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Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way

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As some of you may know I have been working on the small apartment space for the past few weeks, and will continue to do so for a while yet. You can see the whole series on the bottom of this post.

 So far, I shared with you how I painted the bookcases with milk paint.  The photos in that post were styled to show off the two bookcases. Pretty pictures but not reality.  And certainly not practical!

Today I will be sharing the reality photos of the bookcases.  What it actually looks like and what I have done to make it functional.  

Pretty and practical bookcases the easy way, because we don’t want thing to be too hard!
close up of magazine file and bottles with shells, Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
In our home we have lots of magazine files.  They are easy to use for storage and organization. However the ones I had from Ikea, were dark colors and not in keeping with my new bright and cheerful philosophy for the look of the new space. 
Magazine files, before, Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
What did I do to add bright and cheery?  Why I painted them of course!  Why not?  A little chalky type paint can go a long way and easily transform these dark magazine files into blue stunners. I simply mixed in a little white with the blue paint color I already had.  (If you’d like to see which products I recommend, I have an affiliate link below.)
painted magazine files, Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
Below you can see where I have placed a few of them.  Had I kept the original look it would have been too dark and created a very busy bookcase. Now I have pretty plus practical.  
top of bookcase one, with magazine files, boxes and tin cans, Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
And the tins were all painted with similar colors to create a bright and cheerful look. 
tin cans used for organization and storage, Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
As we move down the first bookcase we see more magazine files which have been decoupaged with maps.  In this case they are New York maps. I use them for holding paperwork, files and also random receipts.  We are very big here in Greece on collecting receipts. “wink”
map covered magazine files with decoupage, Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
On the bottom of the first bookcase I have a strawberry crate which was painted white.  And a big cardboard box.  The pattern will of course be familiar to many of you.  I decoupaged the box with this fabric to give some unity to the area.

​You can also spot my Empire State building wood pieces.  They were pieces of wood that were found out on the road.  I believe they may have been legs to something.  But I think they look like my beloved Empire State Building and so I use them as decor. 
cardboard box covered with fabric, Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com

​And moving onto the second bookcase.  The top area has more magazine files in blue and in map decoupage.  There’s that fabric again!  This time on a phone book. 
Bookcase two with magazine files and tin cans, Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
More maps, this time of Greece and the Aegean Sea. Can you see the blue that is sprinkled throughout?
magazine files decoupaged with maps, Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
Right below is another crate and my pretty cookie tin cans.  I have a tutorial for them here. 
cookie tin cans decoupaged with fabric and a crate, Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
The magazine files you see next to the books are a darker shade of blue than the previous ones.  I wanted to mix things up a bit.  And below them, another box, this time decoupaged in… you guessed… it maps!
painted magazine files, boxes wrapped in brown paper, and a cardboard box decoupaged with maps, Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
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I managed to create a variety of colors, textures and patterns but all within the same soft blue scheme. I wanted it to be relaxing and calming.  So that when my tired eyes rest on it, I won’t get a headache.  I think that the gray and white paint job of the bookcases also adds to the overall calm effect.  Pretty and Practical!
Two bookcases styled with blue colors, maps and pomegranate branches, #bookcasestyling #coastaldecor #summervignettes #upcycledmagazinefiles #upcycledcartons #mapboxes #decoupage #chalkytypepaint #organizing #storagesolutions Upcyled with paint, fabric and decoupage. Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
I was all done but then I found a gray box.  See it next to the mapped files?  I liked it so much I glued on an image from a calendar I had. Yes, I keep old calendars from years gone by for their pretty images. Am I bordering on hoarder status?
A gray box added to the shelf, Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
I then added a few branches off our pomegranate tree.  I just love those orange colored blossoms and use them every chance I get.  
Pomegranate branches added for color to the shelf, Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
Does it look nice with the orange or is it too much?
Two bookcases styled with blue colors, maps and pomegranate branches, #bookcasestyling #coastaldecor #summervignettes #upcycledmagazinefiles #upcycledcartons #mapboxes #decoupage #chalkytypepaint #organizing #storagesolutions Upcyled with paint, fabric and decoupage. Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
And the simpler version! 

So you can see I’ve been able to create lots of storage space frugally.  What did I use?  Old magazine files I already had and a few cardboard boxes. With a little imagination and creativity, and a bit of paint, fabric and mod podge I have given the bookcases a unified look while at the same time giving myself lots of storage.  Upcycling at it’s best!

Two bookcases styled with blue colors, maps and pomegranate branches, #bookcasestyling #coastaldecor #summervignettes #upcycledmagazinefiles #upcycledcartons #mapboxes #decoupage #chalkytypepaint #organizing #storagesolutions Upcyled with paint, fabric and decoupage. Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
I hope that I was able to show you that pretty and practical doesn’t have to cost much. And it can be done quite easily by upcycling! In fact if you look around your home I’m sure you can think of lots of ways to create a unified look to your bookcases as well.

