We believe bookshelves are the window into our family life and tell the story of who we are. Many of us have either built in bookshelves, wall shelves, or furniture pieces with shelving and have a difficult time accessorizing them in an effective way.  Showcasing our collections of treasures, family photos and books can be a tricky task and end up looking like an afterthought instead of a prized feature of a room.

Let us share with you a few helpful tools to turn your wall of shelves into a wall of storytelling…

Edit

Edit out all items that no longer serve a purpose or speak to you.  Remove old greeneries, tiny objects, and tired outdated pieces.

Scale

Our rule of thumb is nothing smaller than a cantaloupe belongs on a shelf.  Combining large scale accessories with frames, books and treasured collections will provide a clean tidy appearance and also highlight features items.

Color palette

In order to achieve a cohesive easy “read”, select an accent color and stick to one.  From there, add a greenery source to give an organic element and texture, then photos, books and accessories.  For example, if you want a fresh beach look, try blue accessories combined with brown books and wooden photo frames – clean, easy and fresh!  If you prefer a monochromatic look, maintain a greenery source to let the accessories breathe.

Your accessories will tie your entire look together.

Books

Yes, bookshelves deserve BOOKS! Even if you are not a reader, add books! Local libraries have book sales at least two times a month and is great fun collecting sets and color combinations. Remember, paperbacks do not count, only hardbacks (no cheating). Measure your shelves and buy more than what you think you need. Trust us, the shelves will eat books up! Select a color scheme and buy books within that range. Consider blacks and grays or browns and tan. You may even like blues if that is your look – go for it! If you own an assortment of mismatched books already – no problem, turn them around and show the page side! TaDa!

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Family photos

Bring it on! Here is your chance to create the story wall. Combine your favorites and select frames that compliment your accessories.  You can choose to either use color photos, sepia or black and white. Again, all depending on the look you desire to achieve.  Keep all frames simple and of similar appearance in color and texture.

Accessories

Your accessories will tie your entire look together. They should all compliment your valued treasures and collectibles that tell a story all their own.  Keep accessories in one color palette with clean lines and scaled appropriately.  Mixing ceramics, glass, and pottery are all terrific ways to add texture. Just keep within the same color range.  Adding baskets in neutral tones that compliment your scheme adds great texture and scale.

Side tips:

• White items on white book shelves do not showcase well.
• Glass items will not show up unless filled with greens, spheres, nuts, rock, etc.
• Move small objects onto smaller side tables or with cabinets.
• Play with shapes. Less is more!
• Don’t be afraid to paint your bookshelves a different color or add a textural wallcovering to the back wall.  This may be the perfect addition to draw attention to your feature.

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Now take these hints and tips as you begin your own journey in creating the perfect bookshelf display! Have fun and enjoy!

Until next time,

Your friends at LL&A Interior Design

#indianagirls  #liveloveappreciate  #interiordesign