IKEA Billy Bookcase & A Library for the Office

Welcome to the 136th Metamorphosis Monday!

If you’ve been reading BNOTP for a while, you’re very familiar with this view of my  Office.

IKEA Billy Bookcase Office Library

 

I’ve shared this side of the room in previous posts, too.

IKEA Billy Bookcase Office Library

But, I’ve rarely shared this side because…well, there’s just nothing to see.  Pretty boring, right?  Well, that’s about to change!


I’ve had big plans for this space all along; I just haven’t been able to find the piece I had envisioned.  I’ve been looking for a bookcase cabinet or some type of old china cabinet I could paint and use to hold books.  But whenever I’ve come across an actual bookcase cabinet, it was way too expensive, usually in the $700-$800 range.  And, I haven’t had any luck finding a china cabinet that would really work well as a cabinet for books.  Not one to settle, this space has remained empty.

I’m so glad now because it turns out, I was dreaming way too small.  I found something so much better.  Remember those trips I made to IKEA land recently?  If you’re a fan of BNOTP on Facebook, you already know what’s on this wall.

IKEA Billy Bookcase Office Library

Here’s the view now as you walk into the office.

IKEA Billy Bookcase Office Library

 

I thought I had sooo many design/garden/cook books.  Ha!  Let’s just say I have a whole lot of growing room.  What a terrible, terrible problem.   I guess I’ll just be forced to buy a few more books to fix this awful situation. 😉

I know that chandelier looks low.  That’s because it is.  The ceiling is only 8 ft. but I really, really wanted a tole chandelier in here.  It hangs 5’10 inches up and that’s fine for my 5’4 inch body.  I could raise it another couple of inches, but I’m really the only one who spends any time in here and I love having it down a bit where I can see all the little flowers.

IKEA Billy Bookcase Office Library

 

I’ll create a post later this week about how I’ve organized this little library and about the “Billy” bookshelves from IKEA.  (Update:  Post can be found HERE.)  They come in several styles and can be ordered online.  The pricing is unbelievably good.  Everything you see here costs a total of $195.  Soooo glad I never found that bookcase cabinet I “thought” I wanted.

I’ve decided to just keep Decorating/Design, Gardening, Crafting, Birding, Cooking and Art books on these shelves.  A few readers have requested I do a post naming some of my favorite design books.  I’ll work on that real soon.   I’m decorator/design book obsessed so I’ll be happy to share some of my faves.  (Update:  The book post can be found HERE.)

IKEA Billy Bookcase Office Library

 

“When I get a little money, I buy books.  And if there is any left over, I buy food.”  -Erasmus

I initially had some books on the right side of the shelves and some on the left.  It felt very contrived and sort of hodge-podge, so I moved most of them back over to the left side and filled in with a few goodies I found around the house.  This arrangement is definitely not complete.  I’ll be moving things around and adding to the shelves over the next few months.  I’ll be sure to share as it evolves with time.

IKEA Billy Bookcase Office Library

 

The clock normally lives on the mantel in the family room, HERE and I really should put it back.

IKEA Billy Bookcase Office Library

The mantel is looking pretty bare without it, but I have so enjoyed having it here singing to me every quarter hour as I work.

IKEA Billy Bookcase Office Library

This clock has tremendous sentimental value since it’s the very first antique/vintage thing I ever purchased.  I was 23 years old and living in Jacksonville, Alabama where we had just bought our very first home.  (You can see it in this post called Yellow Cottages and White Picket Fences.)  I walked into a dark, scary-looking, run down antique shop and the nicest elderly gentleman greeted me.  The clock was around $69, as I recall.  I asked if I could pay for it in two payments and he smiled and said, yes.

IKEA Billy Bookcase Office Library

 

A few weeks later I brought it home and placed it on our mantel.  It has the most beautiful voice…a wonderful, deep Westminster chime.  If you don’t have a chiming clock in your home, I encourage you to consider adding one.  It brings your home alive and you’ll wonder how you ever did without one.  Promise.

