After six weeks of planning, building, trimming, painting, sourcing… and lots of overthinking every single decision, I’m so excited to reveal the ultimate Billy bookcase hack! This took a LOT longer than I anticipated hence why the reveal is focusing on this corner rather than the whole room (which will be coming soon!). I learned a ton about angles, cutting crown molding, hand painting all the nooks and crannies of the bookcase… and just being patient, taking the time to do things right, and letting go when things don’t work out perfectly.
The Before Photo & Inspo Mood Board
The Process: Check out my other One Room Challenge blog posts for more detail of the process:
- Week One: Fall 2019 Project Reveal!
- Week Two: Comparing Base Options for Faux Built-ins
- Week Three: Week 3: The Bookcase Hack Puzzle – FAQs
- Week Four & Five: Trim & Paint!
The After!
Cost Breakdown: Built-in Corner Bookcase
- CONSUMABLE MATERIALS:
- (2) IKEA wide (31.5″) Billy bookcases: $59 x 2 = $118
- (2) IKEA narrow (15 3/4″) Billy Bookcases: $49 x 2 = $98
- (2) IKEA wide Billy bookcases extension units: $25 x 2 = $50
- (2) IKEA narrow Billy bookcases extension units: $20 x 2 = $40
- (6) IKEA Oxberg doors for Billy bookcases: $30 x 6 = $180
- Brass oval knobs (ordered on Amazon): $4 x 6 = $24
- 1 gallon Zinsser BIN shellac-based primer (used only half): $50
- 1 gallon Benjamin Moore Regal paint in Dark Pewter (used about 2/3): $60
- Paint samples: $8 x 2 = $16
- 16′ crown molding from Kuiken Brothers: $40
- Additional Trim from Home Depot: $60
- Lumber (2×4 for bases; 1×3 for in between bookcases): $35
- 4″ Mending braces: $6 (similar one here)
- 2″ 18 gauge brad nails: $17 (used very little of the box, similar sold here)
- Caulk: $3 (sold here)
- Caulk finishing tool – so useful!: $3 (sold here)
- 2-pack 4″ high density foam rollers: $5 x 2 = $10
- Frog paint tape: $9
- TOOLS PURCHASED FOR THIS PROJECT:
- 3M professional half face organic vapor mask: $38 (sold here)
- Zenith Industries trim puller: $28 (sold here)
- Other supplies/tools used not included in cost: 220 grit sandpaper; Wooster shortcut brush (my fave!); paint tray; foam brush; latex gloves; wood screws; Dewalt miter saw; Dewalt table saw; Dewalt 18 gauge nail gun; Wagner Spraytech paint sprayer
- TOTAL COST TO BUILD: $885
The cost was still somewhat high but this bookcase is LARGE. It’s more than 8′ tall (my ceilings are 9′) and almost 100 linear inches wide. Hiring a contractor to do this would have cost about $4K.
Reflections on the One Room Challenge
This was my first One Room Challenge … and despite some stressful, time-crunched moments, it was so fun! I’m the type of person who thrives on a deadline (aka a procrastinator) so having a specific date to reveal the results was very motivating. I also realized that six weeks is a very short amount of time because I work full time… I’m so glad I picked my home office instead of a mega project like my great room. Renovations just take TIME. It was also awesome to meet fellow DIYers and designers who were part of the challenge too. I continue to be amazed at all the talent out there! Will I do this again? You betcha! Excited to share the rest of the room later this week!
Be sure to follow along for other inspiration photos and tons of behind the scenes/tutorials on Instagram stories: @ourhome.becoming.
This turned out beautifully! Well done!