Cassie Bustamante

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Black Backed Living Room Bookcases

March 14, 2014 by Cassie 70 Comments

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To everything there is a season…. and for me the season of orange accents in the house has passed.  Two and a half years ago when we moved into this house, I found these awesome bookcases that were the perfect size to fill a wall in our living room and give us the storage we needed.  I originally painted them a soft gray and painted the backing orange for a pop of color.  And I loved them!
But now the living room has been evolving, with the addition of new black paint on the fireplace, a sparkly hide rug, and our industrial pipe built ins.  It was time for the bookcases to evolve as well.  I loved the original gray paint, so I decided to keep this makeover simple, and repaint the backing black.
All I did was clear she shelves and remove them; and then with a good angled brush I applied two coats of General Finishes Lamp Black Milk Paint.
I lack patience, so as soon as that was dry, I added my shelves back in, leaving a slight gap between the backing so the paint could continue to cure.  And then I went ahead and styled them!
I decided to group our books by color, much like I did in our Expedit shelves in our old house.
I love that these bookcases also have closed door storage on the bottom to hide all the junk I hoard.
I added milk glass, art I love, and favorite books.
And of course here are plenty of brass animals…. My mouse/cheese bookends even contain brass mice! The deer I found when I was thrifting with Kelly in Atlanta; the brass pig I believe I found at a thrift shop, and the brass owl was a gift from my sweet friend Carmel.  The owl sits in front of the awesome Charlie silhouette my friend and partner, Sarah, made for me.
Oh, and yes, hello there smoldering antelope…. I moved him to the sofa table (which I did not paint, but purchased from Sweet Clover vendor Eleanor Madison Vintage Home).

Here’s a look to see how they fit into the rest of the room… (I think the gallery wall needs some love this year, too.  One thing leads to another!)

And while we are in the living room I wanted to share one other little update.  I showed you my new dining head chairs a couple weeks ago.  Well, they were a set of four, so one straggler stayed next the the dining sideboard, and the other became Chris’ desk chair.  This space was originally meant to be a blog desk for me, but I actually don’t like sitting at a desk.  I don’t like sitting, period.  So this space became Chris’ and he actually uses it quite a bit!  Anyhow, I love how the chair looks and love the touch of midcentury it adds to the room.

So that’s all for now in the living room!  I still would like to do a few things in here, but am happy that this room is getting to where I want it to be!

Enjoy your Friday and have a wonderful weekend!  I am off to the flea market for the first time in 2014…. wish me luck!

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Filed Under: furniture transformations, Living Room, making our home, My House

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Comments

  1. Cathy Wall says

    March 14, 2014 at 10:42 am

    It’s fun having the creativity and inspiration to keep our homes evolving. Love the black in your bookcases, lots of flexibility for future change!

    Reply
  2. Cathy Wall says

    March 14, 2014 at 10:42 am

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  3. Jenny says

    March 14, 2014 at 10:48 am

    Beautiful Cassie! Everything just pops against the black, and I especially love the gold accents. Well done! I have been itching for some paint changes myself lately, just can’t make up my mind!

    Reply
  4. Julia Konya says

    March 14, 2014 at 11:30 am

    Love it! It’s exactly what you bookcase needed!

    Reply
  5. Melissa says

    March 14, 2014 at 12:01 pm

    The bookcases look perfect, Cassie! And so beautifully styled! I am in love with your brass collection and your entire living room!!

    Melissa @ Shabby Love

    Reply
  6. Rasonda @ Lake Cottage Dreams says

    March 14, 2014 at 12:17 pm

    LOVE IT!

    Reply
  7. Kerri says

    March 14, 2014 at 12:37 pm

    I love the update to black. Everything really pops off of it. 🙂

    Reply
  8. Tiffany @ {Living Savvy} says

    March 14, 2014 at 12:43 pm

    You know how much I love black! I love the contrast with the grey and it really makes your styling pop! Oh and that chair!!! Seriously girl, I am coming shopping! But I will have to drive out there because I would by too much stuff!