Tip:  Look for one that’s at least an 8-day clock, so you’ll only need to wind it once a week.  Sunday is winding day around here.

IKEA Billy Bookcase Office Library

 

So, that’s what’s been happening around here lately. Can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!

IKEA Billy Bookcase Office Library

 

If you would like to view this office transformation from the beginning, click Pottery Barn Office Addition.

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Comments

  1. Oh, I knew where you were going with what you wanted for this wall, but what you got is so perfect and much more storage. I love the look and it completes the room. Everyone would love for a room like this. PS. I am short too, only 5 ft. and that chandy seems perfect to me!

  2. refresh reStyle says

    Your office is amazing! I would love to have a space like that! Thanks for hosting!
    Debbie

  3. Susan, I used the same Billy shelves for my dish room and I loved them. So inexpensive and easy to assembly. What a great way to display your books for a few $$$.

  4. Kristen@MyCoveredBridge says

    The room looks so beautiful! The shelves add so much to the room – and I'd love a list of your favorite design books!
    Kristen
    http://mycoveredbridge.blogspot.com

  5. Debra @ Common Ground says

    Hi Susan, your room has turned out just wonderfully! This new bookcase is amazing. love all the space you have! just linked up, thanks so much for the party,
    xo Debra

  6. designgivesback.com says

    WOW! Susan that looks great!!!!!

    So pretty and functional. You have a way…:):)

    Susan, thanks again for you all you did for the MIRACLE Makeover!!

    THANK-YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR KIND COMMENTS. WE DID IT! STOP BY AND GET YOUR DESIGN ANGEL AWARD, TOO!

    WITH GRATITUDE,

    KELEE KATILLAC

  7. Susan- This room is BEAUTIFUL! I have been following the transformation since Day 1. Your attention to detail inspires me, and I look forward to what you do next.

    What do you think about adding a few pretty plates to the shelves? I never cared about pretty china until I started following your blog! Now you have me taking the time to appreciate china in antique shops.

    The clock is PERFECT! Love to see traditional pieces/colors along with the soft shades.

  8. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Stephanie, I do like that idea a lot, but I'm a little nervous about putting many breakables on the shelves. I foolishly put a big vase on the very top shelf on the left…then the books fell over, knocked it off and it put a dent in the hardwood flooring. 🙁 Didn't break the vase, somehow. So, I'm a little nervous now about putting breakables on the shelves. I do love decorating with plates, though! 🙂

  9. It looks great! That room is huge. Maybe when we are empty nesters I will have a space that big to get stuff done. Great bookcases!
    Sherry

  10. hi Susan, awesome wall of bookshelves! They look wonderful and fabulously functional. Can I just say it is an enviable sewcroff? Totally love it 🙂 xo, Diane

  11. Lemon Lane Cottage says

    I love seeing your room it always inspires me to get in and organize my own space. Thanks for the tip on the bookshelves that is alot of bang for your buck!

  12. Hi Susan! Oh, your bookshelf wall looks great! They almost look built in since they almost touch the ceiling! I love your room and you've done well.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  13. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Hi Susan! Love the new shelving! Your office is looking so pretty! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

  14. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says

    Your office looks GREAT! And the Billy bookcases look so nice in there. Beautiful job, as usual!

    Thanks for having the party!

    Pam

  15. They Call Me Martha says

    OMG! I adore this room. I want one. :-)It is functional yet beautiful and oh so organized.

  16. They Call Me Martha says

    OMG! I adore this room. I want one. :-)It is functional yet beautiful and oh so organized.

  17. The Hopeless Romantic says

    Hi Susan, im linking to ur blog for the first time………..Love ur new bookshelves, alotta shelf for $210 and it looks great, hubby is currently building me some for my front room………glad i stopped by………..Bonnie

  18. Carolyn@SweetChaos says

    Your office looks great… so light and airy! And, now you have a great excuse to go to the bookstore 🙂 Thank you for hosting!