Which version do you prefer, with or without the pomegranate branches?
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Two bookcases styled with blue colors, maps and pomegranate branches, #bookcasestyling #coastaldecor #summervignettes #upcycledmagazinefiles #upcycledcartons #mapboxes #decoupage #chalkytypepaint #organizing #storagesolutions Upcyled with paint, fabric and decoupage. Pretty and Practical Bookcases the Easy Way www.theboondocksblog.com
If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest.  Above is a Pinterest worthy image!

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  1. Hi Mary, you’ve done a lovely job on those book cases! I love the Empire State buildings (very creative) and the maps you’ve so neatly lined up. I like the addition of the pomegranate flowers, it adds a nice splash of brightness.
    xx

  2. Julie says:

    Loads of storage in a light, bright and practical way. Nothing looks cluttered but you have plenty of space for ‘stuff’ . You really have done a lovely job here Mary.

  3. What a refreshing new look, Mary. You know I love blue and this is perfect. Bravo!!

    • Mary says:

      I know all about your blue obsession Larissa. I guess you’ll have to come to my house to get some blue.

  4. They’re definitely bright and cheerful now! Amazing what a little paint can do.

  5. Leanna says:

    These are wonderfully put together. I love how you mixed the patterns with the maps. You truly know how to put a beautiful home together on a budget. Your proof it can be done. Love it.

    • Mary says:

      Thanks Leanna. Actually I have no budget at all… Haha! Just my imagination. But it’s a good challenge!!

  6. Your bookcases are beautiful! I love the calming shades of blue you have used. And what a great idea to use maps to cover the boxes! I love everything about the look…including the pomegranate pop of color!
    [email protected]

  7. STUNNING! Keep the orange in – it pops out so nicely. I cannot stop looking at your bookshelves and all the pretty things you’ve got put into. You’re an artist, dear Mary and I admire your ability to turn things into something special and pretty…
    Have a wonderful day,
    Marjan

    • Mary says:

      Thank you so much Marjan. I only care that when I walk into the room the feeling it gives me. Nice and relaxed, and not stressing out.

  8. Oh these look lovely Mary and I love the blue theme. I also love the use of maps as coverage. Thanks for sharing another lovely idea with us at #overthemoon. I’ve pinned and shared.

    • Mary says:

      Thank you Sue. The blue makes such a difference to give the whole space a calm and relaxing feel.

  9. I just love how you coordinated all the magazine files! This post will be my feature today at Tuesdays with a Twist! Thank you for sharing with us last week. I hope you have time to join us again! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

  10. Your shelves look so pretty with all that blue. Such a cute idea with the maps too. Your post was one of my features at Best of the Weekend! Thanks for joining us and have a wonderful weekend!
    Shelley

  11. Hi Mary – the shelves and their contents look great. I love all the shades of blue – but especially the maps you used to cover the magazine holders – very clever and they would have been fun for you to do I’m sure 🙂

  12. Amy says:

    I love it, Mary! I love how you have covered so many pieces to fit your theme and color scheme. It all looks so lovely and cohesive! The blues are so pretty and definitely calming to the eye. 🙂

    • Mary says:

      With so much stuff on the shelves, I needed to have cohesion so that it would not look cluttered or stuffy. This was a good solution.

  13. Very pretty and very creative! I love reusing and upcycling and you’ve been an inspiration. I do like the look of the peachy-orange blossoms providing a little pop of variety in color.

  14. It looks just fabulous, Mary. (Of course, my favorite color — that’s always a plus!) I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get my office to look so neat and tidy — or keep it that way. But you inspire me to try.

  15. Ivory says:

    You open so many beautiful possibilities for so mant beautiful possibilities. Thank you. I love everything you did here. So fabulous! The maps are a wonderful idea alone with everything else.

  16. Great Post!! Thank you for sharing this post on the Simply Sweet Home Linky Party. You were my choice for this week’s party and your post will be featured on my blog on Friday. Be sure to go by and grab the I’ve Been Featured Button.

  17. Michelle says:

    Super cute! 🙂 And I love how it fits in seamlessly with your gorgeously decorated bookcases!
    Thank you so much for sharing this at the Farmhouse Friday link party! Pinned! 🙂

  18. Amber Harrop says:

    I love your bookcases Mary – I love the cohesive look and the colours you have used are my favourites

  19. Cindy says:

    Awesome job on the bookcases. I just laughed when you said “covered the phone book”. I love this! Girl, you have such a creative spirit. The blues are pretty to me and your organizational skills are over the top! I am trying to better organized. I used to be then something happened along the way! LOL! I love the orange blossom. I think it gives it a pop of color. Hope you have a great day. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    • Mary says:

      Cindy I had some left over fabric. What was I gonna do? I didn’t want it sitting up there on the shelf all naked! 😉 I too used to be super organized and then the kids started to multiply and I got into bad habits. But now that they are pretty much out of the house it is time to take my organizational skill back!

  20. Wow Mary! You already know that I love your ideas but the maps surprised me in very good way! They look awesome!

  21. jeanie says:

    This is unbelievably beautiful, Mary. I love that color — it’s my favorite. And doing the magazine boxes in the paint and maps is absolutely inspired! Very nice indeed.
    And I love the spot of orange flowers. It just sets it off perfectly!
    And finally, thanks for your recent visit to Marmelade Gypsy. I’m so very behind in replying to comments but thank you!

