I’m not the first blogger to hack a set of Ikea Billy bookcases, and I’m sure I won’t be the last.
The great thing about these shelves is that… they’re cheap.
Yep, that’s pretty much it. No-one is making any claims that these are high-class pieces of furniture. They’re functional and utilitarian. But for $69 a pop (we needed three), they were within our budget. And I was pretty sure that with a bit of imagination, we could personalise them to make them something special.
I used the Trellis Allover stencil to pattern the back of the shelves – the same one I used for my study nook makeover. Except this time, instead of using a nice soft muted blue, I went for a zingy splash of yellow.
Shocking! Scandalous! I know, I know… I’m wild like that.
Now… I need to explain something. I currently have a thing for grey and yellow. They hold hands so nicely and whisper sweet nothings into each other’s ears. Grey is the moody, broody, tall-dark-and-handsome Mr Right, while yellow is the sassy lass who brings a shot of sunshine to her cloudy counterpart. You trackin’ with me? (Or did I lose you when I started personifying paint colours?)
Anyhow… you catch my drift… they look good together. And the beauty of doing a stencilled pattern is that I can easily paint over it if (when) I change my colour scheme again somewhere down the track. So there’s nothing to lose (except a few hours of my life that I will never get back, and all feeling in my right hand.)
But worth it… right?
Good grief, people, this “little” project nearly killed me. I went in with the naive optimism that it would be my quickest stencilling project to date – after all, it’s less than half the area of my stencilled playroom wall. What I did not consider was the TWENTY-FOUR EDGES to be finessed and finickertied. (That is totally a word.)
Yes, that’s right, twenty-four. This is sounding vaguely familiar, isn’t it? Does it remind you of another painting project I undertook where I significantly underestimated the number of edges to be painted? I’m clearly proving that Maths is not my strong point. See, even without any shelves installed (except the one across the middle of the unit, which was required to hold it together), that’s still a lot of edges where stencil-bending gymnastics is required. Finessing and touching up those edges easily took 3/4 of the total time of this project.
It would have been SO, so much quicker to lay the whole backing flat out on the ground and stencil it in one go BEFORE installing it on the unit. No edges whatsoever! I could’ve done it in about 30 minutes flat!
I had this life-altering revelation… AFTER hammering about a hundred tiny little nails into my bookshelf to hold the backing in place.
Alas, it was too late for anguished regrets. That backing could’ve withstood Armageddon. I mean, the bookshelf itself would be reduced to ash, and still, the ashes would be held together by tiny nails glinting through the embers.
There was no way out but through. I stencilled my little heart out until that sucker was D-O-N-E.
I won’t go through the whole how-to of the stencilling process again, because I’ve already explained the nitty-gritty in several other projects, including here, here and here.
Here’s one little trick for future reference though. See that row of holes (below) in ‘ole Billy? The ones that let you adjust the shelf height up and down whenever you like?
Well, they’re practical, I’ll give you that. Practical like orthopaedic shoes: in a really ugly way.
Well, spackling up those holes with a bit of Polyfilla made them completely disappear. I was dubious as to how well this would actually work – but just look at that! Abracadabra – gone. It’s a perfect vanishing act.
I applied the filler using my fingertip to work it into the hole and then used the blue scraper-thingy (that is the technical term, in case you’re wondering) to level it. A quick wipe with a damp cloth got rid of any excess around the hole before it dried on.
Ta-da! No more holes.
One thing I worried about after I started stencilling was whether the paint would scratch off. The backing has a smooth satin finish – not gloss, but not rough and toothy, either. I would’ve probably been best off priming the whole back-board first.
As it was, I just gave it a top-coat of matt finishing sealer spray to “fix” and protect the paint. So far I haven’t noticed any chips or scratches, even with books now coming on and off the shelves daily.
Overall, the stencilled design and the spackled holes made the hugest difference to the look of those shelves. They’ve suddenly elevated from garage-sale-looking, uni-student cheapies, to something a little more substantial… and with a lot more class.