  19. Hello Susan,

    You will be so joyous in your new space…it is lovely.

    Happy to be joining you this week .

    Janet xox
    http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/

  20. FABBY'S LIVING says

    Amazing shelves and you fixed them up beautifully, I love all you have in them and I'm a bit envious of it, I need to do the same at my daughter's room and will not start til next year! Your family room is gorgeous! Susan, can you please tell me what is the tree you have in the corner of your family room and do you keep it inside always?
    Thanks for sharing and for hosting once more. Lots of hugs and have a great week. FABBY

  21. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Fabby, I'm afraid the tree is not real. It's an artificial Ficus. I needed something tall in that corner of the family room, to balance with the armoire, so I (gasp) put a fake Ficus in the corner. Maybe I should re-think it…it's been there forever. I had an opportunity to buy a deer head for $95 last year…but I think I'd feel sorry for the deer every time I saw it. Ummm, gotta think about the corner…

  22. Thelittlebrownhouse.us says

    I already loved your office – now I adore it! What a great addition. I have tons and tons of books so would love a wall like that!

  23. basketladydi says

    Beautiful!! Everything you touch you hand to is perfect! Thanks too, for the bookcase 'tip'!!

  24. Nan @ Playful Decor says

    I went to Ikea for the first time recently (I know, I know!) and finally understand when all say "the Billy shelves!"
    Do you have any Ikea sofas? I'm wondering about their durability.

  25. Every piece you pick for this room is perfection!

  26. Happy Cottage Quilter says

    Once again YAY for IKEA!! I did a post for Met Monday a few weeks ago showing what my daughter did to her room using the Billy bookcases. She and I dragged those boxes home and she put them together by herself 😉
    Here is the link –

    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/2011/08/metamorphosis-monday.html

    I'm liking IKEA more and more! I love how your bookcase has the built in look.

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

  27. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Nan, I just went to IKEA for the first time about 2 weeks ago, despite living only 20 minutes away. I loved it so much I went back the next day and bought the Billy shelves. lol
    I haven't bought one of their sofas, but a lot of folks have and seem to really like them. I can't believe how inexpensive they are! Wish they had been here in ATL when my son went off to college.

  28. It is PERFECT! Just exactly what the room was waiting for! Functional and pretty!

    A couple of observations, just because I can never shut up…..

    A. May I just say BOOKENDS? If you use one on the end of the books, you can add almost anything to the remaining space without worry about breakage!

    B. You have all the books starting at the left corner and thus they all lean left. If you start a few at the right corner, it will keep it from looking like its about to slide out the window! (That's just a quirk of mine. It looks too unbalance for me with everything leaning in the same direction.)

    C. Find a different clock for the mantel. Keep the lovely old clock where it is. It was kind of lost in the other room because there is already so much to look at there. But the dark clock on a light shelf all by itself gives it the importance it deserves.

    It is such a light and bright space. It's a GREAT room! Okay, I'll shut up now.

    Mel

  29. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Mel, I don't like the bookends I currently have…I may buy some and add some…would rather just add lots more books! 🙂
    I tried the books the way you're suggesting…some on the left, some on the right. I just didn't like the way it looked in the end. So I moved them all back to the left. lol I think the pics I posted on FB a week or so ago showed them on both sides…that's right after I put them together. Just decided I like them better all starting from the left. 🙂

  30. Your new shelves fit your space perfectly. Great finish to your room.

  31. classic • casual • home says

    Sorry about your Blogger problems…frustrating. Love your office. You must feel so energized with such and organized and pretty space.

  32. Hi Susan, love your Billie bookcases. Ikea has lots of great things for the budget minded and creative folk alike! Several others have seen how the bookcases look built in since you added to top shelf–you might want to add the same moulding around the top and they will be magically "built ins"–also adding a small strip of moulding at the place where the separate cases meet will contribute to that illusion. Martha has a tutorial somewhere on her site about crating the "built ins."

