After nearly two decades in our home, we finally tackled a project we’ve been dreaming about for years—built-in bookshelves in our living room. And now that they’re complete? Let’s just say I don’t know how we ever lived without them!
For as long as we’ve lived here (16+ years), B and I talked about adding a full wall of bookshelves to this room. But like many ideas, the project got pushed aside for more urgent or practical ones. We never quite agreed on which wall they should go on, and it felt more like a “want” than a “need.” So we waited.
But after years of dreaming and over a year of finalizing our plans, we decided to finally make it happen—and I’m so glad we did.
📚 Why We Wanted Built-Ins in the Living Room
We wanted our living room to feel more warm, cozy, and lived-in—like a little library nook. There’s something so comforting about a room lined with books and collected treasures. Adding built-ins gave us both function and character, and allowed us to create a space that feels truly us.
Brad, being the handy and thoughtful guy he is, built everything custom. He worked over the holidays and on weekends, creating modular units piece by piece until they became one beautiful, unified feature wall.
🛠️ Construction Highlights
- The base cabinets were custom built for 18” depth—not a standard size, but one that worked best for our room.
- We opted for painted wood counters to match the shelves above.
- The shelves go from the base to the ceiling and frame the large doorway into the kitchen.
- On one side, we built around the radiator for function and safety, using shelves instead of a base cabinet.
- Everything is trimmed with crown molding and face frames to give it a polished, built-in look.
🎨 The Color: Kennebunkport Green by Benjamin Moore
We painted the entire unit in Benjamin Moore Kennebunkport Green, the same color we previously used on the fireplace surround and trim in the room. It’s a gorgeous, mid-tone green with warm undertones, and while it’s technically a historical color, it feels anything but dated.
It adds depth, warmth, and just enough moodiness to make this room feel like a snug little retreat.
📖 The Best Part? Styling the Shelves
Now that construction is done, I’ve had so much fun slowly styling the shelves with books, collected treasures, family mementos, and vintage finds. It’s a work in progress, and I know I’ll keep tweaking things as the seasons change—but that’s part of the fun.
I love that this space now tells a story. It’s filled with character and warmth—and it finally feels like the room it was always meant to be.
🪟 What’s Next for the Living Room?
While the shelves were the big project, I’m already dreaming about a few more updates:
- Replacing the drapery with something lighter and more tailored to the room’s new look
- Removing the piano to make space for our antique secretary to return between the windows
- Potentially swapping out a few pieces of furniture to better fit the room’s updated layout and function
There’s no rush. One of the best parts of creating a home you love is letting it evolve naturally over time.
🧡 Final Thoughts
This project reminded me of the power of intentional design. It wasn’t a quick makeover. It took time, patience, and planning, but it gave us a space that feels like home in every sense.
If you’ve been thinking about tackling a project that’s been on your list forever, consider this your sign. Sometimes, the “wants” end up being exactly what your home needed all along.
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