DIY Bookcase and Accent Wall Project: Transforming a Catch-All Room into a Stylish Office

Introduction

Today, I’m excited to share my journey of building bookcases and creating an accent wall to transform a cluttered upstairs room into a stylish office or studio space. Let me walk you through the process, from refurbishing an old desk to installing custom bookcases and adding elegant finishing touches.

Desk Painting Process

I started with an old Pottery Barn Bedford desk that I’ve had for years. Here’s how I gave it new life:

1. Sanded the surface thoroughly
2. Used wood filler to smooth out imperfections
3. Primed with BIN shellac primer
4. Applied glazing Bondo for extra smoothness
5. Added a second coat of primer
6. Painted with Benjamin Moore’s Command paint
7. Spray painted hardware and added campaign-style accents

The result? A beautifully refreshed desk that set the tone for the entire room makeover.

Bookcase Painting Tutorial

Next, I tackled our decade-old Billy bookcases from IKEA. Here’s the process I followed:

1. Scuff sanded the laminate surface
2. Cleaned with liquid sandpaper
3. Primed with BIN shellac primer
4. Sanded between coats
5. Painted with the Earlex 5700 sprayer

The color I chose is “Intrigue” by Benjamin Moore – a beautiful, moody green that perfectly complements the desk.

Design Concepts & Planning

With the painted pieces ready, it was time to plan the layout. I wanted:

• Molding in the middle
• Wall sconces
• A built-in look
• Flexibility for future use (potential guest room or den)

I decided to leave about 80 inches between the bookcases to accommodate a standard three-seat sofa if needed in the future.

Baseboard Removal Guide

Removing baseboards was a new experience for me. Here’s what I did:

1. Scored along the top with a straight edge
2. Used a putty knife to start lifting
3. Employed a crowbar for stubborn areas

It was challenging due to long nails, but persistence paid off!

Bookcase Placement Strategy

I pushed the bookcases against the side walls, removing baseboards as needed. This placement strategy allows for future flexibility in the room’s layout.

Material Selection & Preparation

I partnered with Lowe’s for this project. Here’s what I picked up:

• BIN shellac primer
• 1×2 poplar boards for shelf fronts
• Additional boards to cover seams

I followed the same process of sanding, priming, and painting for all new wood pieces.

Cutting Board Techniques

Without a table saw, I had to get creative:

• Used a circular saw for larger cuts
• Invested in a miter saw, cordless brad nailer, and multi-tool
• Took it slow and compensated with trim and caulk

Priming & Painting Boards

For efficiency, I used spray can BIN shellac primer on the new boards. After priming:

1. Scuff sanded between coats
2. Used Command paint with added Floetrol
3. Applied paint with a sprayer for a smooth finish

Wall Mounting Instructions

To secure the bookcases:

1. Located studs and marked them clearly
2. Cut baseboards to accommodate bookcase depth
3. Used a multi-tool to make precise cuts in existing baseboards

Side Panel & Front Assembly

I attached side panels to cover seams and added 1×2 poplar boards to each shelf front for a more substantial look.

Molding Installation & Finishing

This was a learning experience:

1. Used a multi-tool to cut curves in baseboards
2. Filled gaps with wood filler and caulk
3. Added small molding to cover seams
4. Filled nail holes meticulously

Picture Frame Molding Tutorial

I encountered some challenges with picture frame molding, realizing the importance of considering the thick and thin sides when cutting. It was a valuable learning experience!

Wall Painting & Touch-ups

After all the woodwork:

1. Painted the wall in the same color as the bookcases
2. Cut in edges first, then rolled
3. Applied touch-ups as needed

Batten Construction Guide

I discovered Build-a-Batten at Lowe’s – a game-changer for creating wall accents:

1. Scuff sanded and primed the plastic pieces
2. Snapped them together easily
3. Attached with brad nails
4. Caulked and touched up paint

Colored Caulk Application

I tried a new product called Exact Color:

1. Tinted the caulk with wall paint
2. Added a hardener
3. Applied carefully (though messily at first!)
4. Touched up as needed

Wall Sconce Installation

For added ambiance, I installed battery-powered wall sconces:

1. Chose brass sconces with nice shades
2. Used a laser level for precise placement
3. Installed mounting plates
4. Added rechargeable LED bulbs

Final Painting & Curtain Rod Mounting

To complete the room:

1. Painted remaining walls in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove
2. Mounted curtain rods close to the ceiling
3. Added linen draperies for softness

Final Reveal

The transformation is remarkable! The once cluttered catch-all room is now a sophisticated, library-like office space. The dark accent wall, built-in looking bookcases, and elegant touches like the wall sconces and curtains create a cohesive, high-end feel.

Key Takeaways:

• Build-a-Batten is an excellent solution for easy wall accents
• Adding trim to IKEA bookcases can create a custom, built-in look
• Inset wall sconces add a luxurious touch
• Proper planning allows for future flexibility in room use

I’m thrilled with the results and looking forward to adding a few more pieces to complete the space. Have you tackled a similar project? Let me know in the comments!