Taking a break this week from the “That’s Pinteresting“ posts. How would you guys feel about switching things up a bit, and doing them bi-weekly? I’m thinking the boost in content would be well worth the extra wait, and it’d leave more room for a home related post. Maybe something super easy, every other Friday? A little weekend project inspiration? We’ll see
So, today I have a little update for you guys that I somehow missed sharing. During the scramble to begin clearing the addition (aka, a LOT of toys) we came up with a few new storage solutions for the girls’ rooms. One of those being, a few quick bookshelves in Lizzy’s room. Once Lizzy graduates from her crib, we’re planning to have her move into Zoey’s room, where we have big plans for book storage. But for now, the kid needs storage. Big time. In the past, I stored Lizzy’s books in the lower portion of her dresser, but I’ve always been a huge fan of book storage that displays the cover of the book, versus the spine. And since this is more of a temporary solution, we weren’t looking to spend a whole lot of time or money. Which is where a few of Ikea’s Ribba ledges came into play.
But first, let’s recap. Here’s a previous shot of Lizzy’s room, where we’d last featured her new rattan chair.
Since then, we’ve moved a DIYed play table into that space (from the addition)… which we built, umm.. at least six months ago and have yet to share it. Bad blogger, I know. So, here’s how we’re looking now.

And what do you know, just to left..
Previously, this wall had served as nothing more than a colossal waste of space. Or, when Ricky got froggy and thought a main walkway seemed like a cool place to store toys… a nice, entertaining moment of 3 am stumbling for Jess. Why was I heading that direction when the crib is clearly on the other side of the room? Who knows. Why is Lizzy still waking up in the middle of the night? Does it really matter people. It’s still going to happen.
Anyway… Hello, adorable children’s book display.

We used three of the picture ledges on the lower portion of the wall, reaching just high enough for the girls to still reach. We considered taking the shelves to the ceiling, but figured the books at the top would just end up pretty lonely.

Zoey and Liz have always been pretty avid readers (or listeners, I guess), but I’ve found with the forward facing books they’re even more interested! And, huge bonus, Zoey actually considers putting the books back when she’s finished. WUT…


With Lizzy’s 1st birthday last week, it’s crazy how fast her room is adapting to accommodate her new toddler ways. It really feels like a child lives here now… not just a baby (tear).


So, how about you guys? Any super quick projects going on at your home? Big plans to tackle something this weekend? We’re hoping to make some serious progress in the laundry room













Hi! I'm Jessie, a wife, mother of two girls, and an interior design fanatic. My husband Rick and I just purchased our second home, a 1950's ranch in dire need of some TLC, in our hometown of Cincinnati, OH. To find out more, click 













What a beautiful nursery!! I love the colors!
My twins turned one last week too! And it is a love/hate thing at how much toddler stuff is showing up. I love the book ledges, we did that same thing and it is awesome!
Oh boy, sounds like you have your hands full! Definitely a love/hate thing with them growing up
xo,
Jessie
I’m so glad you posted this! I’ve seen the Ikea Spice Rack as a forward facing “bookshelf” idea on Pinterest, but they aren’t carried at the Ikea here (we’re in Cincinnati too!). I’m definitely going to pick up some of these shelves next time we’re at Ikea – thanks for sharing, they look great!
We really liked these ledges versus the spice racks since they seem to be just a little bigger too!
xo,
Jessie
adorable room. can you tell me where you got the chairs by the table?
Thanks, Sarah. The play chairs were from West Elm here. Looks like they’re no longer available
xo,
Jessie
Love it! Reminds me of our similar one:
http://sueathome.com/2012/11/23/lilys-book-nook-outtakes-and-giveaway-winner/
I loved seeing Cape 27 featured in Ladies’ Home Journal this month! Random fact: I’m the Fashion Editor for LHJ when I’m busy blogging.
Best,
Sue from Sue at Home
Thanks, Sue! We were elated to be in LHJ. Love yours with the book baskets beneath. Great idea
xo,
Jessie
They look adorable! I made book display out of rain gutters… but I think the ledges might look better… is it hard to keep the books upright? Do they fall over all the time??
Thanks for sharing!
Krista @thehappyhousie.com
So far, so good. The books actually sit on the ledges really well, without toppling. Hope that helps! Love the rain gutter idea! Genius
xo,
Jessie
I love the room! I’d also love info on the DIY table
I’d hoped to tackle redoing our very old nightstands this weekend, but with my son’s chess lesson, and a birthday party, and riding class…and the abysmal rainy weather, it’ll probably have to wait.
DIY table tutorial coming soon! We can totally relate.. life never seems to slow down. Pack it in and soak it up, haha
xo,
Jessie
Rain gutters??? I need to see that! Sounds very cool
I love this idea! When I showed it to my husband he asked me how much weight the shelves would hold. You see my adventurous son would try to climb them! Any thoughts?