Bananas for Bookshelves!

What to do with bookshelves? It seems like such a silly question, but it is one of those things that can drastically change the look of a room. All too often, I walk into a space that could be incredibly visually-pleasing, but it falls short. Or I see simple shelving in a bathroom or living room, and they look like a Target advertisement. That’s because I truly believe there is an art form to a successful bookshelf. There needs to be that certain personal touch, but not infested with wedding photos and baby pictures. There needs to be a sense of personality, but not too much, that the average guest has no connection to it. My apologies ahead of time to anyone I may offend in this post, but there is a science behind “bookshelf- arranging”. Sure, you can add your own quirks and treasures, but don’t take offense when I say that your shelves don’t need to be a shrine to yourself. I suppose I should explain this a tad further, before I offend everyone reading this, and I have no readers. Bookshelves are certainly a place to express your creative side, and sprinkle in photographs of that family reunion, or your first born, but I believe there are some tips you can always stand by in order to make your bookshelf the kind that everyone wants to look at, not just you. So, if you are still reading, I prepared a short list of some do’s and don’ts of the typical bookshelf display, and feel free to completely ignore. But who knows? You may just like what you see.

The first two photos are from Studio McGee’s website. Always love the way she curates her shelves.

Do- Loosen up! All my OCD, type A people reading out there— this is going to be a challenge. Maybe bring over your favorite yogi friend to help you out on this one, because you have to let that shit go. Structure, alignment, perfect streamlined shelves are BORING to look at, and honestly make your home look like an overstocked inventory shelf. Instead, try placing something on the shelf you may not have even thought of. Sure, we automatically think, “Bookshelf— candles? Books? All color coordinated?!” Not knocking the rainbow books, because The Home Edit has surely made that the newest interior trend. I think it works in a lot of spaces, but try to step outside of the box and do your own thing. If your closet is an absolute mess with mismatched shoes, blouses, and underwear strewn about, then why would you color-coordinate your bookshelf? It just doesn’t make sense; bookshelves should be a display of your personality. Yes, I am well-aware that sometimes we are talking a 3-foot wooden board above a toilet, but that doesn’t mean it can’t show your style off! With that being said, I am not eliminating that idea. But what if you tried positioning some books upright and others flat? What if you decided to get a little funky with it and incorporate your 8th Grade Karaoke Winner trophy on the shelf (not speaking from experience...) It sounds bizarre— to add something ordinarily not “beautiful” to a display, but that’s the beauty in it all. Making it something YOU think is beautiful, but others may crack a smile with. If I was bold enough to put that trophy in our living room (yes we were the champions- no big deal), it would be an immediate talking point. Who doesn’t want that? And it shows that you can let go, and have a good laugh at yourself!

Don’t- Use objects that are all the same height! This may be the biggest “faux paw.” The height of the accessories is key to making the bookshelves a success. If everything is uniform, you don’t get that vibe that you want. The vibe of- “I didn’t even try with this shelf, but it still looks amazing.” Yeah, the goal here is to make your bookshelves look effortless- “lived-in,” if you will.

Do- Collect objects as you go. I honestly don’t think the whole “Trading Spaces” room makeover is the best way to go when decorating your own home. Sure, Paige and Tye used to make it pretty darn convincing in the early 2000’s, and I do think that it can work, especially if you have the budget. But for the most part- I think that design can take time. And I think that’s the beauty in it. It goes back to that idea of “letting go.” The bookshelf in your living room can be ever-changing— a work in progress. One season it could be very uniform, stream-lined, and crisp. The next season it could be wild, overgrown with plants, and mismatched. It can go along with your life trajectory. I know, I may be losing some of you now, but my point is that your shelves can be an ebb and flow. Say you travel on an epic backpacking trip to Europe, and you find a man on the side of the road creating beautiful pottery by hand; you betcha that pot is going on your shelf when you get home. Maybe you are in a small podunk town in Wisconsin, and they have the most unique little figurine that looks like it has been passed down for generations— why not add it to your collection? Feeling a tad blue in the winter months? Maybe swap out a white statue for a colorful vase with dried flowers to bring some vibrance back in the space! Change is good, people! I promise you! Trust me on this one- I have transformed my life from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago to the prairies and cul-da-sacs of central Missouri. And though it can be difficult at times, the change has been something I have grown to admire.

This is a photograph from our very own living room. I have added and subtracted from this shelf for months, and I am finally pleased with it. But that could change!

Don’t- Shop all at one place. I know it is very simple to go to HomeGoods and sweep everything off the shelf. Or go to Target an grab every “Magnolia home” item in stock. Not knocking any of these things— they are literally some of my favorite places. However, when you purchase all of your accessories in one place, your room starts to look like everyone and their neighbor’s house. The room begins to look like the display inside the box store, instead of your individual home. Break free from that. How do you do this? A great way is to simply make a list and write down where you bought it from. If your vase, your bowl, your picture frame, and candle are all Ray Daun, then you should rethink and try to diversify. Modge Podge is in!

