Living Room Built Ins

Here are a few bookcases and/or ideas that I am looking at to do in the living room one day:

Kentwood Bookshelf

Master Closet Tower

The Favorite Bookshelf

Custom Cabinet Base

Channing Bookcase

Toys Toys Everywhere

Every parent struggles with toys all over their house. It's insane. There are ways to keep up, but it is a lot of work. Constantly purging the collection is hard, and since adding a second child to this house, it's even harder. Our kids are 5 years apart - which means two totally different stages of learning and development. IE 2 full sets of toys. There is no avoiding it.


So here are some toy storage solutions that I am considering. They can both double as side tables for the couch (for my always-cold-coffee):

Toy Storage Bin Box with Cubby Shelves

1x12 Wood Bulk Bins

Entry Built Ins

We're still ignoring the front entry addition - so I'm thinking about all the fun things instead. In addition to the dresser I spoke of the other day, there will be a built in section. Our hope is this will contain all of the our shoes, backpacks, purses, coats, hats, etc etc. Here are a few built in plans that I will probably use in combination for our entry way storage:

Mudroom Bench with Easy Drawers

Mudroom Unit

Living Room Desk

We desperately need to upgrade the desk we have in our living room. It is the original 1980's desk that I've had since I was little, and although it is still in good shape, it ain't pretty.


It has been everything: from a kid's homework desk, to a computer desk, to my sewing space, to an office area, to a kid's homework desk again. I'm not sure what style I want, but here are three plans I am considering from Ana White:

X Leg Desk with Drawers

Desk with Drawers



File Cubby Base Desk with Drawers

Coffee Table Creation

Here are some of the coffee table plans from Ana White that I am considering for a new coffee table in our living room:

20 Sec Tidy Up Coffee Table

Rustic X Coffee Table

Wooden Train Table Coffee Table

Corona Coffee Table - Square

Turned Leg Coffee Table with Apron Drawer

Square Industrial Coffee Table

New Entry, Old Dresser

As we continue to ignore our front entry addition renovation, I continue to plan the finishing details of the room. Who needs electrical and drywall, when you can choose furniture and light fixtures instead!


My Mom has kindly offered up one of their old dressers to me, and I am half in love. Originally I was looking for something quite modern, like below:

But instead I am offered a free dresser like this:

Not the same at all - but may work! Also, the price is right...


So now I'm trying to figure ways to make it my own and get that crisp, clean, modern flare I was going for. I'm digging the white paint colour (shocker.) so I'm thinking that an interesting knob choice could work. You know how I love knobs...


Here are a few options that I'm considering/trying to think of how to get for cheaper:




Etsy $64.92 for 6 = $129.84

HomeDepot $2.81 = $33.72 

HomeDepot $2.98 = $35.76

HomeDepot $3.04 = $36.48

HomeDepot $4.08 = $48.96

HomeDepot $5.13 = $61.56

OR - do I refinish the knobs that are already there? Will spray paint hold up? Should I paint only the face of the knob? Should I measure the space and make sure the dresser will even fit??