    Everything looks so great in that room. I have so enjoyed watching the new creation. I also spied a picture on the left side of the shelves which looks like a poster I have of a black kitty–with lots of lovely flowers–am I correct? I had a beautiful black cat and I bought that poster in her honor.

    Love, love, love the transformation!!

    Di

  33. Bunny Jean says

    Your shelves really balance out the room and besides they are so functional. Great Job!

    This is my first time at Met Monday in over a year… Happy to be blogging again.

    Thanks for hosting the party 🙂

    xoxo Bunny Jean
    @ Bunny Jean's Decor and More! (my MAIN blog)

  34. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    The bookcases are just the perfect finishing pieces to this room, Susan! It looks so fabulous! You did a great job in here ~ it could be in a Where Women Create book. I've got a home office to deal with once we move and getting furniture for it. I have no idea yet how we will set the room up, what kind of desk or anything really. I supposed I will focus on the rest of the house first, but I won't be able to put it off forever!

  35. Erin @ How to Nest for Less says

    Gorgeous!! So jealous of your space 🙂 I love how everything is so bright and whimsical. LOVE.

  36. You did great. Those book shelves are perfect for the space. I love your work space, I'm afraid it it were mine I might never leave it. Love your pretty chandy too.
    Hope your blogger problems work itself out. At least your post feed is being burned. My feeds are not going out, period! What's that you say? Grrrr! Blogger problems………..

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

  37. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Di, that is a black kitty surrounded by a gorgeous garden. It's not a poster…it's a print I found at Michaels. Up close it really looks more like a photograph…not really a print. It was already matted and I just found a frame to go with it. It was in my old "office" dressing room space and I missed it. Once I hung the shelves, that created a nice little spot for it. 🙂 That's so sweet about your black kitty. I just think it's the most wonderful scene…so beautiful.
    I've seen the molding done like that with the Billy bookshelves…very clever. If my shelves went all the way to the wall, I'd be really tempted to do that. It's pretty amazing how they even have corner shelves to turn the corners to continue the built in effect.

  38. On Crooked Creek says

    Susan,
    The shelves are an amazing addition to your home office!!! I'm sure we'll see many changes going on there in the future, as well! Books and magazines are one of the luxuries I enjoy!
    YES! I have the same trouble with blogger. Back in May I somehow managed to repost Old Christmas Tree from last Christmas. Blog Land ladies are the dearest…they just kept commenting …didn't miss a beat! Trust me…I really DON'T put my Christmas Tree up in May! Ha!SO~O~O…now I copy and paste when I borrow from a former post…then I have to change the font. Sometimes…I just retype and go to my pictures file and begin from scratch! It is a pain!!!
    If you find a solution, please pass the info on to all of us! In the meantime…keep on blogging!
    Fondly,
    Pat

  39. I LOVE looking at your office! It just makes me happy.

  40. Susan, your shelves look wonderful! I have Billy bookcases all over my house and they are unbelievably sturdy AND beautiful! But I love the bowls and other tchotchkes you've added. This was the perfect touch for your office!

  41. Your sewcroff has turned out fantastic. Yes I'm a fan of IKEA.
    I would love to own one of there couches but MR DH has a problem with that. I'm just curious as to why you have three monitors?

  42. Your blog is such an inspiration, please don't ever stop. You are such a sweet lady and so talented. I am thinking about starting a blog although it's very, very late.

    Did you decide not to add the glass doors to your bookcases? We are considering the Billy bookcases and wondered if the installation of the glass doors is complicated.

    Btw, does Max share his steps when you need to reach the higher books? He's such a sweet kitty. Thanks for sharing his participation and contributions to all your projects.

    Take care, Mary.

  43. housedressingblog.blogspot.com says

    Thanks for this post! Seeing your mantel clock reminded me that I have one tucked away in a box because the glass face got broken and I should really take it in to be fixed so that I can proudly display it again!

