DIY: Build a Colorful Bookshelf

Laura Plouzek's DIY project blew my mind. Not because it was tough to pull off -- it wasn't -- but because she used such bold colors in the shelves themselves. I'm always drawn to people who use color in a brave way, especially since everything in my house is either white or black. This look could work in a modern space, but it's particularly fitting for a nursery or a young child's room.

Want to copy Laura's idea? Here's how to do it.

DIY difficulty level: Moderate -- Some power tools involved.

What you'll need:
- A jigsaw or similar saw
- Sandpaper/electric sander
- Wood screws
- Powerdrill and/or screwdriver
- Lumber
- Wood glue
- Paint
- Measuring tape
- Pencil and paper

Step 1: Plan!
This idea only works if you have an alcove to inset the bookcase into -- Note: Laura's bookshelf is in an inset in the wall. You'll need to know the depth and height and width of your alcove/space to determine the size of lumber to get (Laura used 1' x 6's since her alcove was about 7-inches deep). Determine how many boxes you'd like to make and where they will go before you do anything else. Remember to take into account the width of your lumber when making calculations. Laura made a list of all of the lengths she needed to cut and then crossed them off as she went along -- good idea!

Step 2: Use your saw to cut your lumber pieces to the length that you need. Laura just cut them straight, but if you've got the skill, then mitered corners would look professional!

Step 3: Use a vice or clamps to hold the pieces together and use wood glue to join the corners of the lumber together. When they are dry, drill wood screws into each corner for reinforcement.

Step 4: Laura's tip for Step 4? "Sand down all of your edges! This is especially important if you'll be putting this unit in a child's room. I used a handheld electric sander and rounded all of the edged that would be facing out." You definitely don't want splintered edges where there are tiny hands!

Step 5: Paint your boxes. Laura used high quality spray paint, but any thick, interior household paint or craft paint for wood will work just find.

Step 6: Stack boxes into alcove and enjoy! The boxes can be secured to one another at this point if necessary. You don't want them crashing down on baby!