    • Mary says:

      Jeanie thank you so much for your sweet comment. I really want this room to look calming and relaxing. And that means paying attention to every detail.

  22. You say this is the reality of the shelves but I think they are styled very nicely for everyday living. They are practical and they look good. You added interest was things you use all of the time.

    • Mary says:

      Thank you Debra. I really wanted to achieve a calm effect. You know how quickly things can pile up and look messy. With the magazine files all the stuff is hidden away.

  23. Well done, Mary! Looks professionally staged!

    • Mary says:

      Gail this was the reality shot. I am so happy you think it looks so professional. Let’s hope we keep it that way.

  24. Jennifer says:

    What gorgeous shelves, I love how you’ve personalised the storage. And I love the pomegranate tree, I think it contrasts beautifully!

  25. I love the coastal feel of these bookcases, fantastic job! Stopping by from Merry Monday Linky Party. Have a great week!

    • Mary says:

      Thanks Tanya. They really needed to feel bright and cheerful for the summer. And in the winter they will brighten up a gloomy day!

  26. With the pomegranate. That lovely pop of vibrant orange is so delightful in amongst the pale relaxing blues. It’s unexpected and draws the eye in to all the other thrifty up-cycles you’ve done. Yup definitely with the pomegranate Mary

    • Mary says:

      Michelle I really love that pop of orange too. But those flowers are going to dry out and fade. I’ll have to look and find something else.

  27. These are very pretty bookcases! And I love the contrast given by the orange flower :).

    • Mary says:

      Yay! I’m happy you like my orange flower! I think it adds a bit of interest to the whole scene.

  28. Very well done Mary! It all looks great! Functional yet Pretty! I love all the pops of blue, and everything is so beat and orderly. I love the pop of orange from your pomegranate tree, can’t wait till my blooms. Mine is still small, more like a bush. Didn’t know that they had such pretty blooms. I will be cutting mine and bring some in every once in a while.
    You did a great job, love it all!!!

    • Mary says:

      Thank you Linda. Those pomegranates make quite a statement with their bold color! If only we could keep them fresh so the color doesn’t fade.

  29. Stellar job Mary! I love blue and white (my favorite combo), so I’m particularly attracted to your latest makeover. It’s the perfect combination of pretty and practical.
    xxx

    • Mary says:

      Thank you Doreen. Those magazine files were all over the place. I had about 5 different patterns before a wrangled them down with paint.

  30. Carolann says:

    I love the maps decor! It always looks so classic. You did a wonderful job with your bookcases!

  31. Mandy says:

    The bookcases look great whether styled prettily or practically. 🙂 I especially love the decoupaged maps. And that plant looks nice. 🙂 I don’t think it’s too much…

  32. Keri Roberts says:

    Mary, I love how you’ve styled the bookcases!! I like the map decoupage and the painted magazine holders. It looks so bright and cheery. I think the pomegranate are a lovely touch and maybe a few more blossoms on some more of the shelves might be nice too.

    • Mary says:

      Keri I really wanted to transform those files. I had so many of them and they were in lots of different patterns. Can you imagine if I had put them on the shelves they would have been fighting with each other.

  33. Pili says:

    I would place an armchair in front of the bookcases just for the pleasure of admiring them. Love how you used the blue to coordinate everything and those decoupaged magazine files with maps are so cool.

    • Mary says:

      Thanks Pili. I get stupid (Greek expression) whenever I walk in there and still cannot believe the change in the room. Those blues are magic!

  34. Ivory says:

    Oh my, you have chosen one of my favorite colors. NICE!
    I love how everything looks neat, clean lines, and organized. You gave me ideas for our study. Thank you for sharing.

    • Mary says:

      Thank you so much Ivory! I feel as if this whole space is really coming together nicely! I would love to hear about your study and how you will do it.

  35. I am always impressed with your makeovers and this is no exception! All that storage you created looks amazing together! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

    • Mary says:

      Thanks Marci. I like to have lots of storage but that doesn’t mean it cannot be pleasing to the eye.

  36. Carlee says:

    You have so many fun touches here! What a great collection to display too.

  37. Oh Mary, I have so many magazine files in my basement storage room that I don’t have on display because they are ugly. LOVE this idea for making them pretty enough to move upstairs. Pinning 🙂

    • Mary says:

      Marie I had a lot more but I am in the process of decluttering… anyway how many does a person need. Lol! Go and empty out your basement and we want to see what you are going to do with them!

  38. Katrin says:

    Mary the easier the better is my motto! I love how you made your bookcases be functional for storage but look pretty at the same time. All of the colours work so well together, I really like the maps on those file holders a lot, but it all looks cheery and happy and most important, organized!

    • Mary says:

      I really poured all my love into this one Katrin. After all the exercise I got while painting it I wanted it to be special. I think all those blues are making it feel like its a coastal space too. We have to be true to our location. Easy is the best for sure!