I personally like the map underneath the shelves. I say that because it helps balance out the length and weight of the shelves above. I actually think a little larger piece would work too... same concept as when you had the console under the shelves and it seemed off balance with the shelves above. I think adding the art helps with the balance... and I like that the art placement is a little unexpected.

more important question... what do you think?

We downsized into this condo and brought along some of our favorites, like the globe. Since we have less space, it’s been a challenge to find the best spots for some pieces. The teapots are from my late mom and seeing them makes me happy, so that’s why they are on the fridge. ❤️ But I am open to playing with the pieces and finding the best places for my “treasures.”

Aww. Love that (about the teapots). ❤️

Another thought — I think I’d wait until getting the art or mirror over the buffet, and decor on it ....then seeing what the entire area looks like. See if you need something under the shelves for balance, or if it looks more calm bare.

ETA: I hear you about downsizing! We did to this house we’re in now, and it was a challenge!

I do like the trunk and framed map under the shelves. I would not have thought to repurpose them in this way, so thank you again for your fresh set(s) of eyes and creative ideas. I’m going to live with this setup for a bit and decide my next step. In the meantime, I’ll work to edit the shelves. You all have been so helpful!

yeah!! keep us posted on how you edit and what you change and add... you have a lovely condo and love the look

is the globe just sitting on a table or is it all one piece? I ask because if it's just sitting on a table, perhaps move it to your dining table? the table could handle a larger piece... nice to understand the most important pieces to you so they have a place of prominence in your space

oh, by the way, I'm making some changes in our home today as well... moving stuff around for a new fresh look...

one more thought... perhaps move teapots from top of fridge to more prominent place so they are more noticeable as well, perhaps on mantle instead of the deer. move deer to be with others on your wood shelves... group smaller like items together for more of a presence instead of separating smaller like items. just a couple tips to think about as you rearrange...

Here’s the globe on the table - it’s bigger than it might have looked in the pictures and I’m not sure if the scale is right for the table. What do you think of this glass bowl for either the table or console?

I like the bowl on either one, it’s very pretty. Can’t decide which I like better. :)

I think the globe works better where you originally had it.

It might be better to find your art or mirror for over the buffet before decorating the top ... it’ll give you an idea of scale and balance.

Ok, was just taking another look at your first pic on this thread ... depending on your art piece over, you could maybe have a lamp with some height on the left side and the orchid and two white vases as a grouping on the right. Blue bowl on dining table.

Thank you! I’m going to spend some time finding a piece for over the console. Then will follow advice to limit the pieces, but I like the idea of adding back in a select few ❤️

yeah, globe too big for table... shoot . i agree glass bowl works either place...very pretty.

We may be approaching this the wrong way...maybe give some thought to accessorizing the contemporary furniture pieces to look more country casual? A runner on the table ...?...more throws and casual pillows on the seating....?...curtains?...the obvious challenge here is to make the vintage collections sit better in the contemporary setting....the collections are feeling too different from the rest....clutter and comfy go together...and some comfy to the furnishings...

Also the collections displayed in bunches with a little space between will eliminate the sort of antique store display feel that is sneaking in here...

Dont get anything else until you have all your things where they feel perfect....adding is not what you need now...

The trunk does look good under the shelves but i am always leery of things that protrude into the traffic pattern below eye level...more picture angles may offer a better spot ...in a smaller space pinched traffic patterns accentuate the the size of a smaller space

Whatever you decide on for the table will sit better on a mat or little rug or something to break up the sleek slippery surface of the modern table...creating a more comfortable setting for the vintage pieces

Maybe even placemats?

I don’t see these rooms as being put into two design boxes: country casual and contemporary.

In fact, I wouldn’t use the word contemporary. Her pieces that aren’t traditional or vintage have a modern look (as well as the colors used). It’s possible there are some blurred design lines, but that’s pretty much the definition of transitional. :)

I think the OP has done a great job of getting a cohesive transitional look with her variety of collections, and mixing in some modern, some casual, etc. I don’t agree that the pieces that have a more modern look (the buffet, for example), need to be made to look country.

I’ve been working on paring down the shelves. Am I headed in the right direction?

