How to Style a #shelfie
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m indecisive which is why I love shelves. I can change up the look every season. Ok, I’ll be honest sometimes I change my shelves weekly. Adam hates me for it. I’m always asking him “what do you think of the shelves?” Poor guy doesn't even see the difference! Here is why I change my shelves regularly: I’m on maternity leave and spend most of my time in the living room staring at my built in shelves. So, I’m constantly thinking of how I can improve the look to make me happier. I also love shelves because my kids can’t reach them, ha, ha. Notice I don’t have pictures of my coffee tables or anything else in my living room because it is ruled by toys, bottles and breast pumps right now. The shelves are Mommy’s happy space, for now. Here are my tips how to style a #shelfie:
First start with a blank slate, take everything off and slowly add items back. Less is more.
Pick a colour scheme
I go with neutrals and depending on the season add in some pops of colour. Right now my colours are gold, black, and white. My pillows are super colourful right now (thanks to Meg’s post Pillow Talk) so I toned down the shelves. I like the gold accents as it adds some texture to the shelves adding more interest.
I suggest picking two neutral colours like black and white and adding a hit of your favourite colour. It is also nice to add a little of greenery with easy indoor plants, it goes with every colour scheme.
Rule of 1, 3, or 5
When styling each shelve put items in groups of odd numbers somehow it creates more interest and balance than two objects. But with every rule comes some exceptions When I put photos together I sometimes only use two.
Add Some Height
Books are a great way to add some texture and height to your shelves. Don’t have books that match your colour scheme? No need to run out and spend tons of money on expensive books. Grab some hardcover books (I know you still have those books from college or university that you spent a ton on) flip the spine and expose the pages, ta-da a cohesive look without spending a ton. Adding in a vase is also a great way to add some interest with height.
Not Matchy, Matchy
Notice I don’t match everything perfect, the key is to have the items complement each other. For example the polka dot box on one side the stripe box on the other. This adds interest without looking like it is a matching set. I have one gold vase and one that looks like marble they don't match but they go since those colours are through the shelves.
Personal style
It’s so important to add some personality and memorability. I love doing this with family pictures. One of my favourite pieces that is a staple on my shelves is a little gold car. It belonged to Adam’s Grandfather and Adam use to play with it as a child. The rest of my items I have purchased over time. My favourite places to shop for decor pieces are Home Sense, H&M Home (added bonus you can shop online), Indigo, Value Village and vintage stores or markets. Pick out what speaks to you and you can’t go wrong.
Styling a #sheflie is not a science but it is a form of expression. So, don’t be discouraged if it’s not instagramable. Just have fun with styling and soon you will find what speaks to you and your home. Happy #shelfie
xoxo