Budget-Friendly Room Transformation/Dark Academia Decor Ideas
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- Join me for a budget-friendly transformation of a boring area off my kitchen in a traditional English library/dark academia aesthetic. Watch as I turn a dull and drab space into a cozy and inviting reading haven with some simple and affordable upgrades. After painting the bookcases (in an unexpected color), I add budget friendly thrift store furniture and decor to take it to the next level. The before and after is amazing! I share some thrift store finds and simple DIY projects. I also show you how I decorated the bookcases and share a decorating hack that may just change how you decorate forever! Get inspired and ready to revamp your own reading room with a touch of style and comfort. Don't miss out on this exciting and cost-effective makeover!
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Paint used on bookcases: Sherwin William 9685 After the Storm
The whole Dark Academia style, which you so concisely synthesized with your helpful list, works beautifully in your library. I am especially drawn to the piece of salvaged wood with organ stops! I'm so glad you're a person who actually reads books and doesn't just use them as window dressing.
Thank you, Gina! I do read my books. (I haven’t read them all, yet.) Oddly enough, I just finished one about Abraham Lincoln (and then, I found that picture at the antique store)!
Readers are Leaders !!!
You really did outdo yourself with this makeover. It's moody looking as a library should be. Looks cozy. A cup of tea and a good book.
Oh, thank you, Debbie! 😊
Girl, you knocked it out of the park! I've always felt the academia style (which I consider different from dark academia) says " I've traveled the world and now I'm home." I enjoy how you inspire us to curate pieces rather than collect. One request...could come up with ideas on easy diy vintage looking book jackets/book spines? Thank you for all you do!
Yes that would be great.
I’m glad that you’re not daunted by such big projects because we love seeing them! The room is beautiful and I never would have had the courage to paint the shelves that dark but the shelves are fantastic. You’re a very gifted, talented lady-the Queen of Decordom.
Thank you so much, Lydia! Well, it only took me eight years to gather up the courage to paint the bookcases! 😜
I was shocked with the darkness of the blue, but had no doubt she would turn them to gold and she did and then some. Just incredible.
Isn’t it amazing how a dark color can make a room so cozy? I think it turned out awesome ❤️ And what does your hubby think? Can’t wait to see the kitchen makeover!! Great job! 👏
Sherri, I cannot tell you how much I love this makeover! It is stunning! It's like stepping back into time and a more refined way of living. I love the color you chose for the bookcases, it's perfect! So cozy and warm feeling with just the right amount of ephemera. Time for a hot cup of tea, a throw blanket and a good book......job well done!
Thank you so much, Lorie! I love how you described it! I am enjoying it so much. It is such a change that it surprises me all over again every time I walk in the room!
Perfectly stated...my sentiments exactly. I, wholeheartedly, agree.💕
What I always find astonishing is how both store-purchased items as well as thrifted items come to life and "live together" in your home. Beautifully done! I haven't found anyone else's channel who is doing what you are doing; your inspirations are so unique and useful! BTW, special thanks for posting the Sherwin Williams color number.
Thank you so much for those kind words, Nancy! I really appreciate it! 😊 I am so happy that I can share ideas and inspiration with you each week!
I just can't walk thru thrift stores and see decorations as you do. All I see is junk. You really have a talent.
I can't even begin to tell you how much I love everything you did in this room. I guess all I can say is nothing but perfection.
Thank you so much!! That is so very sweet of you, Sandy! 😊
The new dark color of the bookcases made the TV disappear, love it!
When $12 can make you smile all day, it's a great buy. Love your drawers. I dream of a house big enough to decorate and redecorate without having to sell everything at a lawn sale to have room for new find. I really like the dark academia decor. There is always something interesting to look at.
Thank you! You’re so right. An all day smile is definitely worth $12!
Hi Sherry, what great ideas you presented in this video. The main takeaway for me is to look at vintage and thrift store items with new eyes. Thanks for giving a fresh perspective on getting more use out of things we might have overlooked or passed by!
