Turning My Office Into A Library!

✿ Check out Book of the Month and use the code "ARIEL" to get your first book for $5! www.bookofthem... ✿
⤷ "i'm thinking about books" hats! store.dftba.co...
⤷ new "do you want to read with me?" shirts! store.dftba.co...
⤷ more cute merch! store.dftba.co...
Painting I hung up is: At Breakfast by Laurits Andersen Ring
☞ Support my channel by joining my Patreon family: / arielbissett
☞ Website: www.arielbisse...
☞ My book podcast: www.booksunbou...
☞ Music by: www.northernso...
☞ My name is Ariel and I’m a Canadian writer, poet, and KZbinr. I organize my shelves by genre and then colour and my favourite book is Animal Farm. I've been making bookish content online for a decade and love spreading a love of reading through videos, panels, articles, and more!
☞ Thanks for watching! ☜

[@carolineprince14]

40 minutes? YOUVE JUST SAVED MY WEEKEND! i am getting snacks and a drink BRB 🏃‍♀️

[@ArielBissett]

Hehehe love this

[@Dimsrose]

You said this and I had to double check! Heck yeah 40 minutes! It's going on the big TV 😂

[@Efusco97]

This was my reaction haha 😍😍

[@buffienguyen]

+++

[@atembleq]

Mine too!

[@MD-wi8ht]

Am I the only one that would LOVE another house tour that’s filmed like a POV walkthrough? Watching these projects is so much fun, but I sometimes wish we could see footage that gives more of a sense of how everything looks when you’re stepping into the room 😆

[@Efusco97]

We’re due another one; her last one was 10/11 months ago, so I’m guessing she’ll do another one soon ! Will be the third one in 3 years :D

[@SandieMitchell]

No, you're not the only one...I love these videos!

[@sunnyhansen1987]

I NEED to see the WHOLE room !!!! ❤️

[@Elle5177]

I know what you mean but I’d worry about security issues if that makes sense? Like someone would know exactly where to go if they walked through the door etc.

[@Efusco97]

@@Elle5177 not if people don’t know where she lives :D, she only gives away the general area :) not specific location

[@AbbeyMayy]

You should keep an eye out for a vintage library ladder chair. They’re stunning and multifunctional, and would totally go with your aesthetic. The library is looking magical!

[@SammyK45]

Or maybe make one? Would love to watch a video like that. There are a few tutorials out there!

[@catiehenderson]

have you considered adding a stained glass window in your home? (if you havent already). They’re really elegant and pretty and I think it’d fit your style to get a unique one

[@GaabzR]

Yes and it's a nice diy as well!

[@erin9868]

I think there's a stained glass window on her landing, no?

[@ashleyl7794]

That’s such a good idea!!

[@francescathomas3502]

@@erin9868 The upstairs reading nook is clear glass, not stained. If her house is heritage, (it is over 150 years old) she may not be allowed to removed anything from the outside to change it.... But I do agree that a stained glass window would fit the ambiance of her house very nicely!!

[@Melifanatique]

If that’s the case she can cheats a bit…stained glasses have poor isolation so she will have to get the combo stained glass + normal glass to make it energy efficient. She can have the stained glass on the inside and the normal glass on the outside and it might work to get a pass :x though normally due to climate change the government might agree to minor changes in order to get more energy efficiency (windows are usually the things they allow to be changed bc wooden frames are not the best)@@francescathomas3502

[@xingcat]

Stair treads! I wouldn't have ever thought of that for shelves, but it makes so much sense and looks so good!

[@ArielBissett]

RIGHT?! I hope other people do it because it’s one of my happiest ideas.

[@RachelHubbell]

​@@ArielBissett I'm totally remembering this for when I re-do the shelves in my bedroom! I've slowly been refinishing and finding pieces that look good together, and the shelves are next on the list 😁

[@danielleboon1543]

