Stop Me Before I Rearrange Again!!

The itch struck me again tonight - my poor bookshelf has once again been restyled, and this time it landed on its head!! Truth be told, I'm trying to make room for a desk in the corner of my living room, so I thought I would try putting the shelves in the entryway instead. I'll live with this setup for a few days before I decide if the arrangement works.

Before

After

West Elm Console Table

This console table from West Elm is a top contender for a desk to fit into the corner of my living room - it's small & sleek. A vintage piece would be great here, but it's almost impossible to find a desk with the right dimensions.

Style as Verb

As a young girl, I loved to rearrange my room. I would put posters up. I would take posters down. I would arrange them artfully around the mirror. Various trinkets on the counter top never stayed in one place for long - there was always a new configuration.

This proficiency to move items around until they look their best is officially known as styling. Yes, the word "Style" has made the leap from noun to verb. You may recall that back in March I restyled my bookcase. Well, here I go again, the 6 month itch to rearrange has attacked!!

Step 1: Preparation
Gather up all decor accessories into one area.

Step 2: Strip Down & Clean
Take the opportunity to dust while all surfaces are clear.

Step 3: STYLE
Follow the guidelines: Balance, Reflection,
Variation and Contrast.

Contrast
Porcelain balls in a glass ice bucket
combined with a marble lotus flower,
all on a wood surface.

Height Variation
Using a stack of books under one candle holder
stimulates visual interest.

Reflection

The marbles in the milk glass vessel
echo the colours of the painting.

Rely on your eyes and senses to tell you when things are just right.
Now go rearrange something!!

Bookcases

Why do some bookcases look fabulous and others just look disheveled? Well, I can give you several one word answers: Balance. Reflection. Variation. Contrast.

I recently mentioned that the addition of a compote dish full of marbles led me to restyle my bookcase. Here's the photo:


Organized bookcases are an ideal way to display not only books & magazines, but also photographs, artwork & collectible items. I styled my bookcase by starting in the middle and working my way out, treating the center divider as if it were a mirror.

Balance & Reflection
The linen boxes and ceramic flowers pictured here represent an exact reflection from one side to the other. The use of framed photos on both sides also creates balance, due to their similarity. Notice the repetition again on the bottom shelf with the upright magazine holders.

Variation
Variation of height, variation of orientation, variation of shape. To achieve a varied look, some of the openings are full to the top of the space, while others are only half full. Some books & magazines are stacked vertically and some horizontally. Round objects sit atop square items. These variations draw the eye through the display.

Contrast
There are several different elements within the bookcase which provide contrast. The linen covered boxes, the ceramic figures, the metal photo frames and the marble lotus flower. This mix of elements creates visual interest.

With these basic styling tips, you can organize your bookcase like a pro!!

Here are some other examples of well styled bookcases:

Pottery Barn

West Elm

Crate & Barrel