You could put ANYTHING together and make it look amazing. Visiting your home through your videos is such a treat. As a former English teacher I share your enthusiasm for this dark and cozy choice of decorating style. What a gift you are!
Thank you so much! That is so very sweet of you to say! 😊 I’ve been dreaming about having a library like this for as long as I can remember.
His I just want to slip into that chair and start reading, getting lost in a throw back vintage time. Just lovely!!
You never cease to amaze me with your talent. That room is absolutely gorgeous!!
The room is beautiful, and perfectly reflects the style you were going for. I absolutely love the navy color of the bookcases. Great job!
What a beautiful transformation. This is absolutely stunning.
Thank you so much, Julia! I am really happy with it! 😊
The dark navy was a great choice! I have a large maple cupboard on one wall near my kitchen area. I’ve been debating on whether to have it painted off-white or navy. I’m glad I saw what the dark color can do a room!
I am really happy with my choice, so I say go for it!
The navy color makes the entire room look "so rich". Love the entire transformation and the smaller coffee table is the best choice. Love all the decor and the room shows the love!
Wow!!! All that’s missing is a couple of half full brandy sniffers! All your hard work truly paid off! I’d never want to leave that room!
My goodness sweetie pie. I had no idea that I liked the academia aesthetic. Your room turned out absolutely gorgeous. I’d love it if I had a bigger home I would make me an academia room that is so pretty. I just can’t get over it. I hope you have a wonderful day, hon.
Those drawers look like they came off an old sewing machine base. What a cool find!
Sherry, you did absolutely amazing job on the transformation of your library room, everything thing you transform in your videos are excellent, that being said I absolutely adore your videos and you, enjoy your wonderful day.
Thank you so much! You are so very kind, Sharon! I am so happy to share some ideas with you. Enjoy your day, too!
Dark blue shelves pops of color from the books... Yes yes yes
It’s amazing what paint can do! I love it. And the desk was quite a find!! The room looks fabulous.
Thank you so much, Chris! 😊 It really is amazing how much paint changes a room and how it makes us feel.
I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU NAILED THE SCONCES ONTO THE BOOKSHELF!!! And I really cannot believe just how terrific it looks!!! 😀👍
Good afternoon, Sherry! Yay! So excited for this installment! Edit: Whoa!!! The dark academia transformation turned out beautifully. I love the navy! The new desk was a steal and fits perfectly in the space. It is such a cozy and inviting place to sit and enjoy a good book and a nice cuppa. The photo of your grandma 's class was a poignant touch. A+++ Excellent!
Good afternoon, Bobbie! I am so glad you like the makeover. It was SO much work, but it was so worth it! I am ready for warmer weather here in Illinois, so I can work in my garage again. I really want to paint some large furniture pieces, and I may have to do it in my kitchen!
Beautiful as usual.❤❤
Sherry, your library is so rich and luxurious that I thought I was looking into an English manor! Your choice of the navy blue was spot on. The red leather chair tied the other red accents together beautifully and the eyes come to “rest” as they travel over the many beautiful textures and materials. I have coveted your vintage typewriter for a long while and I have decided to purchase one as well. I hope to replicate this wonderful academia decor in my home some day soon. You are such an inspiration! Thank you for generously sharing your skills, talent, creativity, and your engaging smile. ☺️🇨🇦❤️
You have truly created a collectors library filled with interesting, creative whimsical finds! It’s wonderful. What a cozy sanctuary.
Thank you so much!☺️
OH MY GOODNESS, I'M SWOONING OVER EVERYTHING!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
This entire room is absolutely GORGEOUS 😍 I would be so happy spending time in that room 😊 I love the navy blue bookcases with the red chair. If I went over every little detail that I love in the room I would need your charming typewriter to write a novel 😉 I love the idea of changing the hardware, and my favorite was the one in the center. You are so talented, and your room is proof of that....enjoy the fruits of your labor
I watched this video again today just for the sheer joy of it. I do that with your videos a lot. So relaxing.
