Knowing I wanted built ins was the easy part, figuring out “the look” was a little more difficult. Some room plans fall into place really quickly, but this just hasn’t been one of them. It’s taken time, and rather than knowing every detail from the get-go, each step seems to reveal the next. Once I committed to the idea of a burgundy, I started testing colors and looking for lighting.
When I’m searching for the perfect color I begin by picking up every swatch that comes even remotely close. I lay them all out in the room and then start pulling out the no’s…”too brown, too purple, too red” until I end up with a handful of colors. I was pretty sure these were going to be the winners…
Sometimes I feel pretty confident based on the swatches, but I still keep a few backups to test just for clarity. I headed back to Lowe’s and picked up samples of burgundies and several pinks for the walls. Yes, pink. Micah heard that right.
Then I put those samples all over the place to get different readings in different lights. Paint will look different on the wall next to the window than it will on the wall across from the window, so it’s not a bad idea to slap some color on throughout. My initial thinking was right, and these were the clear winners…
Radicchio Leaf and Mocha Mauve. Yes, mauve. The 90’s are back?!? In all seriousness, this is a very classic color combo and when it’s done in a timeless way not in a modern aesthetic it will be timeless. We’ll do that by keeping the bookshelves and moulding traditional. This is my bookshelf inspiration.
While the woodwork will be traditional, I want the lighting to feel a bit more updated. The room didn’t have any overheard lighting, but a chandelier against bookshelves especially colored ones always looks so pretty. Since we were having the ceilings refinished anyway it was a prime time to add in electrical for an overhead light.
My friend, Laura, texted me this West Elm piece and after seeing how beautiful it looks in Gina Julian’s home I was in love. I immediately took to Craigslist to sell some furniture you do whatcha gotta do and waited a week or so knowing that it would probably be on sale over Thanksgiving weekend. 20% off! It’s sparkly yet clean and will play well with the pendant in the entry and the chandelier in the wood room.
Sconces on bookshelves are a detail that brings grandeur and pretty light at another height. While I was looking at lamps for the dining room I decided to take a peek at Rejuvenation’s sconces and this style by Visual Comfort is everything I was wanting: clean, simple, updated traditional. I swayed back and forth between the single and double sconce, but ultimately decided you can never have too many lights. The double will bring extra drama and having them on a dimmer gives the versatility to keep the lighting low.
Micah and his dad have been hard at work building and I’ve been busy trying to find books. For this space I’m thinking the more books the better, and it’s amazing how few books we have when I consider the shelf space. New books aren’t cheap so I’ve been digging through shelves and bins at thrift stores in search of beautiful hardbacks whose subjects are of interest to us. Some of my best scores yet have come from a store that runs 20 books for a dollar. I mean, you really can’t beat that! I’m just thrilled at the idea of having all of my books in one place again. We’ll be finishing up the carpentry and priming the shelves this weekend fingers crossed and I hope to update you on the shelves shortly!
Continue on in the journey – The Front Room: Building Book Shelves.
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marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Love the bookshelves and lighting, can't wait to see how it is coming along.
Sueli says
I love the colours you picked and the lighting. Looking forward to the reveal, which considering your portfolio will be amazing.
Arielle says
So excited to follow this project! Already like where it's heading. As always, love your use of color.
Tricia says
For what it's worth, before I scrolled past your first photo in this post, I selected my favorite color for the bookshelves. So naturally, when I scrolled down I was pleased to see that Radicchio Leaf was your choice too. Can't wait to see the project unfold.
pinkcamellias says
Love those sconces and the chandelier – interested to see how it turns out!!! 🙂
Julie, Creative Little House says
Love it all Gwen!
Claire Brody says
omg I'm painting my bookshelves in Farrow and Ball Pelt. The color is a bit more purple than what you're going for but still a similar shade!! This is going to be SO good!
Whitney Shortt says
Love those sconces and how you combine traditional with modern <3
koushik pathak says
For what it's worth, before I looked past your first photograph in this post, I chose my most loved shading for the bookshelves. So actually, when I looked down I was satisfied to see that Radicchio Leaf was your decision as well. Can hardly wait to see the venture develop. http://www.textaloan.org.uk/