Shelves serve an important role in a home. From providing much-needed storage space to showcasing personal treasures like family photographs or souvenirs from your travels, they can be both utilitarian and add to your aesthetic. Bookcases, built-in shelving and even floating shelves in the kitchen can serve these dual purposes well.
An artfully curated shelf can add simple luxury to your space while utilizing items you may already have in your home. Follow these tips from designers to learn how simple shelf style can make a major impact on your home.
How to group items
- To begin styling your shelves, establish groups of items you’d like to display. Use large objects like books, frames, sculptures or baskets first. Then, fill in gaps that you see with smaller items.
- Stagger the heights of objects and group objects of different sizes on the shelves to add variety and interest. Stack items as well, including multiple decorative boxes or several books.
- You can also try pairing items of similar colors together or try using contrasting colors in groups – whatever aligns best with your style.
- Find a middle ground when you begin grouping items. Too many items will look cluttered while too few will make the shelves look unfinished and bare.
- Once you are happy with the pairings of items, step back and take a look at the overall appearance. Luckily, it’s easy to regroup and reimagine your shelf styling if you don’t like where you’ve ended up.
Incorporating your style
- Adding beautifully styled shelves to your home provides a unique opportunity to showcase your design style. “Shop” your home before heading to the store; look for items you already own that might align with your vision for the shelving.
- Include personal touches by making the items you feature meaningful. Think about using books that relate to your interests, photos of your family, or souvenirs from your travels.
- Incorporating plants into your shelves can add color and a natural element to your shelves or bookcases.
Using your shelving as storage
- In addition to being a design feature in your home, remember that your bookcases, built-ins and shelves can be used for storage as well.
- You can maintain your design aesthetic while getting a lot of function out of the space. Simply use storage solutions like rattan baskets or decorative storage boxes.
- Storing a collection of items on your shelving is a practical solution that can make a big visual impact as well.
While it can be overwhelming to begin with a wall of bare built-in shelving, think of this space as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to not only store special items, but to display your personal style. By following these tips, you can take pride in creating styled shelves that feel authentically you.
A certified Master Builder, Clarity Homes believes everyone should have access to the life they want – without being in over their heads with debt. The luxury homes we design and build offer a better way – life simplified. If you’re interested in our available homes or have a question for us, contact us today.