Unlimited Possibilities: The Wonders of a Simple Bookcase

Hi everyone!  Sorry for being AWOL the past week…I honestly don’t know how anybody works a full time job AND runs a blog successfully.  I don’t know how well I’m doing, but I’m trying to figure out how to make this work!  Thanks for hanging with me 🙂
 
If I had to choose one piece in my home that has the most versatility and endless possibilities I would hands down choose my bookcase.  Bookcases provide storage for essentials like books and magazines, but they are also the perfect place to display all your random knick-knacks (and I looooove my knick-knacks).  Today I’m featuring my beloved bookcase that I have in my dining room area.  Mine has 16 different cubbies, and love how I can give each one it’s own personality!  This one is from Nadeau in Columbia, SC, but this store is also in lots of big cities across the US (check it out if you can, they have really unique furniture).  If you are on a really tight budget Ikea has a really amazing one too (the sleek and simple expedit bookcase…$139 for 16 cubbies!!).  The most important thing is to have a sturdy bookcase so that it’ll last you forever…there is nothing worse than a wobbly bookcase. 
 
Endless possibilities with one piece of furniture!
 
I grouped some turquoise books and silver objects in this one.

Magazines and books add height to this cubby.  Don’t be afraid to mix your metals.  This gold star is next to the silver cubby.

Don’t be afraid to add some lighting to your bookcase! It adds some elegance and warmth.

I found this odd blue and white teapot at a thrift shop!  Funky huh?

Another lamp.  I really have a lamp problem, but I hate overhead lights!

Arrange your books and magazines in different ways: dressed left, dressed right and/or stacked!

Pretty vase for $5 from TJ Maxx. 

Tin Union Jack lion I found in the U.K.  So cool.

Coral a found for cheap at a flea market.

Gave this owl a makeover with some gold spray paint to make him useable year-round.

I grouped all my yellow books together.  Sorting by color is a fun way to arrange your books.

Coral left over from my Hawaii days.  Oh and Mary Kay Andrews writes the best chick lit.

Gold pig bookends from CB2.  So fun!

Hourglasses and tin boxes grouped together.

My West Point yearbooks are hidden in a bottom cubby. 

Ok so this one doesn’t look very cute, but the sangria pitcher is from Spain.
If your bookcase is looking a little plain and boring, clear it out and get to rearranging!  This is such an easy way to make a big impact!  Hopefully this provided a little inspiration to get you started.

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Katie Vail
Katie Vail

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  1. Jordan
    February 22, 2014 / 10:08 pm

    I love this! I have been picking up knick knacks for my new bookshelf from antique stores and little shops!

  2. February 23, 2014 / 2:35 am

    Looks beautiful! I agree with mixing metals too. You have a great eye for decorating!

    xo
    Pat

  3. February 23, 2014 / 2:40 am

    P.S. I'm not sure if you're aware or not that you have "word verification" turned on. A lot of folks cannot determine the letters/numbers due to more 'mature' vision. You will receive a lot more comments if this is turned off. You can still have a sense of security by approving each comment prior to publishing. Just thought I'd mention this in case you didn't know. 🙂

  4. February 24, 2014 / 2:36 am

    I love this post. Your bookcase is gorgeous and I love your unique knick knacks!

  5. February 24, 2014 / 2:39 am

    Hi Katie! I found you through your home tour on The Everygirl! We are neighbors! I am a mama of four kids, Navy wife. Tonight I just started a new blog called Document My Style. I hope that you will visit it. I am really excited to have a creative outlet. I love fashion and design. Cheers, Esther
    http://www.documentmystyle.wordpress.com

  6. February 25, 2014 / 9:51 pm

    LOVE the Union Jack lion……my UJ collection has grown since living in the UK!!

  7. August 26, 2014 / 11:33 pm

    Katie, just kidding! I found my answer by continued reading 🙂

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