The Drama Is in the Details: How I Turned Bookcases into a Dream “Destination!”

Styling bookcases might just be my ultimate happy place. I’m not even kidding—I could spend all day arranging and rearranging shelves. There’s something so satisfying about playing with height, depth, and layers to create a space that’s both beautiful and personal. The magic of bookcases is that they can whisper or shout—they can quietly blend into the background of a room or take center stage as a bold design moment. And if you know me, you can probably guess… I went bold!

In my own home, I wanted the bookcases to bring the drama. So I started with the most gorgeous Black Oak bookcases from RH. They’re rich, deep, and absolutely stunning. I kept the decor in a neutral palette—think crisp white vases, sculptural orbs, and statement pieces that pop against the dark backdrop. The contrast is chef’s kiss and really makes each piece shine. But beyond just looking pretty, I wanted our shelves to tell a story. I filled them with our favorite fashion and design books, collected treasures from our travels, and meaningful decor that represents who we are and what we love. That’s the beauty of bookcase styling—it’s part design moment, part memory lane, and 100% personal.