As a professional painter, here’s some tips. First, wood never always matches. Different parts of the same tree will take stain a bit differently, so don’t sweat it being perfect too much. Second, it’s too late, but next time, you can use some off cuts/scrap to test stain and match it. Start with your custom mix, put some on your test piece. Take your special walnut, add some dark walnut, then apply it next to the sample, and see how it looks. Don’t work in the original can, so you can add more special walnut if it gets too dark. You won’t have a formula, but you can keep going back and forth until you get it just about perfect. Third, polyurethane changes the colour more than just turning it a bit yellow. It also makes the colour darker and richer. But you can mimic this really easily. Take a bit of water on your finger and touch it to the wood, the wet spot will be almost exactly the colour it’ll be after adding polyurethane And a final cheat, if the two sets of stain are off, you can tint polyurethane. This can act kind of like a white wash. If you brush a coat of polyurethane with a touch of brown paint added to it to all the shelves, you’ll even out the difference between new and old. It’s a pita, but might be better than stripping wood

[@krystinareads]

I do a lot of crafts, primarily quilting, and I know so many other quilters also live by, "Finished is better than perfect." There is also another quote that is my personal favorite, "If you can't see the mistake from a moving car than it doesn't matter". The idea of perfection will take the fun out of the most enjoyable tasks, and it's something that I routinely have to remind myself. Congrats on completeing your shelves! They came out absolutely marvelous!

[@susanmei9980]

Fellow quilter here! I always heard the version: If you can’t see it from the back of a galloping horse . . . 😝

[@Beruthiel45]

I endorse these messages. 😊❤

[@ligiabeltrao2430]

I'm OBSESSED with the tiny shelves on the right side of the door! I never would have thought of something like that, but wow! And the little light on them! And the typewriter! They look so cute I could cry 🥺

[@texaspoontappa2088]

I don't have a house to renovate, but I sew clothing and every single project of mine includes running into a wall, giving up, and not touching the project for months. I haven't returned to everything yet, but I'm starting to and looking at things after being detached from the stress of things not working out really helps you get in the problem solving mindset. Making stuff isn't a linear process. There's no deadline where you have to hand something in and get graded. You can drop something and return to it later. It's very comforting seeing that process here. I hope I can go back to all my unfinished projects.

[@FarmgirlFriday]

I’m a creative crafty person and I tend to abandon projects as well! This past year was a lot of revisiting things I had dropped sometimes years ago. I even finished a few of them! You are correct, that distance from the stress and frustration makes a huge difference.

[@ericrabinowitz6390]

An object lesson that: "Perfection is the enemy of Excellence." Congratulations for not letting it deter you from reaching your goal!

[@jovipenguin]

Ariel: My book situation is out of control! Also Ariel: This video is sponsored by Book-of-the-Month Club! 😂

[@GreenGiant96]

Have you considered taking a stained glass making class? It could be cool to document the learning process (like your wittling video) and also add stained glass pieces to your home!

[@sclumptuous]

Simone Giertz did a video where she tried her hand at making a stained glass piece for her own home and it looked beautiful!! I absolutely second this

[@taisachirovsky2645]

Sometimes, the internet is a weird space. I just want to thank you for occupying your corner of it. Thanks for being honest about the process, and by doing that, giving all of us the space to take more time and put things off and get back to it when it feels right to get back to it. 🎉 I appreciate you, your videos, and the pod ✨ thank you for all of it!

[@simonapollo6331]

This was genuinely so motivating to see how you recovered from the setbacks and still got the bookshelves done, getting rid of the idea of perfection.

[@jess1753]

I do not need shelves, I need "real estate for more books" 😂 Love it!

[@jjamieallover]

i think my favorite part about ariel's videos is how much she makes herself laugh

[@ArielBissett]

Hahaha I really do find myself and my life hilarious

[@zanesutherland406]

It turned out so beautiful! A lovely backdrop and display for your books and to work in! My 84 yr old grandma has never had internet, so she has thousands of books in her old farmhouse. Books shelves on majority of the walls. I was reading chapter books in kindergarten, because she would always read to us as a babies and taught us young, so i was ahead of most kids in my class.

[@jennagoldsmith421]

Sitting down with a cup of tea and smiling because you posted!

[@ClaireDeom]

The shelves are beautiful! They look on camera that they all match, but even if they don't quite match, they are far enough away that you can't tell. Job well done...love love love.

[@jaz_luo_studio]

when ariel says 'deduce' at 11:41, it sounds like the audio when the netflix app opens. anyways, really proud of you for finishing this project! thank you for sharing your process with us and showing the overcoming of obstacles along the way!

