Go ahead. Have the GUTS to add beautiful art to your space. Add a punch of AMAZINGNESS to your decorating space.
Enjoy this amazing art inspiration:
{***and see if you can figure out which one was painted by a 6 year old girl. And I can’t really say that they are “amazing” per say, but see if you can figure out which ones were painted by me.}
p.s. for a MOST inspiring read, head over and check out one of my favorite posts from The Painted House blog, Tips for Painting with Children.
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In today’s Lesson in Design, I want to share with you some Bookshelf Styling looks that I really think are successful.
And you know how I love to break things down to the nitty-gritty. This post is filled with examples and explanations that will teach you ways to create your OWN gorgeous bookshelf. If you can hang in there until the end, I saved the best for last.
Well then, read on to see the details that can make or break your Bookshelf Display:
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1. Bookshelves were meant for Books
I might as well start off with a big “opinion” on the matter. This post series is called Lessons in Design, but I NEVER want to come across as sharing “Design Rules that thou shalt not break.” So, if you disagree with this notion, then YOU should definitely decorate your home for YOU, not by MY rules.
Disclaimer out of the way.
Truth is: I really, really believe that bookshelves are most beautiful when they are {mostly} filled with books. Look at these photos of Bookshelves filled with mostly, but not all, – ahem – Books!
{images: 1. design by Ashley Whittaker via 2. Coburn Architecture via 3. via sasinteriors 4. Thomas O’Brian via}
There are countless examples of a lovely bookshelves, styled with {mostly} items other than books. So this is definitely an option. But consider packing your bookshelves with things to read and learn, not things to dust.
Not enough books? Well, it is finally time to start that collection you have always wanted, hit the used bookstore, AND, why not supplement your collections with flea market finds, encyclopedia finds, and rummage sales. And, you might be surprised – if you announce to all of your friends and family that you would like to take a bunch of books off their hands – you will have full shelves before the week is out.
Here is an example of a bookshelf that is too sparsely decorated. If your bookshelves look like this… all in due time! But, maybe you should post on your Facebook status: “Collecting free used books, will pick up!”
{image: MLinteriors – who happens to do gorgeous designs and has a client who doesn’t own books}
3. Incorporate Art and Sculpture
Now that you have a library collection, with a world of imagination at your fingertips, it is time to make things interesting.
The following bookshelf displays are still MOSTLY books, but beautiful art and sculpture has been creatively integrated. They help to add interest, and can fill in any gaps you may have.
Consider putting art on top of books and beside them to act like bookstands. Also, consider using art/sculpture that will fully fill in a gap left by the books. See how that technique is used in the pictures below:
Stack books horizontally and vertically to add interest to book-packed shelves. You can see great examples of this in the pictures above, and in this one as well:
Tidy. Symmetrical. Crisp. and Artistic. Take note how all of the bookshelves below – and those above that are peaceful and pleasing – are all TIDY. The books are up and down and tight, and they are placed symmetrically.
May I introduce you to My Personal Favorite Bookshelf Displays {Coincidence that 2 out of 3 have Chanel on their shelves???}:
Um. In the photo above, I want those books as badly as the bookshelf display!
With these steps, I hope you have the confidence and knowledge to create gorgeous bookshelf displays. That is, if you like books….
{for more bookshelf and display inspiration, hop on over to my Pinterest board: Inspiration Display}
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I am so excited for this event, and can hardly believe that it is only a month away!
And for the debut conference, I am doubly excited to share that I am a Speaker at Haven! There will be such an amazing line-up of speakers, and I am honored to be a part of this talented list.
I will be leading some Decorating sessions with two other very talented interior designers.
I wish I could encourage you to rush over and get yourself a ticket, but this bad-boy is Sold Out! {BTW, if you ever miss the boat on Blog Conferences, there are almost always last minute cancellations announced via Twitter. You can follow the hash-tag #Haven2012 to see if this happens with this year’s Haven conference}. You can also follow Haven {from the right sidebar of their website} on Facebook or Twitter to keep up with the latest.
I hope you will hop over to check out Sherry and Erika‘s blogs. And tell them I sent you!
Soooo….
Will you be joining me there?
If you are going to be at Haven, I would LOVE for you to leave a comment and let me know.
That way I can be looking for ya!
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I admire the work of Canadian-born interior designer, Garrow Kedigian. His design firm is located in New York City, and you can admire his portfolio via his website.
I find his spaces to be rich, bold, and balanced. The feeling of his decor differs a lot, depending on the architecture of his project and the needs of his clients. I appreciate that, since I am a huge believer in working FOR the client and helping them fill THEIR homes with the things THEY love. As opposed to filling a home with things the designer {and only the designer} loves.
But, what I love most about Garrow Kedigian’s style is his awareness of architecture and his ability to add drama to a space.
Enjoy the gorgeous work of this ditto-worthy designer! From the photos below, you might just recognize this room and this room from previous ditto posts. Be sure to chime-in in the comments about which room{s} you would ditto!
SO,
which of these gorgeous rooms or design elements would you {ditto}?
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