NO SPEND SUNDAYS:
BOOKSHELF AND TABLETOP STYLING
Designer: Phillip Thomas Inc, Photo Credit: Eric Piasecki
This Sunday we’re sharing tips and ideas of how to elevate your home without spending a dime! The goal is to find ways to refine your space so it feels more like you, and appears both thoughtful and considered. There are so many no-spend ways to do this, and we're highlighting one here:
BOOKSHELF AND TABLETOP STYLING
We're big believers that a bookshelf is never just for books and any table surface isn't just a place to put your drink down. It is the perfect design opportunity, and can truly operate as the hero piece in your room if done right.
IDENTIFYING WHAT DOESN’T WORK
Any book or object that is used for storage that does not say something about you. If a book doesn't say something about you that you want others to know about, then store it in a cuppard.
The overly staged home. Color coordinated book shelves feel unnatural and un-lived in. The key moving forward is to strike a balance.
General clutter! If it looks like every single surface is used, then you need to pull back.
Source: Unknown
NEXT, LETS WORK ON SOME TIPS:
Remove everything from your shelves. Yes, take it all off. Start fresh. While you're at it, give your shelves a good cleaning.
Decide how you want to be presented. What is seen at home by family, friends, and even you is a window into who you are and what your interests are. Make the most important (and aesthetically pleasing) books and objects catch the eyes first.
Clutter works sparingly. Find a tray to put your knickknacks. Anything that doesn't fit, lose it or put in storage.
Play with your book and object stacks and spacing. For example from left to right: Vertical Stack + Object + Horizontal Stack. Or, play with objects that go on top of larger books.
Vary the height across all objects and stacks.
Fun objects can break up books. Have some fun and add some personality with an interesting pencil holder laying around or a framed family photo to break up the stacks.
Put all the leftover objects in a box and out of sight. A month from now, open that box up and decide if you really missed anything. If not, perhaps donation is your next step.
Source: Prospect Refuge Studio
WHAT NEXT?
Still have some empty shelves? Ok, I know this is a No Spend Sunday. But, on Monday when you are ready to spend just a little - let's call it Moderate Monday - here are some affordable tips to fill out the remaining space:
ThriftBooks and Abebooks have some really amazing finds for coffee table books. And if they looks a little worn, even better! Find time to go on a deep dive for photographers and artists you like.
Someone might scowl at me for suggesting this, but Amazon has some great ceramic vases for a fraction of the price.
Print more photos of you and your friends and family! Often overlooked in this digital age is the value of printed photos. All sorts of fun frames are available online (we'll save that for another post).
Until next time,