  44. Love the chandelier! Love the bookcases too. You have decorated them nicely. You can't go wrong with the Billy bookcases! I am new to blogging so stop by if you get a chance and let me know what you think!

  45. So glad you posted this! I have been looking at some bookshelf solutions and I will have to look into this. We have my family's grandfather clock in our house and though I have to "catch it back up" daily, I love the sounds it makes 🙂

  46. Laura Wilkerson says

    I'm lovin' the bookshelves and you should definitely keep the clock in there!

  47. Melany @ Project Anthologies says

    Yep – your office is a beautiful. I actually just bought an old office chair that I'm getting ready to paint – and I was inspired by the style of yours. I waited for months until I found one. 🙂

  48. Melany @ Project Anthologies says

    Yep – your office is a beautiful. I actually just bought an old office chair that I'm getting ready to paint – and I was inspired by the style of yours. I waited for months until I found one. 🙂

  49. Your room is so gorgeous, and those bookshelves are the perfect touch. I love Westminister chimes; maybe I'll find a clock like yours someday.

  50. The finishing touch!! Perfect,
    Susan, I like the way you wait until you know just the right thing to add.
    Your room looks so bright and cheerful, it must be lovely working in there. Plus you have Mr. Max, the best touch of all!! 🙂

  51. Farah Muzaffar says

    Hi Susan… its always nice and inviting to have a look at your office… i love the bright and cheerful atmosphere there…
    I am linking up with the party…
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    Love
    Farah

  52. Love your new shelves! I wish I had the space to copy this idea. I think I have as many books-well almost as you! You did a great job displaying your "things" among the books.

    Looking forward to your post about your favorite books.

    Mary

  53. Tres Chere says

    Thank you for hosting. You have given me some ideas on organizing my shelves! Thanks! Hope you have a wonderful week!

  54. ❁Velma❁ says

    Those bookshelves look great! And the price? Wow! I'll have you know I'm envying your 8-day clock..I've got to find me one 😉

  55. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Hi Linda,
    The one off to the far left is a tv.
    I use two monitors a lot. Hard to explain how…but they really come in handy. If you google benefits of two monitors, you can read up on that. Some folks have even more. I can pull up pic files and drags pics from one file to another across the monitors. I can have email on one while I'm working on the other. Really comes in handy when I'm creating posts and want to have pic files up on one while I'm creating the post on the others. I could never go back to one monitor…I'm ruined now. lol

  56. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Mary (9:23 AM) Thanks so much! You're a love!
    I did decide against the glass doors for now because I really want the shelves to feel more like a library and with the doors, I thought they would feel more like "display" cabinets. The doors also greatly increased the price…would have costs an additional $360 more to add doors to the cabinets and the extension shelf on top. I would have paid that if I really thought that was the way I wanted to go…but I'm pretty sure I like the open shelving better.
    Unfortunately, I can't use Mr. Max's stairs…they are just for pets and wouldn't hold a person. 🙂
    When I add an ottoman to the chair, I figure I'll just scoot it over when I need to reach the top shelf, although I can just barely reach it now on tiptoes. Wish I was about 2 inches taller. lol

  57. Looking good, Susan. I'll bet you have those shelves full soon.

  58. Tres Chere says

    What I could do in a room that big and organized,you rock! Beautiful.
    http://trescherechattel.blogspot.com/

  59. Susan, I love your office!! The chandy is my favorite piece and I'm with you, keep it low so you can enjoy it!!
    Didn't you have an Amazon widget on your sidebar at one time that featured your favorite books? I know I purchased several based on those recs.
    Thanks for such a fun, happy blog!!
    Susan

  60. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Susan, good memory! I did have one there for a while but I removed it because I was concerned it might be causing the home page to load slowly.

