I like the new look, hope you do too.

after it was painted...

After the doors were installed

I stained the top as best I could to match the antique
table. (the table is cherry)

This table hubby restored several years ago, it had severe
water damage on top...we do hand rubbed finishes on all
the furniture we either make or refurbish. I don't use
wax when dusting, just a damp rag. So, when I put the
finish on the shelf, I also put a finish on the table
top to refresh it.

Hubby wanted to stain the doors, but I finally agreed
we have enough stained wood in this room. I think it looks
nicer blended with the wall.

I assume you had to strip the paint for the top piece. What was the process and was it difficult to do and did you have to touch up the paint afterwards? (I have end tables with beautiful tops but the entire piece is dark/heavy looking)

The previous homeowner created a little nook in the kitchen backsplash when they removed the wall a/c unit after putting in central air. I used the space for cookbooks for 25 years until we gutted the kitchen.

Have people here seen your backyard? If not, then they need to know it's the icing on your house cake! lol

I always enjoy seeing your projects, and admire the skill and patience and care that goes into such creativity!

Natesgram, the piece on the top is a seperate piece that I
finished, and it just sits on top of the old shelf. It can be
easily removed when we need to paint the wall.
It overlaps the white top about 3/4" on the ends and the front.
Are your end table tops solid wood or veneer?
If it's solid it can be easily sanded and refinished,
if it's veneer, it is needs a bit more finessing,
as veneer is very thin. This old table is a Drexel
Heritige and has a veneer top. It has a spot of water
damage, so I need to refinish it.

blfenton, the whole unit is inside the wall
3 1/2" and outside the wall about 4" ...so it only
protrudes into the room 4".
the antique chess table was always on the other side
of the sofa, and I recently swaped it out with our old drum table...
that's why I stained the top of the bookcase -- to match the antique table,
cause they're side by side...

This is our old drum table, that was next to the bookcase.

I said to Cliff one day that this table is too low, we should
make a new table that is about 3 to 4 inches higher...

He went downstairs and turned 4 legs -- 3-1/2"
high and attached them to the bottom, then I said,
"well, now I like the table and I like the door style too.
What if we copy that door and make doors for the bookcase...
LOL, that was how this entire project came about. :)
Actually, I would miss this drum end table,
as I store all our light bulbs inside the table.
Also, about the plug, I can plug the light in behind
the sofa, I just have to move the coffee table, and sofa
out to do so...oh my aching back.

I have video's of our backyard and will choose two
to show you, most of them are from 2010, as I had
some health issues last summer and was unable to take many
videos or photos. This week we're going for our
flower baskets that we place all around the pond
and deck...instant gratification is my middle name. :)

Again Ladies, thank you so much.

hi lorilee...ideas? I have enough ideas to keep
10 husbands busy. :)

Love your backyard and koi pond. Very picturesque and it looks so tranquil back there!

I clicked on your bacyard link, and was mesmerized by your fish. We are moving to z7, and I am considering a pond again!! I will have to see how much time the pool takes, though, since I am the sole groundskeeper.

We had koi at our previos house, and adored them!!

I am saving your video for plant reference, too, since I have never gardened outside of z8/9!!

Thanks for the inspiration!

Nancy

this is a view from, the back, I call it 'Back of the Moon'

This is my favorite photo 'The Hound and The Chipmonk'
see the chipmonk leaning on the rock staring at the
hound?

Our new pool came with the house, but it is an above ground, so not a future pond candidate, but I would love to have a consultant!

Thanks!

Nancy