Summer Project #1

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

Theodore Roosevelt

President Roosevelt's words sum up my guidelines on decorating: Make the most of what you're given, don't try to turn your home into something it isn't, turn your "flaws" into "focal points".

 
We purchased several of these shelves over fifteen years ago and have added more over the years. They come unfinished and in many different heights and widths, but with the same configuration of shelves so they can be mixed and matched according to your wall space. They have held toys, kitchen supplies, tools, sports equipment, sewing materials, art supplies, and of course, books. Here's a narrow version in my son's room:

Four have found their final resting place in our living room. I wanted them to look more finished and give some richness and depth to all our mismatched books, so a beautiful chestnut brown was chosen (Benjamin Moore "Lodge"). In progress:

And after:

P.S. Did I mention they cost only $160 per unit? ...Atlanta Salvage on Howell Mill Road in Altanta, Georgia.