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February 27, 2020

Reading Nook Before and After

Published on February 27, 2020

This dramatic reading nook before and after features an unused dry bar that was transformed with shiplap and floating shelves. See how this vestige of the 90’s has been reworked into a cozy spot to curl up with a book in this reading nook before and after. 

dry bar to reading nook

Dry Bar to Reading Nook

If you’ve been with me since the beginning of this project, you know this did not go as quickly as I had hoped and was nowhere near as easy as I assumed it would be. Nevertheless, the reading nook is done!

Let’s take a look at what this little space used to look like.

dry bar to reading nook

And here’s what it looks like now!

dry bar to reading nook

Reading Nook Back Story

If you missed how this project started, my sister and I demoed the dark, dated dry bar when she was out here for a visit. We also partially demoed the kitchen on a whim. After her visit ended, I was left with two unfinished projects on top of the loft project that’s been in the queue for over a year.

Then my uncle began building shelves in Noelle’s room when he was here over Thanksgiving. By the time the holidays were over, my half-finished projects were really stacking up.

So, when Jeff and I sat down to plan out our house projects for the year, we made a deal…no new projects until I finish all of the unfinished ones. I laid out all of those unfinished projects in this post. 

dry bar to reading nook

My original plan was to create a built-in bookshelf in this little niche. Design fate stepped in when a former neighbor of mine saw my Instagram stories asking for opinions about what to do here. She suggested a reading nook, sent me an inspiration picture, and I was sold. I really have her to thank for this idea!

dry bar to reading nook

The Design Plan

As soon as I knew this was the direction I was going, I started looking for inspiration on Pinterest (here’s my Reading Nook board). There were of course, several good ideas, but when I found the brilliant reading nook G.P. Schafer designed, that was it for me. I was smitten and had my jumping off point for the design.

dry bar to reading nook

I knew I wanted vertical shiplap and some shelving, so after cladding the walls with planks, I created floating shelves the same way I did in four other areas of our home…tutorial here.

Painting the shiplap green (Farm to Table by Sherwin Williams) was just an idea that came to me, but I wasn’t sure it would work well in our home. I bought three different green paint samples, then decided to go with a safer choice of tan, but ultimately came back to the green because it’s what I had in mind all along. I’m in love with this paint color, and I’m so happy I saw my vision through. It’s just beautiful!

dry bar to reading nook

Styling the shelves was just a matter of raiding my treasure trunk full of vintage books and thrifted/antiqued goodies.

dry bar to reading nook

Reading Nook Lighting

One of the first decisions I made was the rattan sconce (no longer available). It was beautiful, affordable, and had switch operation. This was important to me because I knew I wanted to hard wire this light into the wall.

I’ve installed my own light fixtures and fans for years, and when we moved into this house, I learned how to change out outlets and switches. This project took my skills to the next level. I shared the whole process of converting a plug-in wall sconce to a hardwired sconce in my Instagram stories because so many of you said you wanted to learn how to do this. It’s very doable and I encourage you to try it!

dry bar to reading nook

Reading Nook Cushion

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen that my original choice for the cushion fabric (another DIY) was a beautiful tiny tan stripe. I was so excited about it until my fabric supplier informed me it has been discontinued and is no longer available. I’m pretty scrappy and can make the best of almost anything. So, I picked a textural, linen-like fabric from Joann’s and got to work on plan B. I needed to keep up my DIY momentum so I could cross the finish line, and I wasn’t about to let fabric choice stall me out. I can always create a striped cover down the road if I want. When it was finished, it seemed like it was meant to be…the whole family loves it!

dry bar to reading nook

Project Cost Breakdown

I really thought this would be a quick, inexpensive project. When I added up the receipts, the total cost surprised me. I thought it would be helpful to share the cost of materials for every single thing from lumber to electrical wire so that you can get an idea of how to budget for something like this.

  • Contractor work to cap off pipes in the wall $100
  • Electrical work to ensure my connections were good and I had installed the sconce correctly $60
  • Sconce $109
  • Lumber, shiplap, trim $206
  • Paint, brush, tray $35
  • Electrical wire and box $10
  • Cushion materials $120
  • Decorative accessories (blanket and pillow) $50

      Total Cost: $690

reading nook before and after

I’m always amazed at how a project turns out despite, and oftentimes because of, all the changes you inevitably have to make. It’s just design magic, and the more I experience it, the more confident I am when obstacles arise during a project.

I’m truly over the moon with how this turned out. Now that it’s photographed, I fully expect a smooshed cushion, flattened pillows, and shelves full of more than just decorative books. I may even secretly be looking forward to finding Noelle curled up asleep in this sweet space. It’s just so perfect, and now I don’t have to hide this little area or crop it out of photos when sharing our family room with you.

I would LOVE to hear what you think about our reading nook before and after in the comments below! Have you ever tackled a project like this or dreamed of adding a reading nook to your home? Let me know below…it means so much.

Okay, onto the next project!

signature

Sources:

  • Green Paint: Farm to Table by Sherwin Williams (Satin finish)
  • White Trim Paint: Swiss Coffee by Sherwin Williams (Satin finish)
  • Stain on Floating Shelves: Briarsmoke by Varathane
  • Rattan Sconce: Rowlett Bronze Rattan Shade Plug-In Wall Lamp (no longer available)
  • Block Print Pillow: Bastideaux Laurette in Chalk/Cement
  • Tiny Striped Lumbar: Home Goods (Similar one linked here)
  • Vintage Dalmatian Print: Purchased from A New Wall Decor but no longer sold anywhere that I can find.

