11. Make a plan!
If you got this far and are thinking…
“But Catherine the empty spaces are really bothering me!”…
– totally fine I would still recommend making a plan to take shopping with you (with measurements).
– AND I would recommend you start with consignment or second-hand decor shops
(read my article on why here) –
This process helps you to lean on your own aesthetic when shopping instead of just going to a big box store since the pieces are coming from many different time periods!
It’s a lot easier to just go to rhymes with ~rate and apparel~ and buy what they have already curated to ensnare you and your money (no offense to that store)… but newsflash (and many people don’t get this…) you also run the risk of looking very dated as soon as the mainstream aesthetics change!
12. Do you still want the new stuff?
Now if you’ve gotten this far and are still thinking…
”But Catherine I really love that vase and picture frame and -insert another object here- from other words for… ~ceramics stable~!”
Go for it! Now that you have used what you had and love first, these real things become the focal point, and your new pieces become supporting characters on your shelves. Also… because you focused on what YOU love instead of what you are supposed to do, your aesthetic is now informing your decisions. When it comes to your home it should always be a priority!
Now that you’ve taken a moment to get clear, your shelves are going to look gorgeous (and much more importantly mean something to you)!
13. Now you have completed your shelves!
Don’t be afraid to take things out and add things as they come into your life!
Now for story time…
I once had a client who really didn’t like art that much. They didn’t see the point, many things didn’t speak to them and modern art was a completely foreign language to them (which is totally common)!
When designing their living room with them they suggested “maybe a gallery wall would look nice”… and I thought at that moment…
– yes perhaps for someone who loves art and/or creates it themselves but not for you guys! –
Now don’t treat your shelving or bookcases like this random gallery wall…
I tell this story because I don’t want you to treat your shelves as a place just to put things that don’t speak to you. I would literally rather you get rid of that bookshelf than fill your shelves with a bunch of stuff just so it “looks pretty”!
You can tell when someone only keeps objects in their home that they really love!
It expresses their authenticity.
Let me know if you guys found any of these tips helpful. I would also love to see how you implemented these tips in your own space or any stories about particular items that you really love and are excited to show off on your shelves!
Thank you so much for reading!
Here are some other articles I referenced above if you are looking for some more advice!:
The difference between a design style and your design aesthetic.
Why you should think about Vintage and Second-Hand items
•
Are you looking to have someone create a personalized shelf plan for you?
Click the guidance button below and let me know how I can help!
or
Visit me on Instagram!
August 14, 2024
How to (intentionally) decorate your shelves — Catherine Rose Design
maximios Design
11. Make a plan!
If you got this far and are thinking…
“But Catherine the empty spaces are really bothering me!”…
– totally fine I would still recommend making a plan to take shopping with you (with measurements).
– AND I would recommend you start with consignment or second-hand decor shops
(read my article on why here) –
This process helps you to lean on your own aesthetic when shopping instead of just going to a big box store since the pieces are coming from many different time periods!
It’s a lot easier to just go to rhymes with ~rate and apparel~ and buy what they have already curated to ensnare you and your money (no offense to that store)… but newsflash (and many people don’t get this…) you also run the risk of looking very dated as soon as the mainstream aesthetics change!
12. Do you still want the new stuff?
Now if you’ve gotten this far and are still thinking…
”But Catherine I really love that vase and picture frame and -insert another object here- from other words for… ~ceramics stable~!”
Go for it! Now that you have used what you had and love first, these real things become the focal point, and your new pieces become supporting characters on your shelves. Also… because you focused on what YOU love instead of what you are supposed to do, your aesthetic is now informing your decisions. When it comes to your home it should always be a priority!
Now that you’ve taken a moment to get clear, your shelves are going to look gorgeous (and much more importantly mean something to you)!
13. Now you have completed your shelves!
Don’t be afraid to take things out and add things as they come into your life!
Now for story time…
I once had a client who really didn’t like art that much. They didn’t see the point, many things didn’t speak to them and modern art was a completely foreign language to them (which is totally common)!
When designing their living room with them they suggested “maybe a gallery wall would look nice”… and I thought at that moment…
– yes perhaps for someone who loves art and/or creates it themselves but not for you guys! –
Now don’t treat your shelving or bookcases like this random gallery wall…
I tell this story because I don’t want you to treat your shelves as a place just to put things that don’t speak to you. I would literally rather you get rid of that bookshelf than fill your shelves with a bunch of stuff just so it “looks pretty”!
You can tell when someone only keeps objects in their home that they really love!
It expresses their authenticity.
Let me know if you guys found any of these tips helpful. I would also love to see how you implemented these tips in your own space or any stories about particular items that you really love and are excited to show off on your shelves!
Thank you so much for reading!
Here are some other articles I referenced above if you are looking for some more advice!:
The difference between a design style and your design aesthetic.
Why you should think about Vintage and Second-Hand items
•
Are you looking to have someone create a personalized shelf plan for you?
Click the guidance button below and let me know how I can help!
or
Visit me on Instagram!