  61. FANTASTIC job, Susan! These really look like they've always belonged in there. I'm impressed & now you've got me thinking about something similar.
    Did you anchor them to the wall somehow? You can answer here in the comment section & I'll see it, as I'm sure others would want to know, too. I worry about tall things toppling over. My baby sister pulled a metal filing cabinet over on top of herself. I got yelled as, as I was supposed to be watching her. :/

    I once wanted Blogger to re-publish a year old post for me while I was on vacation & it goofed & showed up just as soon as I hit publish, even though I had a future date selected. They have a discussion forum to broach such issues but I never bothered.

    I have nothing to link to today…just wanted to say how nice your shelves look.

    Hugs,
    Rett

  62. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Thanks, Rett. The Billy bookshelves come with something you can use to anchor them to the wall. If I had small children in the home, I would definitely do that just in case they decided to try and the climb the shelves when my back was turned. The shelves feel sturdy, especially as I'm placing more and more books on them. But again, I'd use the anchor thing if I had little ones around. I may do that later once I have grandchildren visiting…just to be safe.

  63. Modern Country Lady says

    Perfect solution! I have a wall of Billy bookcases just like this and say what you like about IKEA, it's still in just as good a shape as when I bought them, after 25 years at least ( and after two moves ).
    I love westminster clocks, you and I are really so similar in that respect.Mine needs repairing as once it starts chiming it runs away with itself and won't stop!!!

  64. Looks great and I am sure you are glad you waited!

    As to the clock–I agree. My grandmother had a mantle clock similar to yours with the westminster chimes. It now resides at my parent's home. Lovely! 🙂

  65. Summerland Cottage Studio says

    LoVe, LoVe, LoVe all the bookshelves filling with inspirational books.
    And your living room is BEAUTIFUL !
    Thank you for hosting & sharing !!!

  66. Painted Furniture says

    The wall is fantastic. So glad I stopped by to take a peek.

  67. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    It is wonderful to have so much storage I am sure and to be able to readily find what you are looking for, for inspiration. Really love the clock on your shelf…our mantle clock is on my kitchen counter and I enjoy it "singing" to me during the day as I work in the kitchen. Thank you for hosting such a FUN party!

  68. This room is proving to be so versatile, as well as pretty! I'm lovin' that clock, Susan. You paid for it the same way I bought my sewing machine after I got married. I made several payments on a used portable Singer at the local hardware store! Still have it, BTW.
    🙂 Sue

  69. Designs By Pinky says

    $210.00?????????????? That is fabulous!!! I love the shelves and think they are perfect in the office! It will be fun collecting more things to go on them. Thanks for the idea to get a chiming clock. I have never had one so will start looking for one. Have a GREAT week. I linked up this week!!!!! XO, Pinky

  70. Tracy Boyle says

    The shelving is perfect Susan! I have a few questions about your room… Can you tell us where you got the glass for your desktops? Also, where did you get your dressform? I love, love, love it!!! Thanks for inspiring me, as always!

  71. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    It looks great. So bright and airy. Thanks for hosting.

  72. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Hi Tracy,
    I found the dress form in an antique shop about 15 years ago. I got for an awesome price…around $95, as I recall.
    I had all the glass cut by a local glass company in Kennesaw, Georgia. He came out and measured the desks and brought it all back and "installed" it. I recently broke a piece and had to have a replacement cut. Yikes! All the glass for the tops cost $327. I'm such a klutz sometimes…figured I'd better protect the desk tops.

  73. I love your room! Can I ask – what are the dimensions? It looks like it's about 16×16, but I'd like to know.

    Thanks,
    Kara

  74. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Hi Kara, I wish it was that large. It's only 11.5 X 13 feet. The wall the bookshelves are on is 13 ft long and the wall the windows are on is only 11.5 feet.

  75. That room is so fun and fresh. It just makes me smile. So happy for you to have such a wonderful space to create.

  76. It looks amazing ! I have a wall of shelves similar to that in my craftroom and you've inspired me to organize it ! It used to hold mostly teaching materials from my hs'ing days, but now that the boys are all grown, it's ripe for cleaning out and housing my delicious decorating and craft books !!!!