What a beautiful library. Everything seems to mesh together perfectly. Such a cozy and inviting space. I would love to curl up with a good book in your space!
Oh My Goodness Sherry, you have gone far, far above from the monotony of the simplistic ways of decorating. Your creative sense is gorgeous magazine material Sherry. You've created a real gem with this beautiful room that draws you in with its warmth & all the emotions that come from your decor items & lovely embellishments of your creativity. I can't thank you enough for bringing us into your beautiful home. It's reminiscent of a time gone by❤
I like number 3 on the drawer pulls. Love how the bookcase turned out! The whole room looks fabulous
Very nice library. If I were you, I will painted the whole room black.
An amazing transformation! The dark academia look is perfection. I feel like I could cuddle under a thick blanket in that red chair with a cup of hot cocoa in one hand and a Jane Austen book in the other with all the candles lit and rain coming down outside. The sconces look perfect on the ends of the bookshelves. The only thing I might change is to put those two small pieces of artwork in the back of the shelves on some sort of a riser to be able to see more of the art. What a lovely job. Have a wonderful evening. Blessings - Judith 🎵🎭
I LOVE the Nina Simon quote on the suitcase! This is such a beautiful room makeover.
Another amazing transformation! I originally thought that a lighter color would be better on the book cases, but the dark blue looks beautiful! I would love to curl up with a good book in your fabulous library!
Thank you, Glenna! If you were my neighbor, I would sure invite you over for some coffee or tea and a good book! 😊
Just gorgeous. Like a magazine! So warm and cozy! Don’t you love repurposing things from other rooms and around your your house? Gives them a whole new look!
Thank you, JoAnn! Now, I need to move things around in my front living room! 😜
Beautifully done Sherrie! I love the little owls under the wire cloche!!! The desk was a great find, looks so pretty decorated!
Thank you so much, Janet! I do think that desk was a great find for $100! The roll top and all the drawers work just fine, too.
Sherri - your library is perfection! A wonderful space where one can dream away the day. I got nervous when you said you wanted to paint the bookshelves - but I love the color :) and how everything has a perfect spot. You have out done yourself this time!
I found your UA-cam channel last year, when I was looking for ANYTHING other than "farmhouse" for our new home. I love your style, and what you have done with this library is absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for your weekly inspiration, the free printables and for your style & class ♥️
I love your over the top, clutter smutter style! All I hear is that I’m a hoarder! When I bring home a treasure I’m told where can you possible but that! Yet strangers think my home is awesome!
No words! Your re-do of the library is spot-on. I love what you did with just a few items and a coat of paint. You are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your redecorating adventure!
Feel like I won something! When you held up that blue vase I shouted “that’s a Delft vase!” So happy you found one for so little 😊
Thanks for another great video. The library turned out beautiful.
Thank you so much, Jenny! 😊
You've done a lot of great work, but sister, you out did yourself this time! I love it all. In the early 60's I had a lunch box and thermos just like the one in the chair.(I was maybe in 3rd grade.) It's all lovely.
As usual, a bang up job decorating in a nostalgic theme that is so inviting and cozy. There’s so much beautiful detail that transports you back in time to a bygone era. You have the best shops with great pieces. Great place for a quite and peaceful retreat and 4 o’clock tea. The bookcase blue does match the theme but I always prefer white. Your experience could land you a job as a set decorator for plays, tv, etc and even a museum! Outstanding work!
Absolutely beautiful! Looks like it's been there for 100 years. So tasteful!
Love, love, love this update! So inspiring! My favorite part of decorating is to tell a story...especially incorporating family heirlooms...love the school vignette you put back in.
Thank you, Brenda! 😊
It's so much fun to watch the final reveal and spot items that I've watched you make in other videos! Beautifully done!