I like what you’ve done!

absolutely. looking great!!

for giggles, do you have another framed piece of art about the same size as your map, maybe a little smaller, to put on the middle shelf at the right end where the canoe is. lean it up against the wall and then put the canoe in front of it. then you will have another piece of art on the other end to help with balance.

Just working with what I’ve got ... and making dinner. ❤️ Yes/no?

yes, but swap the tray with the plant and canoe on the other side

Why not put the map picture on the shelf. I wouldn’t hang it where it is now. Way too low. BTW. LOVE the globe!!!

Yes! But I’ve always preferred just the trunk (or nothing at all). :)

I switched the plant and canoe, which is now on the outside of the shelf. I didn’t like it “stacked” above the box below it. I am having fun! Thank you for your help!

looks great!!! still think another piece of art hung low would look great, unexpected. but, love it as is too. multiple options for it to look fab. live with it for a while and see how you like it.

I would keep the buffet where you had it originally and put either a mirror over it or artwork.

The other really important thing I would suggest you do is edit your collectibles on the buffet, on the three shelves and on the shelves to the right and left of the fireplace.

I would find some boxes and think of them as storage in a museum and remove everything and don't put back more than half and see how it looks and keep arranging and rearranging and switching things until you have a good combination that leaves a lot of open space.

And as odd as this may sound, you may even need to buy a few more things.

A lot of small things, as nice as they may be, just read as clutter.

You are better off purchasing a few larger things that can be easily seen from across the room.

If you have a collection of small things, (for example some people collect vintage cigarette lighters,) group several together and place on an occasional table.

Hello all! I hung artwork, bought a lamp and simplified the top of my console. Does this look better? I’m still working on the shelves and will post when done.

That looks great! Love getting updates. :)

Jinx, thank you for your feedback and help!

how lovely... how do you like it, by the way...cant wait to see the shelves. I really like the lamp and vase with the console and art.

I love it! I think it’s a fresh, clean look that doesn’t compete with the rest of the space.

Another update! I finally got the artwork I ordered for my shelving wall. And I added some plants, as recommended. I still have to redo all the decor on the shelves flanking the fireplace. But it’s getting there!

Oh, wow, Linda, it looks great! Love seeing updates!

I think the plants are perfect there.

I really like how unique and individual it is, very you and things you enjoy looking at. That’s the best kind of home decor. :)

yes, it looks great. thanks for the update and cant wait to see the shelves.by the fireplace.

Would you mind sharing where the credenza is from? BTW I like how your style mix works together. Smart, pretty, eclectic. I would have suggested a mirror, especially if it would reflect your light fixture or a window. I'm a fiend for light!

Thank you - I did consider a mirror, but got so many suggestions for artwork, so I went that way. The credenza is from Ethan Allen.

I have restyled the shelves in my living room. I bought some larger pieces to add in. I have tried to edit down, but I think I didn’t go far enough. It’s just so hard! Some of these pieces were acquired through the years at vintage shops, estate sales, etc, and they “spark joy.” But I’m really trying to elevate the look a bit. I would appreciate your impartial but very helpful suggestions on how to improve the decor on these shelves. I just finished this morning but don’t think it really is just right. Thanks!

I think it looks great ...if you want to change something...the jars of shells could be clumped and touching...the pelican with a little more separated ...and the little chest on the bottom separated and not used like a bookend....the books pushed to the left (below the pelican)..the pot and bells clustered in the middle

Thank you so much! That is exactly what I need - guidance on how to make this breathe a little more!

the shelves look great, but I would on a couple of the shelves leave more blank space. seems like you have 3 groupings per shelf. I would suggest doing a couple shelves with one or two groupings. one shelf with one group in the middle of the shelf and the another shelf with 2 groups on either end and so the middle is empty, like a staggered effect. love what you have done

Sort of the same theory...to thin it a little more ...i would just remove a few things if they are incidental and do not have real meaning to you or are sort of common pieces that are not unique or wonderful...BUT it is pretty good as is...you are talented for sure...personally i would not even like this kind of thing...while in your case i like it..because it seems sincere and meaningful

Can someone please ID the white console? I really would love it for my kitchen, or something similar.

We love the console too! It’s from Ethan Allen.