Hello! I’m Courtney, a dedicated stay-at-home mom to two energetic little boys. My journey into the world of woodworking began a few years ago, mostly with small projects. But now, things are taking a decidedly serious turn! Roughly seven years ago, when we first moved into our home, one of our immediate purchases was a set of six IKEA Billy bookshelves. These quickly filled up with an eclectic mix of books and my husband’s unique collection of “treasures” – everything from animal bones and found glassware to fossils and seashells. Over time, however, I grew increasingly tired of the unsightly gaps between these freestanding units, and the room’s current blue paint, accented with brown, only made the space feel darker and more confined than it actually was. I knew a change was needed.
Driven by this desire for a more integrated and aesthetically pleasing solution, I reached out to Sandra, an expert in home design and renovation, to explore the possibility of creating custom built-in bookcases. My vision was to have them elegantly flank our fireplace and its accompanying columns, transforming a functional but somewhat disjointed area into a cohesive design statement. My husband, while typically embracing an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” philosophy, has been wonderfully supportive of my ambitious plan. He understands how deeply I want to undertake this project and has given me his full backing. It’s an absolute honor and a thrilling experience to share this adventure as part of the Sawdust Diaries community!
My initial Skype consultation with Sandra proved to be far more transformative than I had anticipated. When we began, my hands were literally sweaty with a mix of anticipation and nerves, wondering what groundbreaking ideas she might propose. I was particularly anxious about how my husband would react to any significant changes. Our conversation quickly evolved beyond my original concept of simple bookshelves flanking the fireplace. Sandra, with her keen eye for design and understanding of spatial dynamics, helped me envision something far grander: a comprehensive, whole-wall treatment that would seamlessly incorporate the entire fireplace as a central feature. This wasn’t just about adding storage; it was about creating a complete, integrated design element that would redefine the living room.
Sandra’s genius lay in her ability to present innovative ideas that I, as an enthusiastic amateur, hadn’t even considered. The shift from individual units to a full-wall built-in design was a revelation. It promised to eliminate the visual clutter, maximize storage, and create a sophisticated, custom look that would truly elevate our living space. The concept was both incredibly exciting and undeniably daunting. On one hand, the sheer scale of the project made me question my abilities and resources. How was I going to manage such an undertaking? On the other hand, a quiet confidence began to grow, fueled by the knowledge that if I approached this massive endeavor step-by-step, patiently and persistently, I would eventually bring it to fruition. The only real question gnawing at me was: how long would this incredible transformation truly take?
Taking deep breaths, I acknowledged the initial feeling of having bitten off more than I could chew. This project was a significant leap from my previous woodworking endeavors. My very first piece of “homework” from Sandra was to begin the demolition phase: removing the existing molding and baseboards from the wall. This task, seemingly simple, felt incredibly momentous and, dare I say, almost destructive. It was the first tangible step that signified “no turning back.” The act of prying away parts of my current house felt incredibly final, a true commitment to the ambitious vision Sandra had helped me cultivate. This was the point of no return, marking the transition from dreaming to doing, and it was exhilaratingly terrifying.
Thankfully, the universe seemed to be on my side in one small but significant way. All six of my old IKEA Billy bookshelves found new homes almost immediately after I listed them on Craigslist, selling within a single day! This swift departure of the old made way, both literally and figuratively, for the new. With the old storage gone, I could now get up close and personal with the existing baseboards, marking the true beginning of the hands-on demolition. The first section of 20-inch baseboard, which seemed like a straightforward task, took an agonizingly long time to remove. Prying, pulling, and patching became my new vocabulary. My two-year-old son, ever observant and innocently curious, would often stand by, watching my efforts with wide eyes and asking, “Why you break our house, Mama?” His questions, while charming, served as a humorous reminder of the drastic changes underway.
My weekend homework assignment from Sandra was multifaceted: continue the removal of baseboards and tackle the crown molding, and critically, to contact a qualified electrician. The electrician’s role would be to install new recessed lighting and strategically relocate two existing electrical outlets to accommodate the future built-in structure. Taking off the crown molding proved to be particularly challenging. Working with my arms extended overhead for extended periods, I found myself struggling with a lack of sustained strength. To strategically delay this arm-straining task for a moment, I decided to sneak up into the attic. My mission there was to inspect and understand how the old recessed lighting was wired. I had recently spent a good deal of time researching electrical wiring online, absorbing information about circuits, connections, and safety protocols, but my practical, hands-on experience remained minimal.
After a thorough assessment in the attic, a bold idea began to form: I realized I might be able to remove the old recessed lighting fixtures myself, potentially saving a significant amount of money on labor costs. Emboldened by my internet research, I decided to take the plunge. Once I successfully extracted the old fixtures, I purchased brand-new trims and cans – the components for the new recessed lights. At this point, I felt a surge of confidence; I was on a roll! Since I wasn’t running new electrical wire, merely replacing existing fixtures and using the established wiring configuration, I reasoned that I could handle the installation myself and save a few hundred dollars. I proceeded to meticulously use the old wiring setup to hook up the new lights. The entire process consumed my whole day, requiring me to diligently Google every single step, including the proper way to use wire strippers and how to correctly cap off connections. Despite the steep learning curve and constant referencing, I did it! The new recessed lights flickered to life, a testament to my perseverance and newfound DIY electrical skills.
[Note from Sawdust Girl: Please be aware that undertaking electrical work carries inherent risks and should always be approached with extreme caution. It is highly recommended that you consult with or hire a certified professional electrician for any complex electrical installations or modifications within your home to ensure safety and compliance with local codes. Attempting electrical work at your own risk is not endorsed by Sawdust Girl for those without proper training and understanding.]
Building on my electrical success, I took another step forward by adding a dimmer switch to the circuit today. This simple addition significantly enhances the functionality and ambiance of the room. Now, the lights above where the bookcase will stand can be adjusted, providing bright illumination when needed, or casting a soft, warm glow that beautifully highlights my husband’s cherished “treasures.” Having completed these initial, foundational tasks, the project feels more real than ever. Sandra, ever efficient, has already sent me the comprehensive project plans and a detailed cut list. With these essential guides in hand, I am now fully prepared and incredibly eager to move forward into the next phase of this exciting home transformation.
The journey from a room filled with mismatched furniture and a dark, uninviting atmosphere to a space defined by custom, elegant built-ins is well underway. Every removed baseboard, every rewired light, and every carefully planned detail brings us closer to the grand vision. This is more than just a renovation; it’s a testament to the power of a dream, the value of expert guidance, and the satisfaction of hands-on creation. The learning curve has been steep, and there have been moments of doubt, but the progress, even in these early demolition and preparatory stages, has been incredibly rewarding. I can’t wait to see these plans come to life, transforming our living room into the bright, organized, and beautiful sanctuary we’ve always envisioned. Stay tuned as we embark on the construction phase, bringing Sawdust Diaries readers along for every cut, nail, and paint stroke.
Keep reading about this exciting transformation as Courtney builds her dream fireplace wall built-ins: Part 2: The Framework Begins, Part 3: Building the Boxes, Part 4: Adding Details and Trim, Part 5: Priming and Painting, Part 6: The Grand Reveal and Styling