    Reply
  9. The Bold Abode says

    March 14, 2014 at 1:08 pm

    They look great, Cassie!

    And I LOVE that chair… it’s so, so cool!

    Reply
  10. Dana Frieling says

    March 14, 2014 at 1:22 pm

    The perfect thing to tie it all together. Looks awesome, Cassie!

    Reply
  11. René says

    March 14, 2014 at 1:29 pm

    Oh Cassie, they look so good! Love the color, the styling, everything! Well done!

    Reply
  12. [email protected] says

    March 14, 2014 at 1:36 pm

    they look great cassie and so does your room. sharing the love of brass animals!

    Reply
  13. Emily @ Go Haus Go says

    March 14, 2014 at 2:04 pm

    Love your brass animal collection! Your living room is looking so great. I would hoard those chrome/peach chairs so hard!

    Reply
  14. [email protected] says

    March 14, 2014 at 2:09 pm

    Love your great, inexpensive changes! It’s great to be able to update a room without a lot of money. Your animal collection is super fun, too 🙂

    Reply
  15. [email protected] says

    March 14, 2014 at 2:10 pm

    They look so good with the back painted black! Love it all. And that desk chair is pretty darn awesome! Have fun at the flea market! I can’t wait to go to some when we are east coast crashers this summer! xo Kristin

    Reply
  16. Rita Mireles says

    March 14, 2014 at 2:15 pm

    I’ll miss the orange but I loooove the black

    Reply
  17. Beth of designPOST Interiors says

    March 14, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    It would be so fun to go flea marketing with you! Wonder if we could get anything accomplished with our shared impatience?! Love the black backing- it goes so well with your other changes!

    Reply
  18. [email protected] says

    March 14, 2014 at 3:18 pm

    OMG Cassie I love them. The black makes all your accessories pop. They look completely different:) it’s like your bookcases slipped on a little black dress and got all sexy. Great job! Happy weekend my dear:)

    Reply
  19. Katja @ Shift Ctrl ART says

    March 14, 2014 at 3:53 pm

    I love those bookcases with the black backing. That looks amazing. Especially with all the brass. That little pig is so cute. Love your living room Cassie!!

    Reply
  20. Our Pinteresting Family says

    March 14, 2014 at 3:55 pm

    It looks fantastic, Cassie. I love that chair at the desk too. You always include such beautiful finds in your spaces.

    Reply
  21. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    March 14, 2014 at 4:05 pm

    They look great and I love all of the changes you’re making in the living room!

    Reply
  22. Whats Ur Home Story says

    March 14, 2014 at 4:29 pm

    From the preview pics wasn’t really sure of the black but I love it now. Great styling too.

    Reply
  23. Brynne Delerson says

    March 14, 2014 at 5:24 pm

    Looking good! I love the way you’re using black in your living room – it’s bold and classy and so sharp looking! And that brass pig is adorable 🙂

    Reply
  24. Lets just build a house! says

    March 14, 2014 at 5:36 pm

    dark and dreamy!! i like!

    Reply
  25. Dear Emmeline says

    March 14, 2014 at 7:07 pm

    The orange looked nice but the black definitely ties in with the room better..plus…it makes all of your shelf decor stand out!

    Reply
  26. [email protected] says

    March 14, 2014 at 7:50 pm

    It’s beautiful and I love it. And it seems like you got it done really quickly. High five!

    Reply
  27. Jo Murray says

    March 14, 2014 at 8:08 pm

    Absolutely stunning!! Jo at ChouChou Chateau

    Reply
  28. Danielle says

    March 14, 2014 at 8:42 pm

    I LOVE the black. All your pretty gold accents pop now. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

    Reply
  29. Gretchen says

    March 14, 2014 at 9:47 pm

    I’ve been obsessing over your brass pig since I saw him on instagram the other day. Squeal! pun intended. I love the black :). Brass pig! (sorry; can’t stop thinking about him)

    Reply
  30. Suzan Sweatman says

    March 14, 2014 at 10:13 pm

    I often do backs black – and think yours turned out beautiful – it highlights all that gorgeous milk glass – perfection!