It looks beautiful!! What an amazing transformation!! 👏🏻🥰👌🏻
The room and details are perfect- like they've always been there - or a vignette in a museum.
Hi Sherry. What a beautiful transformation. I just love how your bookcase turned out. It is stunning. Great job.
Wow! Love the navy. Can't believe you scored the presidential art for that price. Clever use of the organ stops. It's perfect.
I just get so excited when you post a new video. You and your amazing personality always make me feel like I've just shopped with a friend. :) So needed after a long day. Your marvelous creative mind just keeps inspiring all of us to love our homes and give it a go. I hope you know that on this side of the screen: we are answering you back and just as ecstatic about your awesome finds. LOL Thank you for sharing your talents with us. Oh, keep the eclectic owls!
Thank you so very much! You are so very very sweet! I really appreciate your support. It really means a lot to me!
Delft pottery is very popular and much comes from Holland. Vintage Delft can be quite an expensive find. I can’t believe you got that for only $1.00!! What a great score. And those boxes were gorgeous!!
Love the way your room turned out ❤
So many visual goodies!!!
I absolutely love it ❤
Oh, thank you, Mary! 😊
The navy was absolutely the right color for the bookshelves. The rest is absolutely beautiful. A great room!!
Thank you, Sandra! 😊
Oh my goodness..it's your decorating that brought this area to life...looks like something from a movie...love it Sherry
Hi Sherry, everything you do is always awesome but you’ve outdone yourself with your library. It looks amazing. The navy colour looks stunning on your bookshelves. When you mentioned navy I really wasn’t sure but it looks great. Doesn’t matter what you pick up or purchase it always looks awesome after you’ve put it in a room. I just love the whole room. Thank you for sharing your work. I don’t get to watch many videos anymore but I always get excited when I see one of yours come up in my notifications, I’m glad I got to watch this video. Have a great week Sherry. Take care and stay safe.
You did a great job on your bookshelves. I love the navy color. It makes everything on the shelves pop.
So glad you chose blue. The TV blends so good. It's beautiful.
You are amazing, Sherry. I think it was really gutsy of you to paint the bookcases.
I absolutely Love this style! Old books and antique pieces. Thank you for sharing this…💙🖤🤍
Had I not watched, I would swear it is as it has always been. That is a sincere from the heart, compliment. AND...I feel guilty not paid my admission fee to enter the museum. XO At least 9 birds in this one. Nine and counting.
This room turned out like a room at an old university!
What a magnificent room! This library calls out to book lovers to browse and read for as long as they want. You’ve artfully showcased so made treasures but showed discipline in keeping with the style for maximum impact. I’m impressed by your collection of hardcover books and was so tickled by the lovely diorama. I had never considered grouping empty candlesticks before but seeing yours inspired me to pause the video and group my brass candlesticks together on my buffet. I love it!
Oh well! I'm so glad to see rich colors coming back.
This makeover is stunning! From the navy paint to the red leather chair to little owl collection!! I love it all!
This room transformation turned out so rich and warm. A good book, comfy blanket and cup of coffee while sitting in the red leather chair equals a wonderful afternoon. I was a bit skeptical about the dark navy, however it added to the richness of the room.
Thank you, Sherilyn! I am so happy with how it turned out. I have already had a few cups of coffee in that red chair!
I just love the way you are able to gather a collection of things that look like a person's lifetime collection of trinkets and clutter, and then display it in a way that it all belongs in that exact spot! Your talent is amazing! I wish you could spend some time at my house lol. Thanks again for sharing!
Thank you! 😊 You are so very sweet!
❤❤❤❤ beautiful decor. I would have painted the walls a darker color and put some draped curtains on the window to make a more dramatic/cosy look. But that’s just me 😊
The dark navy was the perfect choice. Perfection in decorating!!!
What a smack in the eye! In a good way! Just want to snuggle up with a good book! Blessed and joy filled days!
