DIY: Campaign-Inspired Parsons-Style Bookshelf

So during my little blog-less hiatus, I was happy to still be able to tackle a few DIY projects. And although this is my favorite project to date, it just so happened to be the most involved DIY project that I've ever done. And when I say involved, I really mean time-sucking and PAIN-inducing! Working on this bookshelf really opened my eyes to the fact that I'm no pro at furniture building and that I'm lacking incredibly in appropriate tools and workshop space! Let's just say that I have quite the dreamer's Christmas list!

Anyhoo, on to my proudest moment as a DIY-er. It all began with a wall-without-a-purpose. So much without a purpose, that I don't even have a picture of it! Here's a super old pic from right after our move in. The wall that I'm referring to is actually on the other side of the floating shelves.


I was bored with just rotating out pieces of art, so my wheels started turning out the possibilities. The wall was part of a major walkway, so it wasn't a good place to put anything that would stick out too far. I knew I wanted something decorative, like the art, but also something that would provide a little function. Something So, I thought that a nice, tall bookshelf would be the perfect filler.

Style wise, I knew I wanted something timeless and classic, but not traditional. Something simple and understated, but not boring. This, of course, is the description of all things Parsons.

Parsons Console Table - Style At Home

Parsons Dining Table - Apartment Therapy

Parsons Cube Side Tables - West Elm

Parsons Tower - Design Sponge

Not only did I love the style, the design seemed simple enough for me to produce on my own! WIN WIN! Of course, I instantly began scouring the Internet for some easy-to-follow building plans and actually came across two. This one from Ana White and this one from The Design Confidential. The combination of the two were extremely helpful. A fully-functioning and equip workshop would've been even more helpful, but that's another story. And instead of telling it to you, I'll give you the rundown by photo...iPhone photo, that is.

Found a plan

Sketched out my own dimensions

Made a trip to my second home

Spend almost two hours in the lumber section

Found this nice guy to cut all 29 necessary pieces

Started a rough layout

Pre-drilled all my holes (over 90 of them)

Sanded and primed every side of every piece

Assemble shelves

More pre-drilling

More pre-drilling

Final Assembly!

Got it in place...forgetting that the floor was not level

This is where I patted myself on the back for a job well done!!! I swear, the pride was almost overwhelming. I was in love! I went with the white to maintain the simplicity and class, and so that it would blend nicely with the rest of our furniture. Painting it a different color would've just made it a distraction. And although I was completely in love, it still looked as if something was missing...it just wasn't "special"yet.

Well, insert a little inspiration from campaign style furniture:

Green Campaign Dresser-Lonny Magazine

Magenta Campaign Dresser - Lulie Wallace

Cream Campaign Dresser/Hutch - That's Smart Deco

I love the simple lines of the this style of furniture, but I also love how the brass accents add so much to the final look of each piece. So what did I do? I went out and got some brass brackets!



And along with some books and accessories, they were just what it needed.









Almost every book and accessory came from a thrift/consignment shop: the two brass bowls ($2.50 and $5.00), the wooden shoe molds ($2.50 ea.), the brass cranes ($4 for the set) and the antique metal compass ($7.00). The white coral was a gift from my amazing friend/ex-coworker, Rachel (hey girl!). And I found the gold rhino and the A and Z bookends at TJMaxx for less than $5.00 each. 

And there you have it...my DIY campaign-inspired Parsons-style bookshelf journey in photos! And guess what? I'm ready to do it all over again! Would you like one?

Xoxo,
Coco


Loving: All Things Brass...

Over the past year or so, I've really grown a love for all things brass. Whether its a lamp or table or mirror or inadamate object, I just can't get enough of it! Check out some of these beautiful spaces that incorporate some form of brass.

Brass Lamp with Gold Frames and Wallpaper from Emily Henderson

Brass Etagere and Vase from Emily Henderson

Brass Lamp and Frames from Erika Brechtel

Brass Hardware and Accents from Made By Girl

Brass Bar Cart found on Pinterest

Brass Accordion Table and Lighting from Suzanne Kasler


Well, I decided to put together my own little collection of lovely brass beauties. Do any of these tickle your brassy bone?




1. A pair of these are great as pendants over a kitchen island (especially with black cabinets). Circa Lighting, Thomas O'Brien Hick Pendant, $525

2. This would be beautiful in a dining room, hung over a marble-top dining table. Design Within Reach, Brass Etch Pendant, $375

3. A pair of these would look amazing hung on either side of a queen bed, in lieu of typical table lamps. Urban Outfitters, Triple Tiered Pendant, $64

4. This lamp has been on my wish list for as long as I can remember. I'd love to pair it with a comfy chair and small side table to create a cozy reading corner. Lamps Plus, Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp, $99

5. This cutie would fit perfectly in between a pair of ikat slipper chairs. Urban Outfitters, Metal Accordion Side Table, $74

6. No bar is complete without a cool-looking bottle opener and this one fits the bill. Sight Unseen, Bec Brittain Geometric Bottle Openers, $48

7. I have a pair of these and they look amazing on my new bookshelf (more pics to come). They'd also look great perched on a stack of books on a coffee table. Etsy, Brass Cranes

8. Every space needs a little glamour and this tray is oozing with it. Put it on a console table to welcome you every day and hold things like your keys or mail. High Street Market, Turtle Shell Brass Tray, $98

So, tell me. Are you guys loving brass as much as I am? Or are you more a chrome/nickle person? Do tell!

Xoxo,
Coco

I'm Back! And Loving JCP

Hey guys! I'm so glad to be back to blogging. In case you've been wondering where I've been, I've been locked out of my blog thanks to some new settings that the hubs put on my old laptop! So, long story short, and after weeks of trying to solve said problem, the hubs just went out and got me a new laptop! And here we are!

So much has happened  since I last spoke to you guys. We've actually moved to Memphis, Mr. Marcus has started his new job, and I'm embarking on a journey that I can't wait to tell you all about (but more on that later). Something else that has "happened" is the launch of JCPenney's new store line! And let me tell you, I'm diggin it!



JCPenney is a rarely mentioned name in the fashion blog world. And although CohesiveRandomness is not just a fashion blog, I wanted to show JCP some CR love!

 
1.2.3.4.5.6.7.

I promise, all of the above items can be found on JCP's website...and they're all UNDER $25!!! Say what you want about JCP, but these items are great on-trend items at great prices! Check out how some of the Internets  most popular fashion bloggers put pieces like these to use!

Hot Pink Sweater by Atlantic-Pacific

Chambray Shirt by Fashberries

Gingham Shirt by TheFancyPantsReport

Black Coated Jeans by The Shoe Gawker

Green Spotted Blouse by The Haute Pursuit

Brocade Pants by UpCloseandStylish (via Instagram)

Black Leather Skirt via Wendy's Lookbook

Be sure to check out JCPs site and they're new store brand line of women's clothing. Also, be sure to follow all of these beautiful ladies via their blogs/Twitter/Instagram/etc.! You definitely won't be disappointed!

And if you aren't already, follow me on Instagram @cohesiverandomness for posts on fashion, hair, design and all of my other daily ramblings!

Xoxo,
Coco