    Reply
  31. [email protected] says

    March 14, 2014 at 10:27 pm

    I like! I like how this room is evolving. Your styling skills are impressive because they look so natural. Good work. You’re hired.

    Reply
  32. [email protected] of a craigslist junkie says

    March 14, 2014 at 10:29 pm

    Great change Cassie! Love the brass accents with the black.

    Reply
  33. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    March 14, 2014 at 11:40 pm

    I LOVE this makeover, Cass! The black is perfect… your brass animals are STARS now! 😀
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  34. RPK Interiors says

    March 15, 2014 at 12:11 am

    Love the decision to go with the black! Somehow I feel sure you’ll find some very cool and creative ways to introduce the pops of color! 🙂
    Robin

    Reply
  35. Allison says

    March 15, 2014 at 2:42 am

    Beautiful color and beautiful styling Cassie! The black looks so nice and rich and evrything pops against it. The brass pig is so cute. Enjoy your weekend!

    Reply
  36. Anna [DirectionsNotIncluded] says

    March 15, 2014 at 3:03 am

    Please come style my house. The space is looking great. I love that after living in a house for a few years the spaces start to evolve. PS – I spot Harry Potter on the shelves!

    Reply
  37. Jani says

    March 15, 2014 at 6:54 am

    Thanks for stopping by my CWTS entry! Loooove the black and grey, so chic! And I’m totally coveting your brass animal collection.

    Reply
  38. [email protected] Chronicles of Home says

    March 15, 2014 at 12:42 pm

    I love this update! The black is so sophisticated and has just as much smolder as that sexy antelope.

    Reply
  39. Gail Wilson says

    March 15, 2014 at 1:36 pm

    beautiful Cassie!!!
    I love the new look of your book shelves, and the way you have them styled. 🙂
    gail

    Reply
  40. 17 Perth says

    March 15, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    You have been at your house for 2 1/2 years?? Does that make me sound creepy? lol. But, it seems like just the other day u were moving!

    And I was a fan of the orange, but the black? Oh I love it. Absolutely perfect Cassie!

    Reply
  41. sarah m. dorsey says

    March 15, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    Love the black!! and your amazing collection of brass animals 🙂

    Reply
  42. Ali Richardson says

    March 15, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    YAY! They look soooo good. I new they would 🙂 LOVE U!

    Reply
  43. Ali Richardson says

    March 15, 2014 at 7:47 pm

    *KNEW

    Reply
  44. Tiffany says

    March 16, 2014 at 2:35 am

    I love the black. It looks sleek and sophisticated. And it’s styled to perfection. Good luck at the flea market!

    Reply
  45. [email protected] says

    March 16, 2014 at 3:04 pm

    Everything looks great. Dont know how you do it all. Hope you score at the flea market. I did this weekend. What are your big sellers now?

    Reply
  46. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    March 17, 2014 at 2:00 am

    The black looks so great! I love how it makes the objects the focus 🙂

    Reply
  47. Aimee Lane says

    March 17, 2014 at 2:05 am

    The black really makes everything pop! Love this addition. The room looks amazing! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  48. Amber Wills says

    March 17, 2014 at 3:02 am

    Love the black with all that beautiful brass!

    Reply
  49. Kelly says

    March 17, 2014 at 3:31 am

    Aww! I shoulda kept that deer for myself! Muahahaha!!! 🙂 I LOVE the black backing and how you styled it! Don’t ever let me come to your house because when I leave, there will be no more brass animals.

    Reply
  50. Emily says

    March 17, 2014 at 3:15 pm

    Beautiful! Love the black and white contrast!

    We would love for you to come link up Mondays 8:00am EST at Your Designs This Time.
    http://www.elizabethjoandesigns.com.

