Hi Everyone!
Ok loves. Moment of truth: I’m not crazy about the built-in bookcases in our living room.
I know, I know …how dare I go there! I’m sorry but in all reality I’m not a huge built-in bookcase kinda gal. This is not to be confused with built-in buffets, hutch’s, and storage systems like the ones in our dining room and hallway. Those I’m obsessed with. But built-in bookcases don’t really do it for me.
I have major guilt just thinking about the fact that I wish we didn’t have them because I mean cmon, this is a detail one typically hopes to find in a little old house. Hell, it was one of the first things I noticed when we took a tour of the house. And, yes, I know having dedicated storage space in a small home is a good thing. I’m just saying I could live without them. I much prefer furniture pieces for providing storage. Although, I am a fan of the niche.
Now ya’ll know I suffer from a massive case of rearrangitis #sorrynotsorry. I find that furniture pieces affords me the flexibility to rearrange to my heart’s content. Plus I like that incorporating fun and unique pieces into a space really allows me to flex my creative muscles a bit. While you can style the heck out of some shelves to give your space a nice fresh look, there’s just nothing quite like finding that special treasure in a thrift store and having the perfect place for it.
I’ve been crushing on a few different furniture pieces lately and I thought it may be fun to play a little game of “if the bookcase wasnt there”. Here are a few unique pieces I could definitely see in this space….hypothetically speaking of course.
1. First up: Burlwood. I’ve loved burlwood for ages, but ever since I saw Jesse’s ORC reveal I’ve had a serious hankering to incorporate it into our little bungalow somehow.
2. Inlay
3. Ultra sleek
4. Chinoiserie
5. Funky Function- A secretary would tuck perfectly into that little corner to create a great little office space
Each of these looks are unique and totally add a layer of visual interest to a space I think. What about you guys? Are you fans of built-ins or do you prefer the freedom of individual furniture pieces? Until next time….
Xo-Shavonda
Megan says
While having an older home myself and wishing for built in book shelves, I can totally see the point of a free standing piece of furniture. I love the idea of a secretary to take advantage of vertical storage (my go to thing whenever possible, especially in small areas!). Good luck in your decisions. I just adore your house and style!!
Shavonda says
Thank you so much Megan. That means so much:)
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
It all depends on the space. I can see what you mean, but on the whole I will always favor built ins!
Gretchen says
I do love your built-ins, but it’s hard not to see why you’d rather they weren’t there when I look at some of those photos! I feel the same way about the granite that came with our kitchen….yes, it’s nice, and I would feel very guilty ripping it out, but it’s not what I would have picked. I wish the previous owners had spent the money on new windows or HVACs, so I could have done the kitchen myself 🙂
jess says
Bottom line is that you have to live in your house. If we were so set on never messing with features of an old home, some of us would still be using chamberpots. I mean, you can find other ways to honor your home’s history…..so I say if you’ve really sat on the idea for a while then go for it. If I remember correctly, you needed to incorporate some office space for yourself, so maybe the secretary would be both functional and gorgeous.
-2 cents poorer, Jess
Shavonda says
Hi there Jess. I like the way you think lady. Loved hearing your input. Xo
Iris says
I love the inlay idea for your space. Thant and the secretary. Both would be amazing!
Shavonda says
Hi Iris. Thanks so much:)
FRECKLES CHICK says
I’m all in for inlay! LOVE the blog revamp, InstaWifey! 🙂
xo
Shavonda says
Thanks love;)
cassie says
i LOVE built ins because i love the unity on a wall around a fireplace- i don’t like the mismatched look on either side that we used to have. we added our pipe built ins and i couldn’t be happier with what they do for the space. but i also love rearranging- our living room is so small though that there really is no rearranging in there. 🙂
Shavonda says
I love the built ins in your living room too Cassie. I also love that you use two sofas facing one another in there to maximize seating.
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
I LOOOOVE inlay pieces. So much. And while I also love a built-in, a really interesting piece WOULD look kind of awesome there… #enabler
Shavonda says
Jen youre the best kinda enabler my friend:)
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
I’m a secretary kinda girl because it serves so many different purposes and is so useful and pretty 😉
Shavonda says
I immediately thought of your space when I thought of a secretary. I love yours. Its so pretty:)