Up on the blog this week it's all about how to master those shelfie goals. The biggest mistake people make in styling their bookshelf? Too many books! Okay, yeah, we know that’s what they are for, but they sure look a little prettier when mixed in with other objects. The thought of styling shelves is overwhelming, even to the seasoned interior designer. It is often difficult to know how to start. How do I arrange everything to look good? How should I group items together? Should I arrange by size or by color? Here’s how we style pretty shelves, in five quick steps.
Curate books
Start with a color palette! Create a cohesive look by removing books (or turning their spines in) that don’t fit your scheme. Then, give the shelves visual balance by alternating standing and stacked sections. Just go with your own interior design style with the objects you choose.
Insider Tip: The number of books in each stack will vary depending on the size of your books and the height and width of your shelves, but stacks should generally include three or more books at minimum.
Photo Cred: Pinterest
Mix in objects
Shop your home for interior items you might not automatically think about using. Here, we love how a few stacked dishes add a little interest with various objects and flowers. Be sure to vary sizes and shapes. Also consider found objects or items you purchased along your travels. Get rid of any clutter that should be thrown out, eliminate anything that you don’t use anymore, and donate anything that may still be good but you just no longer love.
Insider Tip: Don't style with too many small items. Vary the sizes!
Photo Cred: Pinterest
Add some life
Choose a plant that will have a little room to grow into its environment. Or pick some flowers to punch up the color factor!
Photo Cred: Pinterest
Add some art
To bring a little depth to your shelves, get some art in there! Here, subtle pieces were combined that tie the neutral tones of the scene together.
Style it up
Play around with the elements (while making sure they have some breathing room) until you arrive at a scene you love.
Photo Cred: Pinterest
Okay, so now you have all of your shelf styling essentials … this is only half the battle! The next step is to blend together all of the tips we mentioned effortlessly for a fresh and cohesive look. Mix together texture, size, and tone, but be sure to keep to a singular color palette or style.
Move things around to see how they look in different places, and take time to play with different groupings Pro Tip: Odd numbers tend to look better in a group than even numbers. The honest trick to getting a shelf to look perfect is spending the time to style and edit until everything falls into place!
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In addition to being a Philadelphia Multifamily Interior Designer, I also design boutique hotels, fitness centers, office spaces, residential development projects, other commercial spaces such as office and retail spaces, and the senior living community throughout the tri state area. We work here in Philadelphia, the main line, and even Nationally!
About the Interior Designer
Tina Delia, a native of Ocean County, NJ, current resident of Philadelphia, is the Founder and Principal Interior Designer of Delia Designs. For the past nine years, Tina has been steadfast in her vision and continues to develop herself personally and professionally. She is dedicated to excellence and insistence on forward thinking design. At the forefront of her designs is the idea that our spaces have the ability to transform our lives. She is looking to move us, inspire us to see, think and create freely. After all, it's not only about creating beautiful spaces.
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