV |
Here is one more photo of the finished product.
 |
| photo taken by MOV |
MOV
Hi MOV, and thanks for the kind words on my puppetry post on mainstreetarts.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThis A to Z thing is indeed a challenge!
MOV... is that sort of like POV? Mother of View? Or is it that your life is like a movie... a .mov. Of course, you could be an .avi (adult, very intelligent!), or an .mpg (mom parenting greatness!). They say a picture is a thousand words, so you could be a .jpg (just plain great!)
No really... what's the MOV for?
stands for whatever you want it to! today: Mother Of Varmints. ha!
DeleteP.S. I"m following under my original Blogger Handle Niccodaemus. I have a couple of fantasy gaming blogs attached to it, as well as more of my work.
ReplyDeleteI tried to switch personalities, but I guess I'm dumber than my computer.
don't feel bad, story of my life: metal box full of wires = smarter than me. :(
DeleteNice job :) I'm going to be doing all kinds of stuff like this in the new house... eee hee hee... sorry, I'm a little giddy with the possibilities.
ReplyDeleteThat looks awesome!!! I also love built in bookcases. I would like to make one of my walls a built in entertainment center in my living room. It's a grand idea, but I don't see it happening how I want it to. Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS on your new addition.
ReplyDelete*sigh* Bookcase envy. Major. I'd LOVE to do something like this in our bedroom -- nevermind the kids! ;-) Really classy. By the way, we have that same robot! (His name is Mike.) Really lovely. Thanks for sharing and making me totally jealous, again.
ReplyDeleteI'm having serious bookcase envy. The house I grew up in had buil-in bookcases everywhere. I miss them. I need them!
ReplyDeleteLove the red on the walls, too. I had that in my foyer in a previous life. I miss it.
ReplyDeleteThe color, that is. Not the life.
Nice! Great improvement! Bookcase envy isn't the word for it! ":)
ReplyDeleteLooks fab! I wish I had a bookcase of any sort right now, my books balance precriously in leaning tower style on shelves, cupboard tops/under cupboards in our flat - they are slowly taking over the palce though!
ReplyDeleteHi, MOV!
ReplyDeleteSOOOO Loving the bookcase!!! The way you wine and dine your kids' books proves reading is a high priority in your house- YAY! As a teacher, I wish everyone made shrines to reading like yours!
Thanks for visiting my blog and sharing feedback- I really appreciate it...I love what you've been up to- I laughed out loud at your post for "L" :-).
BTW, your punctuality with your posts has me feeling "P" for pressure! ;-)
Jennifer
http://purposefulparentinga-z.blogspot.com/
My kid has 2 bookshelves to my one, (none of which are as awesome as this one, and I'm about to go look at your links for the other bookshelves as well, it's like porn to me) I can't say no to a book for her either. It warms me to my toes when she sits down in her chair and reads them.
ReplyDeleteI love your shelves, and the color of your old house is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI daydream about built in bookcases!
ReplyDeleteLovely bookcase!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing bookcase! I Love to read and have tons of books but would love to have one of those for my crafting stuff!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I especially like the way they each have a side for their own books. I learned quickly that making my kids share made them resent each other.
ReplyDeleteVerrrry nice! I'm glad your tax refund allowed you to purchase something better than a latte.
ReplyDeletePS, mama of brothers here! And your newest follower!
take2mommy.com
What a lovely bookcase! Money definitely well-spent. Makes me wish that I had a bigger one for all of my books. I especially want one that is TARDIS-shaped and has doors that open. :)
ReplyDelete-Barb the French Bean
Thanks to all who wrote! This A to Z Challenge is kicking my you-know-what because I usually answer each comment individually. Sorry I am running out of time to do that. I read each one, and am so happy you took the time to write!!!
ReplyDeletexxo
MOV
Great bookcase! I just had one built to hold our flat screen TV. Storage is the BEST...can't have enough. P.s. I'm a Virgo too. Not always a plus.
ReplyDeleteHi MOV! Nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteLove the bookcase! Mr.Cate and I are working on building-in to our little house, which was a completely blank slate when we got it.
Last month, I built a loft bed for Cate Jr, mostly by myself ;)
That is *gorgeous*! I too love built-in bookcases. And books. Which go on bookcases ;) Really, really lovely.
ReplyDelete