[@merrim7765]

Beautiful mat and if you have some extra $$, get non-glare glass. HUGE improvement!!!

[@pollyellman4905]

Ariel, I genuinely hope that you write a memoir one day about your experience renovating your home. It's been so magical to watch your journey since you bought the house, and one of my favorite parts about your videos is hearing the lessons the house has taught you that translate beyond the sphere of home renovation into general life. I would 1000000% read ANYTHING you wrote about your experience.

[@therunawaycamper]

That room looks so cohesive. What a great job you've done

[@42carol]

I worked in a library for six years the metal movable ones that fit in to drilled holes are not worth it in my opinion because if you have books that go over it won’t fit and then you run into the same packed in feeling you were already dealing with especially if you buy books more frequently or taken them down to read. I recommend free standing ones so that you can move books around easier and decorate easier. Remember there is an actual science that goes into how books are supposed to be functional on shelves and you want it to be practical and functional for your everyday life and use.

[@MrFahrenheit9]

That book corner framed with beautiful curtains and with that stained glass lamp may just be my favourite background now

[@upriver7047]

The library is so lovely! I could feel your angst and anxiety as you slowly went through this process. You did it! Good on you! I did a similar project about a year ago in my quilting room. It had gotten so bad and so over filled that I was loosing my creative mo-jo. It's finished now and I managed to finish five quilts this past year while simultaneously revamping my kitchen. That's progress and it was so worth it!

[@paperbackenthusiast]

Under the weather but OVER THE MOON, thank you for this absolute joy! Take care 💕

[@SandieMitchell]

Hope you feel better before Christmas!

[@jarcha4200]

Just a suggestion, give books you are not likely to read to again to public schools, a prison, a shelter, your local library, any teen youth organization and on and on. After whittling down your collection by at least 40%, you wont have an excessive random collection. I am a very avid reader. Some books are like dear friends, some are like a stranger with whom I have a casual conversation. Just a thought?

[@mostlyghostey]

I don’t always agree with your aesthetic choices but watching your projects bring you so much joy makes me happy as well. I almost feel as if you are slowly working on your own soul as you work on the house and it’s fun to see both of you grow and change!

[@corinnahogan4927]

Love this! And if you haven’t added Mozart’s letters to your letter collection, I highly recommend those!

[@bialinsbear2681]

i think the real xmas miracle is a long ariel video a week before xmas 🎄💕

[@thislifeisconfusing]

It is cruellll that this 40 minute video comes up right before I am due to go to bed (Because it's 3 in the morning here oops) but this means I have a breakfast video for tomorrow ;)

[@ArielBissett]

Yes!! Me and your eggs will have a party!!

[@howroydproductions]

For the step stool you want there's this design of a chair that converts into a ladder that maybe would be a good addition to your furniture. Love your videos btw!

[@thewatchfemme4051]

I’m so happy that we both have a dedicated L.M. Montgomery shelf in our libraries. We truly are kindred spirits. 🤗 Best wishes to you and the fam!

[@kathrynmccallum2350]

Would love to see you decorate your miniature room for the season/holidays!:)

[@DarkMaggiee]

I looove the zoomed out look! Dark shiny wood with the dark worn floors, and I would love to be blessed with those curtains 😍

[@biteofdog]

I love bookends, I have like 14 unique sets of vintage ones (mostly brass) that I've been collecting over the past few years. But, honestly, do what works best for your ever-growing book collection. I'm not able to re-read books (I've tried), so I tend to donate or sell any book that feels like it's wasting space for someone else to enjoy.

[@CMinorOp67]

Lol! Here I was thinking the “2 months later” was the plot twist. But, actually, the 4 months on top of that explains 13:15…where the sun is still shining at the end of day. The finished project looks SO freaking good!!!!!!

[@rocioiribe5841]

This explains the clip of her on her Jeep in a dress. I was thinking didn't she already do the shelves? 🤔

[@Amysdustybookshelf]

I also have "At Breakfast" hanging with some of my books. It's such a lovely painting.

[@lindseyrinehart9021]

YOU DID IT!!! Woohoo!!!!

[@denisesrazzledazzlenails9606]

Looks beautiful! A bookworms dream. 🤗

[@christinefisher7900]

2am UK time, am I going to go to bed? No - Ariel just uploaded and I can sleep when I'm dead

[@rodaavelar]

omg my night is SAVED my delicious bowl of drunken noodles + this vid is a perfect combo thank u thank u!!!

