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| I use my bookcases to display some of my favorite things. Photos, books, ironstone, silver trays and vintage cameras are just a few examples of items I like to display. I love blending the old with the new for a fresh look. Private Comment
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| 1. Clear off your shelves. By starting with a blank canvas you won't be tempted to leave anything in the same place. This is a good time to give them a quick cleaning too! Wipe off dust with a damp towel and get rid of any cobwebs. Private Comment
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| 2. Gather like items. Put them all in one spot and take a look so you can see exactly what you have to work with. Be sure to look all around the house. Sometimes finding a new home for an item can give it new life. Private Comment
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| 3. Start with one section at a time. My bookcases is divided into three sections. I like to tackle one section at a time and then move on to the next — almost as if each section is a stand-alone case. I find it easier to do this because it's not so daunting. You'll notice by the final photo the composition is different than it is in this shot. Private Comment
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| 6. Use your collections. When grouped together, your collections have a much greater impact. Here I used some of my ironstone pitchers. Repeating the ironstone throughout the shelves creates a sense of cohesiveness. Private Comment
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| 7. Pick a color palette. I think keeping the color palette simple is key to a pleasing composition. Here, I mainly used black, white and silver. Private Comment
For something a little unexpected, I hung one of my favorite photos of the children from one of the dividers for the shelves. I also like to incorporate some type of storage, like the basket I used for my magazines. It keeps the messier items tidy looking. Do you have a beautifully styled bookshelf? I'd love to see them! Share your photos in the Comment section below. More: Guest Picks: Storage and Styling for a Child's Bookcase Making Books a Part of your Home's Design Guest Picks: 20 Finds for the Artful Bookcase |