It’s surprising, actually, how many visitors to our house have asked if those shelves are built-in. I don’t think they look built-in at all, but I’m happy some people think so!
In my ideal world, I have plans to eventually make them more built-in-looking, by actually fixing the three separate units together and applying a strip of moulding over the two vertical joins to hide that seam. Then… who knows? Cornicing at the top to finish it off? (crown molding for my US friends).
Those things require power tools, though, so ya know… it may all be a bit out of my league. Meanwhile, though, I’m happy to admire our newly stencilled shelves, and I just love the pop of colour they bring to the whole room.
Next week I will finally be sharing a full house walk-through of our new abode, together with the colossal room-by-room DIY to-do list which I’m planning to tackle.
Plus… also coming up… a series of Easter crafts and activities for your kids! If you’re after some Easter holiday inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Make sure you like my page on Facebook to stay in the loop!
So… does anyone else have a Billy or two lurking around their abode? Any plans for prettifying?
Speaking of Easter – have you noticed how terrifying it is to go grocery shopping with small children these days? From the minute we walk into the shop, my kids start shrieking “EGGS! EGGS!! BUNNIES!!” as if their loudness factor determines how much chocolate they get to stuff into their little mouths for the remainder of their lives. Even the 21-month-old is in on the act. She can’t say chocolate, so she calls it “Gok”. And demands it imperiously on sight. Like mother like daughter…
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Love it Karen! Love your work. You inspire me no end my friend!
Thanks, love! You're the sweetest!
Love it Karen! Love your work. You inspire me no end my friend!
There's matte finishing sealer spray?! What's it called? I'm very excited!! Love the pattern by the way.
Thanks, love! You're the sweetest!
The brand I used is "Boyle Matt Spray Finishing Sealer." I got it in the craft section at Bunnings, and you can also get it from craft stores such as Spotlight. It's not super heavy-duty – it's usually used for artworks. It just gives a bit of added protection.
There's matte finishing sealer spray?! What's it called? I'm very excited!! Love the pattern by the way.
The brand I used is "Boyle Matt Spray Finishing Sealer." I got it in the craft section at Bunnings, and you can also get it from craft stores such as Spotlight. It's not super heavy-duty – it's usually used for artworks. It just gives a bit of added protection.
Really loving the stencilling! I'm now considering it for a feature wall in our main bedroom one day!! If I can muster up the stamina!
Really loving the stencilling! I'm now considering it for a feature wall in our main bedroom one day!! If I can muster up the stamina!
I have just finished building in some Billy bookcases in our downstairs living room. I was going to stencil the backs as well after being so inspired by the stencilling you did in your kitchen area but my husband had the (very smart) idea of paying our teenage daughter to put all the bookcases together for us. She got stuck into the job when I was at work, before I could tell her to leave the backs off for stencilling! Like you I was not even going to attempt pulling the backs off those suckers once they were nailed in place! I thought my stencilling dreams were over but after seeing your bookcases, maybe not. I will admit I am a bit scared of the stencil gymnastics and edge finessing required, it may be a bit beyond my skill set! I am definitely going to fill the shelf holes though, what a great idea! Love your work!
I have just finished building in some Billy bookcases in our downstairs living room. I was going to stencil the backs as well after being so inspired by the stencilling you did in your kitchen area but my husband had the (very smart) idea of paying our teenage daughter to put all the bookcases together for us. She got stuck into the job when I was at work, before I could tell her to leave the backs off for stencilling! Like you I was not even going to attempt pulling the backs off those suckers once they were nailed in place! I thought my stencilling dreams were over but after seeing your bookcases, maybe not. I will admit I am a bit scared of the stencil gymnastics and edge finessing required, it may be a bit beyond my skill set! I am definitely going to fill the shelf holes though, what a great idea! Love your work!
