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The fireplace in our family room was brick from floor to ceiling with recesses on both sides. We wanted to spruce it up and create some usable storage on each side. The result was 2 built-in bookcases and a mantel in red oak. For the bookcase backs, I created individual strips that fit together with tongue/groove rather than a plain, flat back. This gave the bookcases a bit more visual appeal. Shelves are all adjustable and made with oak plywood with solid oak strips applied to the front both for strength and to cover the edge of the plywood. Once the bookcases were in place, I covered up the top part of the fireplace with "floating" plywood which was attached only to the bookcases, not actually to the brick at all. The plywood gave me a substrate to apply wallboard to yet it can be removed in the future if desired with no damage to the brick. The "floating wall" (plywood covered by wallboard) is additionally held in place by molding on all sides. An "arch" theme was used for the top of the bookcases as well as the tops of the doors. Recessed lights were the final touch.

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This looks great Rick well done
 

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Adds a nice balance to the room. Can't go wrong with oak, great job! The only thing I would change is putting the same size crown over the mantel as on the side walls. But that just me just my two cents worth. Something to be proud of.
 

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I thought you said you wanted to spruce it up but it looks like you oaked it up. LOL

Looks great.
 

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Rick, this is a nice addition to your home. The fireplace is now a beautiful focal point for the room that immediately gets your attention. You put a lot of detail in these, such as the onlays, fluted columns and arched rails/panels, that give the bookcases visual interest.

Nice job.
 

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Very nice Rick, you difinetly accomplished your goal. Nice addition to the room.
 
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