[@ArielBissett]

Hahaha I know the exact feeling of having food ready and needing the perfect video 🥲 so glad to be of service 🫡

[@harrypotteravenclaw]

Looks amazing

[@graceblondell7320]

This looks so amazing ariel! Your perseverance and candor in this video was so refreshing and inspiring.

[@WineAndGames]

Oh that bit at 35:19 resonated so much with me! I didn't build my own shelves but just recently I was finally able to bring all my precious books out of boxes in a basement and display them properly on bookshelves. Every time I walk into that room I get a huge smile on my face... it's such a great feeling! Your room looks absolutely beautiful, great job.

[@jumpincows]

Oh man I needed that bit about things going wrong today, because I’m in the middle of painting three bedrooms before the carpets get replaced tomorrow and I’m realizing 1) I’m not great at painting 😂 and 2) I did not give myself enough time to finish all three rooms. Which isn’t the end of the world. I can touch up my mistakes and also I can just do the last room with the new carpets in and make sure I cover them well during the process. But I was feeling so annoyed and frustrated with the whole thing. Seeing you let the mistakes and frustrations go (on a much more complicated undertaking 😅) is giving me some much needed perspective. So thanks for that!

[@ArielBissett]

You’ve got this!! We just have to keep keep keep going ♥️

[@starrya5647]

This is the first video of yours I've commented on, but I just got to 26 mins in and I feel so much calmer than at the start! I love how positive, joyful, and forgiving of yourself you are! I also really appreciate that you used classical music, it's really soothing 💝

[@amberpolk]

I love how joyful you are! The library looks SO good!!

[@felinetherapy4782]

To do lists can be a saviour when you're struggling. Highl recomend. Shelves look great!

[@donschamun273]

You did a valuable thing by showing how projects can stop and start, but persistence pays off. With a library. Maybe pad the shelf edges on that stretch tucked behind the door so you don't ding up the paint with an enthusiastic open.

[@musicalnerds101]

I'm excited for another house tour in the new year! 🎉 the shelves look so lovely ❤

[@LauraStepney]

You're little side note about "the thing about renovations" was very motivating to me. Last week I repainted my kitchen cabinets...like the whole things. And then I stepped back and looked at it and thought "that doesn't look right", so I pulled out the paint sample. And lo and behold it was a different colour. So the paint was mixed wrong. Big face palm moment. So I've been dreading tomorrow because I have to walk back into the paint store and explain that the paint was mixed wrong but yes I did paint my whole kitchen before realizing that... ugh. These things just happen.

[@ategetho]

Oh boy, how timely! I need to add shelves in my craft space for all the things. And the stair Tread tip is Amazing!!!!!!!

[@MS-dw6zu]

Wow your library turned out beautiful 😍 May I add that you are killing it with your outfits in this video🥰 Would you mind sharing where you shop for dresses/outfits? They look amazing on you❤

[@Hippiechick11]

When I was in Chicago at the Monet show, there was a picture he did of a woman in a white dress sitting under a tree reading a book. Everytime I see your Library and Reading Nook, I think it would be something you would love as much as I do.

[@GuanoLad]

The problem here is that with the Book Of The Month club sending you at least two or three books every month, by the end of 2024 you're overflowing again.

[@laurawagner4901]

Now that you have discovered all that extra room in the upstairs bathroom have you considered moving the laundry to that room. 90% of laundry comes from the bedrooms and it would save you time and energy

[@jordynoleymom]

Did you ever do a video showcasing the books your friends have written? I’m curious! The shelves look amazing!!!

[@neverforgetmeever]

An Ariel renovation video and a book video all in one?! Yes!!!! So excited!

[@georgiakuchinsky]

this was a wonderful and vulnerable video, I loved having it on while I did 3 days worth of dishes. gorgeous shelves, I have a feeling that a year from now you'll be adding them over the mantelpiece as well 😉

[@SusanneDraws]

this was so wonderful! a real sunday treat ❤️

[@RosaHernandez-uw2ul]

Ariel, I just wanted you to know that you have been one of the inspirations for me wanting to buy a house this year. My husband and I closed on a house on Monday. Watching you do projects in your house is so exciting!

