Bookshelf dressing can be an art. It seems everyone I know wants more bookshelves and built ins, but I always ask, “what are you going to put on them”? I am not a fan of shelves being a picture frame repository or a space to shove needless memorabilia, unless it’s meaningful.
My feeling is that shelving is a visual utility, and unless you have an artful display of your wares, then keep it hidden! Behind doors, in drawers or in rubbermaid boxes, for goodness sake! Doesn’t matter how, but unless it’s pleasing to look at, why display it? Having said that, if you have bookshelves, but can’t figure out how to dress them, here are some easy tips:
- Keep things uniform; have a pattern: place books with a vase on both sides, or just vases on both sides, and so-on.
- Try grouping books with similar bindings together or keeping the color scheme all over uniform.
- Don’t overcrowd UNLESS you have enough good looking books to fill them all.
- Create a story rather than sticking all your small knick-knacks and frames everywhere mindlessly.
- Paint backs a bold color for a visual impact.
- Try stacking books on their side rather than upright. Place objects on top of the stack and beside it.
- Edit like a fiend!
Images via Pinterest
We fly off to a middle eastern adventure today and the next 3 weeks I will be traveling and hopefully blogging from abroad. This is a sentimental trip to Israel for me, as I took this very same route when I was 13 years old, and my daughter, now 13, is doing the same. Wish us safe travels, good luck and I’ll be back soon!
Images via Pinterest
There are 3 reasons these shades are something every homeowner should consider:
1. They add loads of organic texture.
2. They are totally utilitarian whether blacked out or not.
3. They are not trendy and match any room and every decor.
Now, you can feel good about going out and fitting your windows with bamboo tortoise shell shades… I love them plain, but they are especially great layered under fabric panels…
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Pinterest 2.
Kim Cornelison 3.
Pinterest 4.
Pinterest 5.
Pinterest 6. Elle Decor
All of my clients know by now I am obsessed with Baker’s gilded bamboo bar cart. I own one, as do many of my clients; it’s become somewhat of a signature for me… Funny thing is, I don’t even really drink, but others I know make up for it…
Anyway, a bar cart is such a versatile piece. Use it for the obvious, as a side table or server. Use it to display things. Decanters, colored glass objects, bottles, liquor, china, stemware, porcelain, plants…
Use it as a side table, magazine repository, tea service. Use it for anything. But use it!
1. Pinterest 2. Atlanta Homes 3. Pinterest 4.
Flickr 5. Emily Henderson 6. Pinterest
I am always touting less is more. And it continues to be my motto in life. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about why great spaces are great, trying to study the elements, dissect them and articulate what works and why. And it has been the inspiration for this post. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do…
I thought we would begin with the simplest of simple; a great foyer with so few elements but the perfect ones: a study in less is more.
1. The armless sofa ends at the perfect spot against the staircase.
2. The garden boxwood adds architectural interest and round shape, while also bringing outdoors in and a whimsical touch.
3. Sofa fabric is ethnic and fresh but neutral and calming.
4. Rug is great flat weave texture and right shape, also adding ethnic subtle pattern.
5. The textiles and elements are casual against a could-be-formal backdrop of a dramatic paneled staircase.
Peter Dunham via
House Beautiful