Do- Mix textures! All too often I see a bookshelf with just books. I know, that sounds so snobby and stupid of me too say. “Like why would you have only books on a piece of furniture meant to hold books?” I get it. When I ask it in a question like that, it sounds absolutely absurd. I am a reader; I studied English, and I read over forty books a year. Sure, that was a chance for me to give a humble brag, but it was also to convince you that I LOVE books. But they should not stand alone. At least not in this day and age. If you live in a gorgeous tutor built in the 1800’s with a sliding wooden ladder to reach all of the books in your elegant library— then yeah, fill your bookshelf with books. If you are any other person— you are not fooling anyone. All of your books that you skimmed through in college don’t need to be on the shelf. If you do have a bunch, and have trouble letting go of things, because you are convinced you will “re-read” that book, when you won’t, then sure, keep the books. But if not, I think you should weed out the ones that are not so aesthetically pleasing, and keep the ones that look good. Books are a fantastic accessory, but if they look like they spent too many days at the local pool, have food stains all over them, and have a bizarre title that creeps people out- toss them. That way, you will look like a scholar (because I think that is what most of us are going for) AND you have a place that is comfortable and chic. I did have someone once tell me, “If you go home with a guy and he has no books on his shelves, don’t trust him.” Soooo I do think you need a few, even if you aren’t a reader. Grab some at a garage sale or an old book store, and call it a day!

In terms of mixing textures, I mean adding a clay vase, wooden candle holders, a globe with a metal rim. All of these things draw the eye to the entire shelf. That way, your aesthetic is carried throughout the entire wall- not just a specific spot. Gotta keep it interesting!!

Don’t- be afraid of bizarre combinations. I think at times when we delve into decorating rooms in our home, we tend to stick to one metal, one color, etc. to keep the theme of the space going. But actually, it is good to add an orange vase to an entirely cool, blue room. The warm color is complimentary, and it breaks up the monotone look, while creating cohesion in the space simultaneously. If you have a cement sculpture you want to display on the shelf, don’t be scared to pair it with the porcelain china bowl your grandmother passed down to you. Mixing styles is something that gives the eye a snack, and who doesn’t like a snack?

This was a bookshelf from a tiny home of one of my best friends, Danielle. I particularly loved how many sentimental objects she had to fill the empty space.

Do- Stack. Stacking creates a layered look that helps to bring a unique look to the shelf. Have a pile of three coffee table books on the shelf? Why not put a funky candle on top of that? The more levels you have, the better I promise. It will seem strange when you first start stacking, but it will pay off in the long run!

Don’t- The final DON’T! Don’t be afraid to look at others for inspo. One of my favorite things to do is peruse websites for ideas. Studio McGee, Magnolia Home, and Becky Owens are some of my “go-to’s.” But the list goes on and on in regards to what you can find on the web these days. A keen sense of detail will take you a long way. Instead of just gazing at the gorgeous sectional sofa or the awe-catching fireplace, try to glance around the entire picture. Notice the shelves, the coffee table, the end tables; you’ll see an array of accessories that can help you in your own journey of bookshelf-building.

The final piece of this blog is an interview with Mattie LeMoine. Her house is singlehandedly one of the most incredible homes I have ever been in. Her striking details, luscious plant-life, and impeccable eye make for a serene oasis that anyone would drool over. Her bookshelf game is strong. So go ahead and enjoy what she had to say! P.S. Love that I wrote this blog post and then she sent me the answers to questions. We had so much shared advice, which I loved!

This is a bookshelf from Mattie’s stunning home. The various textures, unique objects, and personal photographs make for the perfect look.

What is one tip you would give to people trying to decorate a bookshelf? Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles, sizes, and textures! I personally love an eclectic look that displays items I've found and loved over time. That could mean a piece of coral from a vacation in Mexico or just a random picture frame I loved from home goods.
What is the most important thing about decorating (in your opinion)? Stay true to your style and purchase items you love- not just because it looked good in another picture you found online. I've found when I try to shop for an exact look that I've seen on instagram- it never turns out like the picture. If you choose items that speak to you it is so much easier to find a place for them on the shelf and in your home!
Is there a “go-to” place you go to for inspiration for projects like this? Personally I love instagram and houzz for inspiration on the vibe I am wanting to create in my home.
What would be an unexpected piece of advice you would give someone decorating a shelf or display of some kind? Think of the shelf or display as ever evolving. I am constantly moving and rearranging my shelves. I like to play around with site lines with maybe a book or 2 underneath to change the look. Also, if I find a new item I want to display, I move things around until I'm happy with the new look.
Is there a specific blogger or anything of that sort that helps guide you in the direction you want to go in? I personally love Becki Owens and Amber Lewis. We recently did some updates to our kitchen and when I was deciding on the backsplash design I looked at all of Becki's recent kitchen and tile designs. I love taking ideas or concepts from multiple different looks and then putting them together.
Anything else you would like to say about shelves or displays?

Take your time!! Do not expect one shopping trip to completely fill your shelves perfectly. You want your shelves to be an authentic representation of your style- not just however Hobby Lobby had it displayed that day. And finally have fun with it!! Your home should be a happy place where you can relax.

Links to the items below!!

Vases in top left corner