[@susanmei9980]

Yay and congratulations !🎉🎈 I’ve been looking for 6 1/2 years! It gives me hope that one day, I too, will finally find a place to call home! 🌷🏡

[@GoodWitchKnits]

OMG can we get the "I'm thinking about books" in a toddler/kids size?! I know many little kiddos that would love hat!!!

[@neverforgetmeever]

The bookshelf corner looks soooooo good!!!!! Great job Ariel! 🎉

[@ElizabethGontkovic-uq4mw]

So true, Professional painters say, " When painting a large space( one that'll take more than a gallon, but less than 5gal) to mix together, not all sames hues a perfect match. Beautiful....❤

[@victoriapostmus3504]

OH MY GOSH!!!!! all my favorite things combined in one video = a fabulous weekend!!!! 40 mins long, decor and its LIBRARY CONTENT!!!! IM SOLD

[@olivia8465]

I know it wasn’t intended, but the defeat, long hiatus, and then comeback created a lovely story! I was rooting for you against the renovation hobgoblins.

[@vmpapillon8984]

Speaking of step ladders: have you thought of getting an English library ladder? Also : This video wasn't just great to watch (immediately closed it on the phone and watched it on the tv) but it made me extremely happy for you! It was noticeable over the last couple of months that this really bothered you so yaaaaayyy!! Congrats!

[@spacebar9733]

Me learning how old book of the month is is crazy.

[@YasminBenatti]

This looks beautiful! These long shelves deserve a library ladder, even if decorative. If I may suggest, could you post a time lapse next time you organize the books? And a design suggestion, feels like the desk would fit in front of the mantel, you’d be looking towards the windows. ❤

[@betul6350]

i seriously did not realise 40 minutes had passed by! i loved this video, renovation is never perfect and it’s wonderful watching your journey, also the result was truly so good!

[@enoughofyourbile]

So in love with your curtains! And your shelves are a beautiful dream!

[@allentowngal4769]

it looks great! I love the corner with those drapes framing it. Sooo cozy!

[@phyllisstein1837]

I've started sewing projects, set them aside (outta frustration) and finished them 18 months later. Hahaha 🤣

[@waterbitten]

As we speak I have planned sewing projects that I have patterns and fabric for but I'm procrastinating starting the sewing.😅

[@alessamiridis5476]

Such a joy to watch as always!! Watching your videos always reminds me to enjoy life and to laugh at myself more. Life is always better when I don't take everything so seriously! Thank you! ❤️

[@Hillary429]

You should totally do another hand painting project for your new step stool! I think that could turn out so cute and you could paint it to match the room or maybe have elements from your favorite book covers painted on (like orwell’s roses 🌹)

[@cypriennezed5640]

YES PLEASE ALL OF THIS TIME FOR TEA AND COZINESS

[@rebeccagerringer6648]

But what about your secret extra bathroom space???!

[@marie-francepoitras4361]

Ariel, your library looks like the Old World study of a brilliant woman. Love it love it love it!

[@fuzzzysock]

Can you actually see the wrong stain in person? I would probably leave it. They look great!!

[@daisukichococat04]

Agreed! It's just a fun little quirk at this point.

[@tess77262]

The snapping transitions are giving me so much joy

[@ArielBissett]

I felt like super 2012 doing them but I love them hHaha

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

Oh an evening upload! Right as the point when we're all just stuck with political news crap because we've already watched our other favorites… You come in with the save!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

Woah! What a relevant video. Your persistence to keep coming back to it until you finished is honestly inspiring. I have a couple of important projects I've been stuck on. Maybe I'll make a to do list.🤔

[@MrsRepairTech]

