The Art of Styling Bookshelves

I believe that self-expression is the secret sauce of good interior design! While trends and color palettes certainly play their part, the true magic lies in the personal touch – the essence of the person who calls the space home. After all, good design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about telling a story, reflecting our journey, and inspiring us to embrace who we are and who we aspire to be.

Now, I know this might sound a bit deep for a Monday morning, so let’s dive into something truly practical: styling bookshelves! Personally, I absolutely adore styling bookshelves!!! For years, we had lower IKEA cabinets in our living space, offering limited room for styling. But after upgrading to some stunning cabinets from RH, I’ve had a blast transforming them with my favorite books and collected decor items.

A few weeks ago, I did something a bit crazy, with no real notice, I decided it was time to restyle the bookcases. I emptied them out completely – books, decor, the whole shebang – and set out to streamline everything while maximizing visual impact. It was a process of curating our favorite books and decor items, while minimizing clutter and unnecessary distractions.

I laid the books flat again and stacked them on top of each other. It’s a design trick that I have always loved and always has a way of creating a modern yet laid back feel to the bookshelves.

Then, I added decor on top of the books. Varying the shapes, sizes, and colors of these items adds interest and visual movement!

The result? Pure magic. I’m absolutely love how our bookshelves have become a design feature within our living room. What is your philosophy for your bookshelves? What are some of your must share book choices or decor pieces?