Welcome to my clients home library retreat located right outside of their master bedroom. It's one of the coziest spaces in the home with a mini fireplace, three walls with bookshelf niches and french doors leading out to the courtyard. Heavenly! We added a vintage rug to the space with His and Hers leather recliners and then styled the bookshelves with their collection of books. Onto BOOKSHELF STYLING 101! Class is now in session.
LESSON #1: START BY ARRANGING YOUR BOOKS BY COLOR
Some people like to categorize by subject but we're talking about home libraries, not thousands of books. No offense Librarians but I say go rogue. Throw the Dewey Decimal System out the window and organize the books by color.
Bonus Tip: "I not only colorize the books but arrange them by size. This makes it much easier when I begin adding them to the shelves." — Rachel
LESSON #2: PLAY WITH THE PLACEMENT OF THE BOOKS
Don't just stand the books up vertically. Mix it up and lay some horizontally. Bonus Tip: "If you have a lot of small paperbacks, try organizing them in baskets then placing the baskets in the lower shelves." — Rachel
LESSON #3: FILL IN THE BLANKS
This is where you start adding decorative objects to the bookshelves. They can be sculptural items, mementos and frames. My client, a Distiller by trade, collects vintage copper stills. I love the graphic nature of them so I place on shelves an throughout the room. Bonus Tip: "Black and white family photos in small frames look fabulous on bookshelves and tell your story in your home." — Rachel
LESSON #4: ADD ARTWORK
Incorporate artwork into your shelf scheme. You can prop 8" x 10" frames on the shelves for a personal touch. Bonus Tip: "Frame your kids artwork in 8"x10" or 5"x7" frames and add them to your bookshelves." — Rachel
LESSON #5: ADD SOMETHING ORGANIC AND NATURAL
eIf you collect crystals, geodes, sea glass or seashells, arrange them is a small bowl or clear cylinder and add them to your bookshelves. A lot of my favorite bookshelf incorporate organic materials. Small indoor plants and succulents are great too. Bonus Tip: "Air plants are graphic and easy to care for. If you don't have a green thumb, go faux! Just make sure that they look realistic." — Rachel
If you need help with finishing touches in your home, I'm more than happy to consult with you! Book your consultation using the Contact Page. I work with clients both locally in San Diego and virtually throughout the nation.
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