SHELF STYLING.

Want to create a focal point that’s not only pretty but offers practical storage also? Follow our shelf styling tips to dress your nooks and crannies to the nines.

LOCATION- Firstly I always consider where in the home the shelves are + therefore what is appropriate to dress them with. Style up items that you are likely to use within that room or area alongside items that simply compliment the colours + textures within the surroundings. Its good to have a mixture of functional + aesthetic pieces, for example, on a kitchen shelf use salt + pepper shakers alongside a beautiful yet ‘useless’ textural vase.

BALANCE- Start be removing everything + then place back the largest items first. Try to disperse items of similar size + shape on opposite sides of the shelves you are dressing. You can use the golden triangle rule to guide you.

COLOUR- The same rule applies for colour and pattern. For instance, if you have black, wooden or similarly patterned objects make sure you spread these out amongst all of the shelves. If they are grouped in one place the shelves will look out of sync.

HEIGHT- Using items of different heights, this enables you to layer items from front to back. Using stacked books or trays as a base + layering smaller items on top is a great way to add impact or group smaller special pieces. Think small pots, souvenirs or your favourite candle perched on a book, notepad or tray.

BOOKS-Do you love reading but, like us, hate the mismatched chaos of an unstyled bookcase? Simple turn the spines to face the back + voila, you have yourself a neutral textured library. They may be hard to place, but damn they look good. If you’re purely styling with books for aesthetic purposes consider doing away with the covers completely. Coverless books stacked & tied with white string create the perfect neutral styling accessory.

PLANTS- Trailing plants , succulents or dried flowers are a great way to add softness, link one shelf to another + introduce natural elements into your styling.

LESS IS MORE- If the shelves are too full it will take away impact + the eye won’t know where to focus. Don’t be afraid to use stand alone items in some areas + suppress the desire to fill all of the blank space.

TIP: Shop your own home. I’m always rotating items on our shelving + swopping them out with other accessories from elsewhere in our home. Its a great way to keep things fresh without spending lots of money.