TLDR; You're inspirational, and I love your content-and personality-to pieces! I found your channel shortly after you purchased your house. I didn't realize how motivating your continued renovations would be for me! Suddenly my husband and I had to downsize to move in with family, and we inherited the boxed-up estates of my grandparents and my Mom, all within the same year. We had just felt like we had "arrived" at our decluttered goal (not minimalist) when this happened, and suddenly we had three storage units with furniture and possessions coming out our ears. Your videos gave me hope when we were sleeping on a hide-a-bed that barely fit in a living room of boxes. You've been my motivation to keep slogging along when we started to unbury our inherited apartment and realized the repairs it needed (like patching walls, flooring, replacing appliances, etc.). Now that we've made progress in our living space, I feel like I'm able to celebrate along with you because while you continue to tackle projects in your space, I'm finally able to start accomplishing projects in my own. Today we loaded up and drove my Mom's dining room table and chairs two hours away to my house-bound brother; then we were able to get our own table and chairs out of storage--maybe not a big accomplishment when I type it out, but hubby and I work more than full-time and finding daylight for transporting stuff can be hard. Plus we live with my sister, and we all grieve and declutter (or not) differently; she struggles with decision fatigue while hubby and I have a lot of practice "letting go" of material things. Regardless, our living space is slowly starting to feel more like our own rather than a time capsule of my Mom's home. While I can't renovate as drastically as you can because we're renting, you've given me the confidence that should we ever own a place, I can accomplish quite a lot of finish work with planning and tenacity. I adore your book collection! I had shelves and shelves of books that had to be rehomed; I hope someday to have my own library-esque room, too (little girl me fell in love with the Beast's library). Much love from Idaho! :)

[@elizabethandrus3848]

Hello! My son has a fabulous library of about 2,000 books that he has recently put in a virtual library through an app that allows others to browse his shelves and even check out a book. I used your Book of the Month code to join and begin my own library because I was very inspired by yours. Love your channel!! Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth

[@Eversew139]

Seriously Ariel, you are so talented and are creating such a personal space and home. Great content as always and you make me want to develop a reading habit. I lost it many years ago and wish I could sit still to read without distraction. Looking forward to your next video.

[@brendahamilton4426]

So proud of you. The shelves look awesome ❤

[@flowrider5082]

Why not donate or sell as many unused books as you can to reduce the need for more shelving? Or would that be like cutting off one of your arms? Any way, good luck no matter what you decide. Love ❤️🇨🇦

[@nunuchaa]

Sorry this is random but I absolutely love your curls!! Would love to know your hair care routine

[@jacobcorman]

One cool quote I’ve always liked being a perfectionist who gets in their own way in completing tasks is, “Done is better than perfect, because perfect is never done.” Don’t know where that comes from but it blows my mind when I think about it sometimes. 🤯

[@mlaiuppa]

What happened with the bathroom? You’ll need a stop to keep the door from knocking into those little shelves in the corner.

[@spookybookz9981]

You have the patience of a saint, I just go ikea for Billy’s lol I’d need the books going on the shelf the same day! but then my library is stereotypical whilst yours has more character and creativity! They look great! 👏

[@skellexis404]

i don’t even read books really and even I recognize the dream of a home library. Very cozy

[@eli_drottningu]

Am I'm watching this while I reorganize my office? Yes

[@lisacamilleri211]

Dang! You have a lot of books. That room is becoming quite the gem.

[@thebackpackingbookwyrm]

It is so so true that home projects get paused half way a lot of the time. Half of my doors have been painted for a year.. and I'm aiming to finish that this winter 😂

[@ArielBissett]

I believe in you!!

[@rettabedenbaugh8714]

I have a huge table I like to use when sorting my books. It helps to be able to make stacks. Gives me an idea of how much space I need for each category. I'm actually planning on rearranging my room and all my books. Wish me luck. It's going to take some time .

[@aimeeb158]

Two suggestions. First a charity shop for your step stool. Sometimes you can find a nice foldable, wood one. Vintage is always pretty. Second, take so.e of your scrap wood, cut it to book size, drill holes in the bottom and put pegs in them to match the drilled holes in the shelves. This is a nicer look than the metal ones.

[@kazzerism]

Oh my gosh, this turned out SO beautiful and cozy! I love how the shelves go right to the ceiling, I think you're right and it makes the room seem bigger and taller. Congrats on finishing this huge project, it turned out so well!!

[@samanthasoccshoeboxes]

As always your videos bring me so much joy! Watching the journey of your home with you is truly a highlight of my day when I see you've posted a new video. Skipping over that cute platypus on your bookshelf?! Shame! 😁 Also, PLEASE let me know where you got those lights for the shelves, I love them and have been looking for exactly that style to attach to my headboard for reading. Thank you for sharing your home and yourself with us!❣