Thanks Sarah! We have built-in shelves in all the bedrooms, so in one kids' room we have all the rest of our office-y stuff stashed away in a cupboard – photo albums, scrapbooking supplies, gift-wrapping stuff and so on. Things we don't need to access quite as frequently. š
Thanks so much! Do it, do it! š It's not all that hard, really, especially on a wall – only four edges to tackle. š
Haha – totally commiserating with you!! It is do-able, but definitely a bit finickety. Another option could be painting the backs a solid colour, or using wallpaper. Good luck with it, whatever you decide! š
Thanks Sarah! We have built-in shelves in all the bedrooms, so in one kids' room we have all the rest of our office-y stuff stashed away in a cupboard – photo albums, scrapbooking supplies, gift-wrapping stuff and so on. Things we don't need to access quite as frequently. š
Thanks so much! Do it, do it! š It's not all that hard, really, especially on a wall – only four edges to tackle. š
Haha – totally commiserating with you!! It is do-able, but definitely a bit finickety. Another option could be painting the backs a solid colour, or using wallpaper. Good luck with it, whatever you decide! š
What a gorgeous, functional space! You've inspired me to do something with our current "office" setup (read: desk in the corner of the family room/meals area!) So glad I found your blog via pinterest!
Thank you, Kirsty! So glad you're here and feeling inspired! xo
What a gorgeous, functional space! You've inspired me to do something with our current "office" setup (read: desk in the corner of the family room/meals area!) So glad I found your blog via pinterest!
Thank you, Kirsty! So glad you're here and feeling inspired! xo
I admire your tenacity, but I would have cut some foam core or even cardboard to fit those openings, covered them with a fabric I love, and called it a day! You've given me an idea for the back of my already-assembled single bookcase in my office, but I'll do it may way as described above.
I admire your tenacity, but I would have cut some foam core or even cardboard to fit those openings, covered them with a fabric I love, and called it a day! You've given me an idea for the back of my already-assembled single bookcase in my office, but I'll do it may way as described above.
Good idea, Karin! Hope your project turns out fabulous!
Good idea, Karin! Hope your project turns out fabulous!
Karen, I LOVE your study space! I have been wanting to do something very similar in my office area, thanks for giving me some needed insight! I also thank you for sharing your 'word' and scripture. I wanted to share with you a verse that the LORD has recently encouraged me with. Psalm 138:8 "The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands." I am looking forward to your blog. š
Okay so I'm loving the brightness of the room—bright but still comfy and modern. I am so getting that Alex Drawer Unit from IKEA! That office room is so me and I can't wait til I get off my rear and start getting stuff done. Thanks so much for the inspiration! Pinning for later. http://naturalchow.com
Karen, I LOVE your study space! I have been wanting to do something very similar in my office area, thanks for giving me some needed insight! I also thank you for sharing your 'word' and scripture. I wanted to share with you a verse that the LORD has recently encouraged me with. Psalm 138:8 "The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands." I am looking forward to your blog. š
Okay so I'm loving the brightness of the roomābright but still comfy and modern. I am so getting that Alex Drawer Unit from IKEA! That office room is so me and I can't wait til I get off my rear and start getting stuff done. Thanks so much for the inspiration! Pinning for later. http://naturalchow.com
Thanks so much Margaret Anne, I'm so glad this was inspiring for you!
Teresa, I just love that verse! Thank you so much for sharing, that has really blessed me today. So glad to have you following along!
Pretty! I <3 your style:) Pinned
Thanks so much Margaret Anne, I'm so glad this was inspiring for you!
Teresa, I just love that verse! Thank you so much for sharing, that has really blessed me today. So glad to have you following along!
Pretty! I <3 your style:) Pinned
Thanks so much, Michele! xo
Thanks so much, Michele! xo
Love this. Just a question may have missed it. Where is the bench top from? Thanks š
Love this. Just a question may have missed it. Where is the bench top from? Thanks š
Hi Michelle! We had the bench custom made by our cabinetmaker. It's just a laminate finish with a square edge profile. We asked for a PVC tape edge so the black seam wouldn't be visible at the edge of the bench where the laminate pieces join. Hope that helps!