WOW! I love this but I'll just stick to one comment, but I could list a dozen things I love about this transformation, I think the thing that stands out the most is that the TV now disappeared and is no longer an eyesore
Sherry, you did it again, what a beautiful color of blue the perfect color choice, and the red sets everything off beautifully. The rug, chair and all the red accents on the shelves. I'm not in love with all old furniture , but some of it is okay. You really know how to pull it off beautifully. I look forward to your videos each week to see what you come up with. Thanks, I really enjoy watching you.
Your tone and cadence sound like a PBS presentation. I love it.
This is just a stunning makeover! Another one!! It's so cozy and inviting. That blue is gorgeous 😍
Wow! I just want to lay on the couch and read a good book.
The number 1 drawer pulls match the ones on the coffee table. Just lovely. Great work.
WOW! That navy blue is perfect with your rug and color scheme! Paint the rim of the clock gold and antique it some. Or don’t. 🥰
I wasn’t sure where you were going, but you definitely got there. It is beautiful.
Dang woman that is awesome. I am so jealous!!! Tell us what your husband thinks about it! he must be so amazed of you and proud.
Wow! That is a space I would curl up in and not want to leave!
You blew this one out of the ballpark! Absolutely Gorgeous!
I like the ones that are already on it. Small and doesn't compete with the thing's that will be placed on the shelves. Loved the. Hanging flower arrangement placement.
That red chair pulled out every red book! Looks Ralph Lauren!
Like an aged bespoke Lonon (ish) hotel. You've created a room where I could spend the day with myself and enjoy the view from every angle. A spot of Earl Grey and a bit of toast, how cozy!!!!!! Thank you !
Wow, thank you, Lynn! I do want to spend all day in there. If you stop by, I’ll make a pot of tea! 😊
Sherry, you amaze me. You really out did yourself. What you did to this room is outstanding, it’s absolutely beautifully done. I feel it’s much better than a professional could of done. I love the dark blue. It’s a perfect color. It goes so well with furniture n your beautifully vignettes. The room gives so much warmth n inviting. Absolutely Wonderful!
I apologize for being several days late in responding as I’ve been busy trying to make a rather large flower garden.
Love everything you do, 😊♥️👍👍👍👍👍🌟🌟
Wow Sherry, what a gorgeous transformation! 😍 The Butterflies are so beautifully preserved! 💕 Have a wonderful week!
Thanks so much 😊
Oh, you knocked it out of the park! So gorgeous! I just want to curl up in that red chair to read a mystery novel. You are so talented.
Sherry, all I can say is WOW!! I could live in your library. I looks just magnificent and all of the little touches are so perfect. I saw the little mouse light you had created and all of the pictures of your grandmother. This room is magical!
Wow! This was certainly a labor of love! Magazine worthy . I’d love to know just how much time was involved for each step.
Watching the reveal I thought it looked like an elderly professor or perhaps Lord Crawley would come walking in. The dark bookcase is beautiful and the bonus is the TV dissapeared into the background. Sherry, I seriously want to go shopping with you. I never see such treasures on my juants.
The blue was a great idea and it brightened it up.
Absolutely gorgeous! An amazing transformation! I love the new look. Change was definitely a good choice!
Wow!What a transformation! The dark color looks so dramatic and all the wonderful curiosities you've displayed really draw you in for a closer look. You barely notice that there's a TV.
You did an amazing job! This room belongs in a magazine!
Wow, wow! I have to admit I did not want you to paint your bookcase navy but you made a believer out of me. The navy really made your books pop and everything else looked so good against it! I couldn’t believe it and what a difference it made. I liked your suit case vignette and your typewriter on the desk - well, everything. It was a spectacular transformation - good job!
Doesn't surprise me that you chose the dark paint color since you enjoy the dark academia esthetic. The leather chair and ottoman look so comfy, too. Enjoy the new room!