Read on to see how it all came together...
From the moment that I placed the order for our HUGE bookshelf, I knew exactly how I wanted it to look and I set out searching Pinterest + the depths of the internet for a little bookshelf inspo. It didn't take long to realize that what I was envisioning wasn't really out there {and if it was, I certainly couldn't find it}. Yes, the bookshelf images on Pinterest are beautiful and well photographed, but I was disappointed in how overly feminine everything looked; so much lacquer with pink & gold accents....seriously how do men live in these homes!? I wanted our bookshelf to be a statement piece that reflected both Adam's personality, as well as my own.
I just love that little zebra figurine! It reminds me of our honeymoon in South Africa.
Sticking with a neutral color palette allows all of the decor on the bookshelf to flow together. I also chose books that had a neutral colored spine in subjects that we are both passionate about; art, travel, cars, architecture, fashion, and history. We both love to travel, and I've tried to get into the habit of picking up a hard covered book on the area we travel to whenever we're on vacation. It's a nice little reminder of your travels and functions as unique home decor!
I grouped together books according to color and used them to elevate various objects of curiosity. The small binoculars are an antique that I picked up locally, and were used during World War II. I am fascinated by history, and have always loved the untold stories that are found in antiques.
A lot of the books + contemporary accessories were purchased through One Kings Lane which is a great place for finding one off pieces.
I tried to vary the way the books were stacked, placing some of them horizontally to use for displaying urns & unique vases, and stacking others vertically. I also tried to vary the textures of the pieces that I displayed; an aged terracotta urn, a smooth white lacquer box, and a wooden bowl. Since they're in the same color family, they all balance each other out.
The white lacquer box displays a brown agate on it's top, and I use the box for storing votive candles. When we have guests over for dinner, I love to fill the bookshelf with votive candles to create a warm ambiance.
A glass antique demijohn serves as a bookend, while the cream colored linen boxes house loose photographs.
This is perhaps one of my very favorite pieces on our bookshelf! I found this French terracotta pot that dates back to the 1800's and just love the patina that has developed over the years. I potted a African Violet in it for a bit of earthy greenery on the bookshelf.
The finished product! Below, I've linked a few decorative objects that are similar to what I used and a few others that would be perfect on your bookshelf....
Thanks for reading! xx
I needed this post so badly!! I was looking at our shelves yesterday and just thinking that they needed to be styled better!! Thanks for all of this! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteGlad to be of service ;)
DeleteWow this looks beautiful, very Pinterest worthy!
ReplyDeleteHahah! Thanks Sara! xx
DeleteReally love it, would look great in my home:) :) The binoculars would go down well with my partner Ross, he collects WWII militaria:) Really great jobx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Katie! xoxo
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