Hi Michelle! We had the bench custom made by our cabinetmaker. It's just a laminate finish with a square edge profile. We asked for a PVC tape edge so the black seam wouldn't be visible at the edge of the bench where the laminate pieces join. Hope that helps!
Hey sweet girl! I appreciate that you stop by and also leave such encouraging and kind comments. I find myself coming back to this post often because I just love what you did with the space! So many beautiful details and such a brilliant way to maximize this area of your home. It was also fun seeing the updated photos in your fall home tour {which is truly lovely by the way}.
I didn't see a spot to email you directly {and I apologize if I missed it somewhere}, but was wondering if you would be interested in having this space featured as an upcoming reader space? If you are up for it, pop over an email to iheartorganizing@gmail.com and I can get you some more details. š
xoxo! Jen
Hey sweet girl! I appreciate that you stop by and also leave such encouraging and kind comments. I find myself coming back to this post often because I just love what you did with the space! So many beautiful details and such a brilliant way to maximize this area of your home. It was also fun seeing the updated photos in your fall home tour {which is truly lovely by the way}.
I didn't see a spot to email you directly {and I apologize if I missed it somewhere}, but was wondering if you would be interested in having this space featured as an upcoming reader space? If you are up for it, pop over an email to iheartorganizing@gmail.com and I can get you some more details. š
xoxo! Jen
I subscribe to a few blogs but have to say I generally feel silly commenting on a post when I do not know the writer (that's me personally though!) After reading your comment on how disappointing it is to Not have a comment after putting in so much hard work I just wanted to tell you well done ! I only have just stumbled onto your blog from pinterest and have to say I am in love with your style AND the fact your an Australian blogger. I fell in love with bloggers while staying in America and loved how creative the women could be but when googling Australian bloggers I had very little luck once I returned home to central Qld. I've subscribed to your blog and hope to spend many happy hours being inspired to continue to make our house more of a home. Thank you š
I subscribe to a few blogs but have to say I generally feel silly commenting on a post when I do not know the writer (that's me personally though!) After reading your comment on how disappointing it is to Not have a comment after putting in so much hard work I just wanted to tell you well done ! I only have just stumbled onto your blog from pinterest and have to say I am in love with your style AND the fact your an Australian blogger. I fell in love with bloggers while staying in America and loved how creative the women could be but when googling Australian bloggers I had very little luck once I returned home to central Qld. I've subscribed to your blog and hope to spend many happy hours being inspired to continue to make our house more of a home. Thank you š
Brandi-lee, I'm so glad you took the time to comment, because that totally made my day! So pleased to have you as part of this community! I too have found the Australian blogging scene to be very quiet compared to what's available from U.S. bloggers. Hopefully that will change! It's always great to connect with fellow Aussies. I live in CQ also! Small world, huh? Thanks again for your lovely words, sweet lady! xo
Brandi-lee, I'm so glad you took the time to comment, because that totally made my day! So pleased to have you as part of this community! I too have found the Australian blogging scene to be very quiet compared to what's available from U.S. bloggers. Hopefully that will change! It's always great to connect with fellow Aussies. I live in CQ also! Small world, huh? Thanks again for your lovely words, sweet lady! xo
This is beautiful!!
Your office is beautiful, love it. Thanks for sharing the beauty.
This is beautiful!!
Your office is beautiful, love it. Thanks for sharing the beauty.
Even more loveliness to see over here! (I popped over from iHeart Organizing.) Yes, this settles it. It's time for me to get resourceful and create such a space in my own home! Thanks for the inspiration!
Diane, thank you – I so appreciate your sweet encouragement! xo
Thank you, Debbie, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! xo
So glad you're feeling inspired! Hooray! š
Even more loveliness to see over here! (I popped over from iHeart Organizing.) Yes, this settles it. It's time for me to get resourceful and create such a space in my own home! Thanks for the inspiration!
