Guys, time for another update on our library built-in shelves!! So as many of you had guessed I decided to re-paint our shelves. If you’ve been following along on Instagram you know I’ve been having some trouble with finding the right paint colors lately. While I absolutely loved the blue-gray paint, it just wasn’t quite right in our house. I definitely think it could look really gorgeous in someone else’s home or in another area of our home, but it pulled too green in our library and didn’t give the look I was hoping for … So I decided to repaint the shelves!
This was the color before:
& now…
We chose to repaint our shelves with Shadow White by Farrow and Ball! We liked this color because it is white but a touch warmer than the other whites we use in our home. I wanted the built-in shelves to have some contrast from the walls of our home but still fit my style. I originally was inspired to paint the built-ins so that they would look like a true piece of furniture custom to our home. I truly feel like repainting these shelves brought the cottage vibe back into our library and made it feel more natural! When I was trying to find a new paint color I read the description of Shadow White & it sounded exactly like what I wanted the shelves to look like. I was so happy to see that it turned out exactly how I was picturing it on our shelves! This room is FAR FROM DONE [see to-do list below] but we are making progress…
Shadow White Description:
“Shadow White takes its name from the soft tone created when whites are used in shaded areas, bringing out the slightest hint of grey. For devotees of lighter neutrals on both walls and woodwork, this versatile and understated color works brilliantly in any style of home. It has none of the perceived yellow of Slipper Satin and is the perfect contrast to the slightly darker Shaded White.”
One thing I love about painting is that it doesn’t have to be a permanent decision. You can sample it in a small spot & live with it for a few days before making your decision [which is probably what I should have done when I painted the shelves the first time]. But even if you paint the whole thing [like I did] and end up not liking it you can always repaint. Overall I am really glad I tested the Blue Gray paint on our shelves even though I didn’t love it in the end. I think the Blue Gray was a gorgeous color & hope to find a spot to use that in our house that won’t be quite as big of a statement as the library shelves are!
Some Things I have yet to-do to the built-ins:
- Plug all the holes for the adjustable shelves and paint the plus
- Put electrical plug covers on all of the newly added outlets
- Put the ladder and ladder hardware back up
- Add hardware to the cabinet doors
When it comes to transforming a space on a budget painting is my number one recommendation! A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the way your space feels and looks. As a huge bonus paint is a pretty budget-friendly way to update any room in your home. I shared all about the different types of paints I use in our home & why over on the blog here if you are looking for more painting tips!
I hope this gives you some insight into why we decided to change up the paint on our library built-in shelves again! You guys were pretty much split down the middle on whether you prefer the shelves white or blue-gray so I’m really glad I decided to give it a try. Part of this interior design world is experimenting and trying things that might not work! I hope that taking you along this journey of trial and error on our painted shelves helps you know you aren’t alone when trying something new & it didn’t quite work. Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today and every day.
Love this color!! So beautiful!!!
Gorgeous color!
I love the color! Great work!
Oh I love it Liz!!! It’s beautiful!
Love it so much better!! I think it was just meant to be white!
Wow!! Such a subtle, but big difference!!! And the coffee table gives it so much warmth!!! All I can say is love, love, LOVE and cozy, cozy, COZY!!
The white is perfect and more “you” for sure. In that last photo the shelves to the left of the door are still painted the other color and you can see how green that grey pulled in your space. I love paint and how it can really change a room!
You must have a very understanding husband. I’ve done the same thing with paint, rugs, etc. My husband has learned to be very patient with me. We know when things don’t look right. Like the new color.
The bookcasings look lovely. I liked all the colors you did. Glad I am not the one to have to choose. As I noted in a comment in IG, your style is not quite my style but it is lively regardless and I DO draw a lot of inspiration from your blog, IG and your book. Keep it up.
lovely. Not lively.
I love it Liz!! I once repainted a bathroom 6 times in a week because it just wasn’t right. Finally my husband just painted the whole thing white for me to give me some peace ! ??♀️
Hi Liz, when you first said you were going to paint your built ins I thought you were just going to do the inside and leave the rest white. The shelf to the far left is what I thought you were going to do. I love how that looks!! It gives a sense of warmth to the items on the shelves and a lovely depth which makes your beautiful things pop! Then keeping the edges and doors white, ties in with the rest of your home. That’s just my little opinion though! Everything you do is always beautiful anyway!! Thanks for always being honest and sharing your stunning home!
Miss the blue gray color, thought the tone gave them more character. They seem to just blend in with the walls now and feel less cozy for me but I understand everyone has different tastes! I would have 100% played around with colors until I found the right fit for me, I admire your ability to try new colors and admit it wasn’t what you wanted/thought you wanted! Can’t wait to see with the hardware back on.
Beautiful! Can you share where your rug is from?
Beautiful! Can you share where your rug is from?
I LOVE it!!! It is so your style. To be honest I was getting worried.Im just now getting all my rooms painted white (rough cut pine boards kind of like ship lap). I saw this and I thought she’s changing before I even get finished. ?
Nice Blog and I am happy to see your blog, I really appreciated by seeing your post. Thank you for sharing this useful information. Keep sharing.
It’s funny how sometimes what we thing we want, isn’t. We just don’t know until we try!
Happy Painting & re-painting;)
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hello! can you please tell me where this sofa is from and the rug. thanks so much, sharon v.
Your home and decorating style is very soothing. Love it! Not sure if you are willing to share?? I love the pillows on your sofa. The print would be perfect in our home (Spokane, WA. so not close by:)