Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Day 3/33: Bedroom Bookshelves


Day 3! This is a section of the library style bookshelves that are in our guest bedroom. If you remember the post I did about transforming these from plain, old, crumbling Sauder bookshelves into a beautiful hand painted furniture quality statement - you'll recall that I actually need every bit of space this 10' expanse of shelves provides. That, and more!

So this photo is purely a lesson in styling, as will be the case with most of the photos during the 33 days of Casa de la Vanderdogan. I apologize for the flower arrangement in advance! Butterfly bush and Russian Sage are the only things blooming in the Garden this month! Interesting in my styling tips?

  1. Start fresh. Nothing is more frustrating than looking at something that isn't working and trying to design around it. Take the books, decorating brick-a-brack off the shelf, and look at it as a blank canvas. With that in mind, always remember that what you DON'T put on the shelf, is just as important, if not more important than what you DO!
  2. Start layering your shelves with like items, the most (in this case books) and the largest FIRST. If you have several colorful jackets on your books, and they are blurring the color story you're trying to tell - try taking the jackets off the books. Almost all hardcover books are blue, black, or white/cream - so it will be a much easier color safe grouping. If it's just for pictures, then turn them around (like I have) for a more interesting and eclectic look.
  3. After you've put the books on the shelves (sporadically placing them by size) in staggered but flowing ways: some standing some laying - you'll have your base for your decorating items.
  4. Layer in your like items, placing the largest in first, and then the medium, and then the smalls. It's better to work in this pattern because you get to see where the largest gaps that need filling are. Pay attention to the combination of the objects. Take into account, the color, size, and grouping. Odd numbers in a series work really well, but a symmetrical placement of two like items on either side of standing books is equally beautiful!
  5. Step back and assess your shelf. You should have a wonderfully balanced and left-to-right proportioned decorative shelf that will be both functional and awe worthy!

Day 4, tomorrow: a Master Bedroom "desk".

33 comments:

  1. Awe-worthy indeed. There aren't words for how amazing you are, Twin-o-mine. This is gorgeous, and it STILL blows my mind that you made these shelves!
    I think the russian sage and butterfly bush look fantastic - i bet that they smell good, too!
    xo Isa

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  2. Such an inviting shelf!!
    I love that tiny terra cotta pot!!

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  3. Everything is very well placed. I am enjoying your daily decor journal! Perhaps you need a couple more things tho.... some spooky spells and potions bottles! Muuuuhahahaha.....
    Have a great week ahead!
    ~Really Rainey~

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  4. Thanks for the tips on accessorizing bookshelves. I'm slowly learning that less is sometimes more, as you pointed out in tip #1 :-) And starting fresh is a great piece of advice :-)

    Kelly

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  5. These are great tips-thanks for posting them. I think the foliage looks perfect too.
    Best wishes, NM.

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  6. Great styling and I agree with all your tips...especially starting from scratch. That is the most important thing for me when I change something around, xv.

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  7. I love the way your mind works. Thanks for sharing.
    All the very best.

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  8. You are very talented! I hope it's ok if I add you to my blog list. I LOVE your dining room (the pictures from the soup & bread party)!!

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  9. Love the image! You are, indeed, becoming one with your camera!

    Here is my question though...Is it hard to find the books you are looking for when they are backwards? I always wondered...or do you kinda group them so they are easier to access?

    Love your choice of accessories!

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  10. Thanks for your kind comments on my re-do! Your blog ROCKS! I'm a follower now! Just gorgeous stuff you do!

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  11. hmm, you make it seem easy. You should have given us a link to the bookcase transformation thingy you mentioned. Hey, I like those flowers!!

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  12. Ah, Artie...you are soooo good at what you do!!
    xo bj

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  13. your home is BEAUTIFUL! and i enjoyed your 'styling tips'- i agree wholeheartedly that sometimes what's NOT there is as important as what is! sometimes a tough lesson to learn. i often have to step away & start over- a "can't see the forest for the trees" thing!

    thanks for stopping by my blog. have a great tuesday,
    rachel

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  14. Looks fantabulous...bookcase, vignette and photograph!

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  15. Oh my gosh - I am so glad you came to visit me because now I get to come visit you!!! I love love love your blog!!! And the bookshelves? GORGEOUS!!!

    I'm going to be here for a few hours...LOL

    Thanks Again!!!
    ;-) robelyn

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  16. What are you talking about? The flower arrangement is beautiful! My favorite arrangements that are put together with the flowers that are currently in bloom in the yard or garden. Much more pleasing to my eye than a symetric arrangement of high-priced florals.
    I love it! Actually, I love everything in the photo. I am really enjoying your photo series. Thank you!

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  17. What a great post. Isn't is great what a little creativity can do for a simple bookcase. You have done an absolutely beautiful job accessorizing and photographing it. It looks like it should be in a magazine! Just lovely!

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  18. Teacher Artie ~ loved your class today and looking forward to tomorrow. Is it recess now?

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  19. I'm intrigued with your books placed backwards...it's interesting! This is fun - peeking into your home!

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  20. It looks great ! I always wondered how people who wrapped their books in decorative covers found the book they needed.

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  21. Awesome lesson!!! This is exactly what I need, not only visuals for inspiration, but step-by-step instructions. You rock! Plus, I really love your eclectic style.

    BTW, thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog yesterday!

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  22. love it! I never thought to turn the books around to get a more cohesive look! very creative~ just found your blog & can't wait to browse around and see what other fun stuff I can find!

    Shellagh

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  23. You Take blogging to a whole different level. I LOVE your pictures, wow do I have a lot to learn. Your home Is BEAUTIFUL, thanks for letting me peek into your home!!!!

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  24. I've never seen anyone put the books in backwards like that, it makes for an interesting display. I love that you did a tutorial along with the photo.

    Sue

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  25. #1 is especially good advice, in my opinion. :) Thanks for the great tips!

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  26. Great photo of your beautiful styling. I love how it all glows golden.

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  27. I am so amazed, because I remember exactly what that ugly thing looked like before you got ahold of it!

    Justine :o )

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  28. So clever of you to turn the chairs and use them to store books, Artie. Love your new library and I like your accessories....Christine

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  29. HHmmm, this is absolutely amazing! I love this corner - a lot!

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  30. Love your bookshelves! I need you to come do my displays.

    xo
    Brooke

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  31. I ended up tearing apart my office this past weekend. It wasn't planned but I guess I simply had enough - it was just bothering me. So I will try and absorb all of your great design advice as I tackle my bookcase...it's not quite right yet. I'll have to look further, but I'm guessing that you're a fabulous designer - yes, am I right? xoTrina

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