Diane, thank you – I so appreciate your sweet encouragement! xo
Thank you, Debbie, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! xo
So glad you're feeling inspired! Hooray! š
I would love to create a space like this in my kitchen! It's beautiful! I so wish we had an IKEA close to where I live too.
I would love to create a space like this in my kitchen! It's beautiful! I so wish we had an IKEA close to where I live too.
Thanks, Tammi!! Agreed – wouldn't that make life easier??! xo
Thanks, Tammi!! Agreed – wouldn't that make life easier??! xo
This is just simple and precious! Great job!
This is just simple and precious! Great job!
Thank you!! š xoxo
Thank you!! š xoxo
This is gorgeous, I have a similar space in my home, that looks far more awkward, that I'm trying to figure out what to do with. Office, storage cabinets, quilt "studio"?? Finding a way to make it all three would be ideal but …. should I go the office direction this is exactly what I'd be doing! Wonderful Job!
This is gorgeous, I have a similar space in my home, that looks far more awkward, that I'm trying to figure out what to do with. Office, storage cabinets, quilt "studio"?? Finding a way to make it all three would be ideal but …. should I go the office direction this is exactly what I'd be doing! Wonderful Job!
Thanks heaps, Cassie! I hope you find the right solution for your space! xo
Thanks heaps, Cassie! I hope you find the right solution for your space! xo
Hi Karen Congrats on joining the I heart organizing team, I love that blog and I love your blog too so it seems a natural progression that you should join forces. Cant wait to see what your creative energies come up with next. Also I love your pantry makeover, great job š
Hi Karen Congrats on joining the I heart organizing team, I love that blog and I love your blog too so it seems a natural progression that you should join forces. Cant wait to see what your creative energies come up with next. Also I love your pantry makeover, great job š
Love this office space! It's inspired me to update my desk area too. Thanks for sharing.
Love this office space! It's inspired me to update my desk area too. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Amanda! xo
Thank you so much, Amanda! xo
Thanks so much, Amanda! xo
Thank you so much, Amanda! xo
I'm late seeing this since obviously your FAITHFUL word is 2014 (wondering what your 2015 word is…) but wowza what a gorgeous transformation! You're brilliant to have the forethought to design such a sleek happy useful space! Love it! How is it since it's been a while? Made any tweaks?
I'm late seeing this since obviously your FAITHFUL word is 2014 (wondering what your 2015 word is…) but wowza what a gorgeous transformation! You're brilliant to have the forethought to design such a sleek happy useful space! Love it! How is it since it's been a while? Made any tweaks?
Thank you so much for those kind words, Gretchen! My word for 2015 is Balance (you can read my post about that here if you're interested! https://www.ahousefullofsunshine.com/2015/01/on-blogging-burnout-and-finding-balance.html) We've since moved out of that home and my study space is probably the area I miss the most! Working on plans for a new study area in the new abode. š
Thank you so much for those kind words, Gretchen! My word for 2015 is Balance (you can read my post about that here if you're interested! https://www.ahousefullofsunshine.com/2015/01/on-blogging-burnout-and-finding-balance.html) We've since moved out of that home and my study space is probably the area I miss the most! Working on plans for a new study area in the new abode. š
I can enjoy the glimpse of my new study space and more with stylish design. It will be my pleasure if I get ideal home office area as I described. So curious to get my home and office makeover : http://lampshadehouse.com.au/
I can enjoy the glimpse of my new study space and more with stylish design. It will be my pleasure if I get ideal home office area as I described. So curious to get my home and office makeover : http://lampshadehouse.com.au/
if you would like to be able to adjust those shelves down the road you could always use white toothpaste or deodorant to fill the holes. Deodorant works really well and then you can use a toothpick to take it out when you need to.
Great idea – thanks! xo