 

 

Filed Under: All Home, Home, Renovations Tagged With: design, DIY, Interior Design, reading nook

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Comments

  1. Eileen says

    December 16, 2022 at 7:24 pm

    Brilliant idea. I love everything about it.

    Reply
    • marynnU says

      December 30, 2022 at 11:15 am

      Thank you so much for the compliment and for stopping by the blog!

      Reply
  2. Sara Bailey says

    June 24, 2020 at 7:24 am

    I absolutely love this!! I love everything about it. My hubby wants this color in his office. I am trying to find the color and can’t seem to find it online with Sherwin-Williams. Is it a specialty color?

    Reply
    • marynnU says

      June 24, 2020 at 8:36 am

      It’s called Farm to Table 🙂. So glad you love it!!

      Reply
  3. Nicole says

    March 4, 2020 at 7:46 am

    Love this nook so much! Just wanted to let you know that Society6 carries that print in multiple sizes. It’s by John Wootten and is called A Grey Spotted Hound. It’s so good!

    Reply
    • marynnU says

      March 4, 2020 at 5:24 pm

      Ahhhhhh, thank you so much! I’m so happy to know the artist’s name, the title, and where my readers can purchase it! Yay!

      Reply
  4. Julie Blanner says

    March 1, 2020 at 9:32 am

    It is absolutely gorgeous! I love how you redefined the space. It’s so warm and cozy.

    Reply
    • marynnU says

      March 1, 2020 at 2:41 pm

      Thank you so much Julie! This is, by far, my favorite project to date. It was so fun to reimagine such an outdated, unused space. We all love it!

      Reply
  5. Karen Sunday says

    February 29, 2020 at 5:47 am

    Hi, I saw this on emily clarks blog and its awesome great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
    • marynnU says

      February 29, 2020 at 8:34 am

      Oh my gosh! Thank you for telling me. I didn’t even know, but I’m pinching myself! I adore Emily Clark and her Saturday 6. I can’t believe my reading nook made it to her Saturday 6! Eeek!

      Reply
  6. Ashley Casserly says

    February 28, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    So so good, Marynn! Thank you for taking us along during this project. Watching how you kept pushing forward despite the fabric setback was inspiring. It still came out gorgeous! Congrats again on a beautiful job. 😍

    Reply
    • marynnU says

      February 29, 2020 at 8:39 am

      Thank you so much! I’ve experienced a setback in almost every project I’ve ever completed, so this was pretty familiar territory for me. I’m also a perfectionist though, so it’s always hard to let go of a vision I have. I’ve just learned when it’s important to be patient and wait for the perfect details and when it’s important to compromise and cross the finish line. This was a beautiful compromise and I love it!

      Reply
  7. Kristine says

    February 28, 2020 at 2:18 pm

    It’s absolutely gorgeous Marynn. Wouldn’t change a thing!

    Reply
    • marynnU says

      February 29, 2020 at 8:41 am

      Ahhhhh, Kristine thank you so much! That means so much coming from you!

      Reply
  8. Heather says

    February 27, 2020 at 11:46 pm

    Love it!!! Did you happen to save the DIY Cushion directions anywhere?

    Reply
    • marynnU says

      February 29, 2020 at 8:42 am

      I didn’t, but I think I’ll create an Instagram highlight with all my cushion stories. Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Jamie says

    February 27, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    Such a clever idea and it looks so beautiful! Love it!

    Reply
    • marynnU says

      February 29, 2020 at 8:43 am

      Thank you so much! I have to give my former neighbor credit for the idea…I simply executed the build and design.

      Reply
  10. Shannon says

    February 27, 2020 at 5:07 pm

    This really is beautiful and very inspiring! Definitely going to check out all your DIY’s! Was that dog picture one of a kind?

    Reply
    • marynnU says

      February 29, 2020 at 8:44 am

      Hi there. Thank you! The dog picture was one I ordered from a site that sold it as a print a few years ago but for the life of me, I cannot find anyone who sells it anymore. It’s not one of a kind, but it’s hard to come by.

      Reply
  11. Jennifer Ricks says

    February 27, 2020 at 12:08 pm

    Oh Maryann, what an absolutely perfect little nook! As usual, your talents never cease to amaze me, and you always inspire me to trust myself a little more with DIY projects. Next on my list is a cozy cushion for our 13’ built in bench in our dining nook. Wish me luck, and that my years as a seamstress will come in handy!

    Reply
    • marynnU says

      February 27, 2020 at 3:22 pm

      I’m so happy to hear you are going to tackle making the cushion yourself! You can do it! I’d love to see it when you’re done 😉

      Reply
  12. Aileen says

    February 27, 2020 at 11:22 am

    I love it so much!

    Reply
    • marynnU says

      February 27, 2020 at 3:22 pm

      Thank you friend! I’m so happy it’s done and ready to be enjoyed. It turned out even better than I had hoped for, so I’m one happy DIYer!

      Reply
  13. Cheryl says

    February 27, 2020 at 10:13 am

    Marynn,
    It turned out lovely. I am smitten with that sherwin Williams paint color. I have a similar color in my home and mix it with navy. The art you picked is perfect and I love the texture of the sconce shade. It truly looks like it’s the perfect place to cozy up with a good book!

    Reply
    • marynnU says

      February 27, 2020 at 3:21 pm

      Thank you so much Cheryl! I had the BEST time putting this little nook together, and now I can’t wait to tackle the next fun thing on the list!

      Reply

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