This niche-to-bookcase makeover from Mike and McGee shows how paying attention to every corner of your home can add both function and visual appeal. Here’s their account of the project:
We recently renovated a nook in our Austin, Texas home. We removed an awkward art niche and recessed light and replaced them with a custom built-in bookcase and a new wall sconce. Total cost: about $50. The only surprise was realizing after finishing that we had more books than shelf space. I had planned to style the shelves with a few decorative items amid the books, but once we started loading the shelves, they filled entirely with books. Adding some Ikea Expedit bookcases in our breakfast room — which I’ve repurposed as my home office — finally cleared the stacks off the floor. Yay! – Mike & McGee
This transformation is a great example of how a small, affordable project can make a big difference. The new built-in reads as a cohesive, intentional feature rather than an afterthought. Crisp white trim frames the shelves and gives a polished, architectural look, while the simple wall sconce complements the clean lines without competing for attention. The result is both attractive and practical: a tidy place for books and a subtle focal point in the room.
Highlights and practical takeaways from their project:
- Assess unused or awkward spaces: What looks like wasted space can become useful storage or display when reimagined.
- Keep the design simple: Neutral paint and clean trim integrate the new element with the existing room style.
- Choose lighting that complements, not overwhelms: A modest sconce adds ambience and highlights the built-in without becoming the main attraction.
- Budget-friendly updates can have a high impact: For roughly $50 and some DIY work, they gained lasting function and style.
- Plan for storage needs: They discovered they needed more shelving than expected — a reminder to inventory belongings before finalizing shelf spacing.
Mike and McGee’s project also shows the satisfaction that comes from doing the work yourself. They handled demolition, construction, and finishing, producing a clean, custom result without a large contractor bill. If you’re considering a similar change, measuring your books and planning shelf heights in advance will help avoid the common pitfall of running out of space.
Thanks to Mike and McGee for sharing their photos and story. Their thoughtful, low-cost approach is a useful inspiration for anyone wanting to turn an awkward niche into a smart, attractive storage solution.