    Oh, and maybe it's 'cause I'm from Jersey – but everytime I see your new name for the room … I think you're cursing at me – lol ! I see Screw Off in my demented mind : P

    hugs from jersey,
    gena

  77. Micupoftea~ says

    Lucky girl…you do not have to work off the dining room table. Nice!

  78. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Gena, you are cracking me up! lol I wonder if anyone else does a double take and thinks that about the name of the room! 🙂
    Yes, clean off those shelves and load 'em up with the good stuff…all your wonderful craft books! 🙂

  79. Hi Susan! I LOVE your new IKEA shelves! That is exactly what I need to do in my office and I VOW to do it this fall! Those are right in the price range I need too, thanks for sharing all that info. I think I will make my office reno a continuing post too. Take care,

    Michelle
    http://www.newengland-style.com

  80. I love that office!!!! I love the IKEA shelves! I have too many books too, so it's a great idea!!

  81. Dear lady, you are an awesome designer/decorator…a real hands-on designer. Your blog is my all time favorite, I love to see what you're up to next and you never disappoint. Actually, you always amaze me. I love looking at every single detail of your tables and rooms and wonder how in the world you come up with so many ideas.

    I play around with decorating, but I don't know the whys or why nots about design. Even when I watch Design Star I don't always "get" the opinions of the pros 😉 Anyway I do have a design question for you. I'm wondering why you have all the vertical books lined up on the left of the shelves (except the upper right shelf)?

    Thanks for blogging!!!!

  82. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Anonymous…thanks so much for those sweet words! The real designers would probably cringe at my decorating ideas. lol
    Well, about the books, initially I did have some on the right side, too, but I had so few books to work with, it looked a bit too staged. I ended up moving most of them back to the left, optimistically hoping I can add more books real soon. I think it's going to take while though, since I have so much growing room. I may end up shifting them around again to help fill in all those empty places. 🙂

  83. I love your office. I'm working on my own office transformation and I'm inspired by yours and others that I have seen. Can't beat the price of the Ikea bookshelves. At that price I could add crown molding for an inexpensive DIY custom built look like this posting that I recently saw:
    http://www.celebrate-creativity.com/my_weblog/2011/07/at-home-with-books.html

  84. Wonderful place to work, bright and uncluttered. I can imagine you spend countless hours in your lovely office. I am joining your party , inspired for fall.
    Kathy

  85. Renee@Nana's Empty Nest says

    I just love the wrapping paper wall unit!! Your office is so organized!

  86. These shelves are great! However, when you get this office all settled, perhaps you'd like to list some of your books – I happened to see Great Settings on one of the shelves and purchased it.

    That rooms looks absolutely fabulous – nice job and know you've probably got some other ideas to add to it.

  87. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Anonymous…great timing for your comment. Tomorrow's post includes a list of all my favorite Decorating books! 🙂

  88. You have an absolutely STUNNING office space! Thanks for sharing, you are so inspiring as always!

  89. Hi Susan ~ Your bookcase really finished off your home office. You will be spending most of your day in there I am guessing. What a treat !

  90. I loooove this room. Thanks for the Great reasons to get 2 monitors. I have them at work, but kind of left it there. Will definitely look into for home now.

  91. Erica Tuscano says

    I know this is a really old post, but I’m curious about the color match of the Pottery Barn Bedford Desk with the Ikea Billy Bookshelf. Are they close enough to live side by side, or is the Billy Bookshelf too bright against the Bedford Desk? Thank you!

    • Erica, I think so. Standing here in my office, I can’t tell the difference between the two. All you really see of the bookshelves though are the edges of the shelf and the bottom kickboard because they are filled with books and decorative pieces. but as far as I can see, they look very, very close, if not the same. I’m unbelievably picky about stuff like that and they work together great to me.

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