    Emily

    Reply
  51. Mekenzie @ interiorsbykenz.com says

    March 17, 2014 at 6:32 pm

    The color is absolutely gorgeous!

    Reply
  52. Katrina ChicLittleHouse says

    March 17, 2014 at 7:05 pm

    The bookcases look very pretty!! 🙂

    Reply
  53. Keya Davis says

    March 18, 2014 at 3:26 am

    well, this may shock you but I’m just gonna say it… i LOVE the black backing! oh and that mouse in the cheese and that light bulb – love them!

    Reply
  54. Catherine says

    March 19, 2014 at 11:54 am

    Love the black Cassie! I’m having a bit of a black love affair at the moment… I’m tempted to paint my dining table in it!

    Reply
  55. [email protected] says

    March 19, 2014 at 7:12 pm

    Seriously love your living room so much! The black looks great on the bookshelves!

    Reply
  56. Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says

    March 23, 2014 at 3:15 am

    I loved the orange, too. But this is a great look!

    Reply
  57. Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking says

    March 25, 2014 at 6:24 am

    Cassie I am LOVING it! It really makes everything pop… gorgeous! I’m featuring your bookshelf in this week’s PoPP Spotlight.

    Reply
  58. Simply Suzannes at Home says

    March 25, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home

    I LOVE the color your chose to paint the back of your bookshelves. Just beautiful. And your styling is perfection. Great job!
    Thanks so much for sharing!
    Have a great day,
    Suzanne

    Reply
  59. [email protected] says

    March 25, 2014 at 3:39 pm

    Your bookshelves look amazing Cassie. This is exactly the look I’ve been longing to give my bookcases. Someday . . .
    Thanks so much for always being such an inspiration. Spring blessings to you,
    Patti

    Reply
  60. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    March 28, 2014 at 12:48 pm

    I am a huge fan of the black. It makes all your brass and colorful books pop so well! I love how you have been incorporating black into your house here and there. It really works so well in your home! Thanks for linking your fabulous bookcases up to Best of the Nest. Now can you come style mine?????

    Reply
  61. angietrue says

    March 29, 2014 at 2:54 am

    turned out great! we all evolve from certain decor sometimes. I also love all the brass.

    Reply
  62. Vel Criste says

    March 31, 2014 at 6:06 pm

    Looks absolutely chic and perfect!

    Reply
  63. Kris @ Driven by Décor says

    April 2, 2014 at 1:54 am

    Love the new look of your bookcases! I just painted the backs of mine along with the rest of the office and am only hoping that it looks half as good as yours do once I get everything back on the shelves. I’m coveting your antelope BTW

    Reply
  64. Tracy Laverty says

    April 2, 2014 at 5:28 am

    Cassie, I love the black on the bookshelves. Everything stands out so well with a black back drop. Great inspirations!

    Reply
  65. Lynn says

    October 27, 2014 at 9:19 am

    I’m looking for the same book cases- can you tell me where you bought them?

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 27, 2014 at 8:26 pm

      hi lynn! i found them on craigslist.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. my signature style: moody free-spirited collector says:
    August 29, 2014 at 7:16 pm

    […] of my favorite items to hunt for…. brass animals!  I have several in my living room bookcases, a couple of gifted large deer/antelope, and these brass deer that live on my fireplace..  They […]

    Reply
  2. thrift score thursday guest host says:
    September 4, 2014 at 6:01 am

    […] pretty much died when I saw this image from futuristichuman.  We have the same antelope, so I feel like we are kindred spirits.  I love the antelope, the chair, and the whole ensemble. […]

    Reply
  3. Thanksgiving Home Tour says:
    November 4, 2014 at 5:00 pm

    […] The bookcases in the living room generally stay the same, but I do incorporate some minor touches, this time in the form of a couple white glitter pumpkins. […]

    Reply
  4. BSHT Spring Tour says:
    April 17, 2015 at 6:00 am

    […] navy sofa is the latest addition, and it is the stuff of my dreams.  I also moved the bookcases to this wall and placed them on either side of our sofa […]

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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