Shelf Life.....What's On Your Bookshelf?

One of the things I love about my busines of coaching and mentoring others to grow a decorating related business is that my former students share their regular newsletters with me.  Here is one I received today from the talented Ava Lewandowski from Clemmons, North Carolina. Not too long ago we had a mouse in our house.  After he was caught (and he died a happy mouse...full of Ghirardelli's Chocolate Chips), I did a thorough cleaning of the pantry.  Much to my surprise, there were several food items with an expired shelf -life.  This told me that I need to be more frugal and check the dates more often as not to waste food.  Placing items back on the shelves, I was reminded that decor has a shelf-life too and needs a thorough cleaning, redecorating or redesign occasionally. Most people redecorate after 7 years and if not 7, then definitely after 10 years.  To keep your decor from looking dated, periodically step back, freshen up and make some changes.  There are little things that you can do without totally redecorating.  One of those is redesigning your bookshelves. In the August newsletter (Books, Books, And More Books)  books came down off the shelves and were used as accessories in the home.  So how do you decorate those bookshelves?  I find decorating bookshelves to be one of my biggest challenges when doing an Interior Redesign. There is nothing wrong with using rows of books as you would find in a library but adding a few accessories will add interest.  Everything from collectibles, personal treasures, art, framed photos, decorative boxes, pottery and baskets; even books, can be displayed.  All of these are great additions... the challenge is...placing them on the shelves so that the finished look isn't cluttered and is visually appealing.

Tricks of the trade for accessorizing bookshelves:

- Take everything off the shelves and clean.

- Consider lining back of shelf with fabric, wallpaper, or a contrasting paint color to add depth and interest.

- Organize books by size, color and texture (such as antique books vs. new books).

- Remove book jackets to reveal colorful bindings for a neater look.  This also makes it easier to read the book's title.

- Donate or pack away paperback books.  They tend to make a bookshelf look cluttered.

- Shop your home for items that are unique to your family and would also fit on the shelf.  Decide which ones to include.  Choose carefully.  Too many will be distracting.

- Make a decision before loading the shelves...do you want an asymmetrical (casual or artsy) or symmetrical (traditional or formal) look?  With either choice balance is the key to a visually pleasing display.

- Begin on the bottom shelf and work your way to the top using visually heavy objects and larger books on lower shelves.

- Place books both horizontally and vertically.  By stacking books horizontally you can create a bookend for books arranged vertically.  A knick-knack or treasured item can be placed atop the horizontally stacked books.

- Front books as if they were on a library shelf (flush with the front edge).  Refrain from placing objects in front of books which tends to add clutter.

- Use objects of varying heights to add interest.

- Group collectibles together for more of an impact.

- Adjust shelves or remove to suit your display.

- Display art or photos on easels or hang them on the back wall of the bookcase.

-Add pots of silk greenery to a few of the shelves to give the eye a place to rest.

- Add baskets that fit on shelves if extra storage is needed or it a "Pottery Barn" or "urban look" is your style.

Step back and view from a distance occasionally while decorating your shelves.  This will help you achieve the balance and the look you want.  Have fun!

- Fold quilts and place on lower shelf in a casual room for an added sense of coziness.

Comments

[Ayala Land Premier]

Ran into your article while searching for ways to get rid of this clutter we call a library. Now I'm having second thoughts and probably start working on them right away. Thanks for the tips! (or should I say tricks?)

[Angela Todd]

Excellent tips for bookshelves!

Angela Todd
www.nwinteriordesigner.com/blog