I always get excited when someone asks if I just redo furniture or if I build some, too. It also kind of bums me out because I really wish I had more time for custom builds than I do. Then people would already know the answer. Well, today is all about a custom built piece! No before pictures of this Pottery Barn style bookshelf that was custom built for the end of a client’s kitchen counter. But don’t let that fool you! It’s still a revival. The back of the shelf is done with perfectly weathered, perfectly marked and perfectly worn pallet wood.
I never get tired of the pallet wood look. And my signature Pottery Barn black finish that first made its debut with my Pottery Barn Style Dresser never gets old either.
I don’t know. There’s just something about black that stops my heart every time. It’s so classic and timeless.
When my client first contacted me and asked me to come take a look at a project she had in mind and then showed me the end of her counter and said, ‘Think I could put a bookshelf here?’, I, of course, say, Sure!
Then I think, wait, how do I do this so that it doesn’t just look like a box stuck on the end of her cabinet that she and her family are bumping into every time they walk by?
See. I always think I can, sometimes I can’t but I always think I can. Finally after giving it a good bit of thought I decided that if I kept the top open and rounded the top and the sides that would keep it from being too boxy.
Less boxy meant that it would blend in to her counter better without looking like an out of place add-on.
And by now you guys are fully aware of my affinity for adding legs. To everything.
I am not left-brained by nature. The whole measuring part of what I do does not come naturally to me as demonstrated by the photo above. Luckily it was an easy enough fix.
We brought it back the next day and I breathed a sigh of relief as it fit like a glove and looked so at home in its space at the end of a counter. I wish you could see her Bramble Co black distressed desk that sits right across from the bookshelf. They look like they were made for each other.
I love a challenge and I love it even more when I say, Yeah, I can do that!’ and it turns out that I actually can!
The black looks awesome. Not at all like mine. My black typewriter turned all streaky & lighter. It painted on looking like chalkboard, then got a bit darker but still more light charcoal. I’m completely frustrated. Maybe you can cover that at the paint class for me.
Yep with clear, then dark wax…ok! 🙂
Even after you waxed it?? No worries, we will cover this kind of thing in the class tomorrow! See you there!
Such a gorgeous piece! Pinning it now!!!! I need to learn how to use power tools! XOXO! Reb
You use power tools, don’t you? I thought you did! Anyway, thanks for the pin and technically we don’t live too far away so you’re welcome to come and play with power tools with me any ol’ time!
What a creative way to add storage to the end of the bar! Love the legs too, It looks great 🙂
Debbie
Yes!! You DID do that girl. It looks fantastic. Totally like a custom built piece. Oh, it WAS 🙂 Lucky client. It’s perfect.
Gorgeous! Love your work and always visit when you show something you have done:)
Great job! It fits like a glove! Blessings, Tammy
Awesome. I got your post in my email. Aren’t you proud? I wish I had money to spend on you. By the time I get some, you’re gonna be waaaayyy beyond my means. I love this shelf. And I feel your pain with the measuring. Laura
I am proud!! And I can’t wait for you to get rich! Oh, and I need some baby sugar!
Confession: I want one now! 😉 Thank you Debbie!
I was wanting a bookshelf at end of my counter. But mine was not going to be so great. Thx for the idea!!!!
Oh good! I hope you can use the idea and your bookshelf turns out awesome!
What an awesome piece Jamie..really you did a great job!
What a great build. Love that typewriter black. Beautiful.
Awesome! I have power tools, but don’t know where to begin? I don’t know what wood you would use on the sides, or how to measure each side to match?