Friday, February 24, 2012

Easy Change-Ups for Your Bookshelves

 

If you’re bored with your decor, sometimes making a couple of small changes can give you a little lift.  For me, bookcases are always a manageable place to start. 

So. . . if you’re looking for something to do this weekend (right!) and want to give your bookshelves a quick facelift, here are some easy ideas.

 

  • Let your books lay down

It instantly gives the space a modern feel just by putting all of the books in horizontal stacks.

 

books

(See the rest of this incredible house here.)

 

 

  • Experiment with color

Another easy idea? Paint the entire interior (back, sides, top and bottom of shelves) a high-contrast color:

 

Lonny Magazine July/Aug 2011, Bookshelf Styling, Lauren Gold's home in Chicago, Design Director for Nate Berkus Associates

Lonny Magazine

(I also like the interior molding they used here.)

 

 

I’ve changed up our bookcases several times since we’ve moved.  This is how they looked at the last house:

 

 

 

 

And, some easy changes I’ve made since then:

 

IMG_9921

 

 

  • Style with a collection or accessory groupings of the same color

Since we have the built-ins in the office now, I don’t need this space for books.  So, I pulled most of them out and pieced together some milk glass and other accessories for a little white collection that would pop against the coral paint.

 

IMG_9924

(Btw, I found these big star fish at TJMaxx last week for $2.  Not as fun as a trip to the beach, but way less expensive!)

 

 

  • Hang art or favorite photographs

Such an easy idea, but often overlooked.  I use these small 3M hooks to hang art, or stack several small framed photographs, postcards, a small mirror, etc.  Instantly gives a layered look.

 

IMG_9925

 

 

 IMG_9926

 

What’s your favorite way to make a quick change to your home?