Styled Bookcases and Cabinets.

I said I'd be back one of these days to share some updated styling photos of my bookcase so I guess today is the day! I really like how it's coming along but it is continually a work in progress.

I tend to like the layered look. I absolutely love pretty books and buy some here and there when I get a chance. I'd love to have more. You can also tell, I have a thing for white ceramics - jars, vases, birds. I find they look nice grouped together, plus are very versatile in that you can use them anywhere in your home if you feel like moving things around.

I thought I'd also share some styled bookcases by some of my recent clients. Kim had a cabinet in her dining room that had originally belonged to her parents. She removed the doors and painted it black which worked well with her previous decorating style. When we discussed lightening up the palette in her home, we decided painting the cabinet white was her best option.

Here is the cabinet getting a coat of primer from a little helper:)

Here is her cabinet now painted a bright white and with new hardware to match her kitchen cabinets. 

It is simply styled with glassware, mugs and dishes in a unified color scheme. It feels so airy! If you missed the renovations at Kim's place, you can check them out here.

Next up is a beautiful wall cabinet at Jennifer's house. She thought about painting it but ultimately decided to leave it since it was original to the house. I'm so glad she did! It's such a beautiful piece.

She had the frames in there for a while and wanted a change. I suggested paring it down a bit by picking out her favorite items and adding some glassware. Then wallpapering the backs to brighten it up and to tie in with her new light blue-grey paint color.

I think it turned out pretty awesome. Good work Jen! Doesn't she have some good looking relatives?

Bookcases often become drop zones for clutter in our homes. A missed opportunity to showcase your favorite things. I hope this post inspires some of you to clear out those bookcases and get creative!
 

Bookcase Styling Progress.

It's official. It's harder than it looks! I've been picking away at the styling of my new bookcase and have discovered a few things. First, just because you have a lot of stuff doesn't mean that you can make it all work. Second, I will no longer beat myself up about buying pretty books... they are my favorite part so it's worth it! Third, it's going to constantly evolve. It's inevitable.

I've tried taking pictures on numerous occasions of the progress that I've made with styling, only to look at the pictures then go back and make changes. Therefore, I've decided to show you the pictures, imperfections and all. Believe me, it's killing me that it still isn't "right" but I'm sharing anyway! :)

Love love love my ampersand. We picked it up this Fall on a trip to Halifax. It sits atop some of my favorite books about two of my favorite people. Audrey and Gaga.. two such different women yet each fascinates me equally.

My old pup figurine and hour glass found a home with our small collection of Dwell magazines and Zombie books. (Did you know that there will come a time that they will take over the earth? We will be prepared, will you?) ;)

Four Penguin Classics. Oh, how I want them all...

What would you put in the tall open boxes at the bottom? Suggestions welcomed.

Certainly coming a long but still a ways to go. There are parts I love, and parts that drive me bonkers. In fact, some of it doesn't even look like this anymore because I've already moved things around! Hopefully, I will get to a point that I am happy with it.

As I read this back, I realize I may sound a tad crazy that my mind is so wrapped up in this. The fact is, I really truly love this stuff and it brings me great satisfaction. Maybe I'm a bit nutty after all.

Well Styled Bookshelves.

I'm a sucker for anything that is well styled. It takes patience and a good eye. A well styled bookcase is even more challenging because it is so much space and you need a good collection of beautiful books and accessories.

Source: lonnymag.com via Jane on Pinterest

My bookcase (a Christmas present that took a bit of backseat with all the action around here) is nearing completion. Finally. I hope to be begin the task of styling it this weekend. I am super excited to do it but intimidated at the same time. I'm just trying to remind myself of what I tell others (just my humble advice):

•  Take your time.
•  Try many different combinations.
•  Layer! Using different heights and textures.
•  Photograph it, then analyse it. Sometimes it's easier to pick out what isn't working in a photo.
•  Live with it a while.
•  Don't be scared to change it up. Nothing is permanent! 

Look at me handing out advice.. talk about putting pressure on myself! Anyway, sorry about the lack of "real" photos this week. With any luck, I'll be back Monday with some progress shots of the bookcase. For now though, here are my favorite style bookshelves.

Source: desiretoinspire.net via Jane on Pinterest

Source: desiretoinspire.net via Jane on Pinterest

Source: desiretoinspire.net via Jane on Pinterest

Source: mimiandmegblog.com via Jane on Pinterest

Source: cozamia.com via Jane on Pinterest

Source: google.ca via Jane on Pinterest

Source: rebekahgough.blogspot.com via Jane on Pinterest

Source: alltheshinypieces.blogspot.com via Jane on Pinterest

Obviously, I like a bookshelf that is busy! Lots of books, lots of accessories, lots of personality. Problem is, do I have enough stuff to make it work? Time will tell!

My Favorite Gift!

I don't want to play favorites, because I got some wonderful things this year, but I'm really loving this gift! Stephane built me a built-in bookshelf for the TV and my collection of books and accessories.
There was an awkward little alcove beside the fireplace and I've wanted a bookcase in there since the day I moved in. Finally, this Christmas, I got it!

Here is a photo. As you can tell, there is some trim missing at the top and bottom, plus there will be six more shelves added to the sides. The holidays are so busy that he ran out of time!

Finished or not, I couldn't resist adding a few decor elements. Here is a peek of my Esther Bayer print displayed on one of the shelves.

It seems ridiculous to love something built out of wood so so much. Truly though... I am completely in love with it! Thanks so much Stephane! You're the best:)