A Curated Balance

When we approach shelf styling and design, we seek balance, layered textures and heights, and a few meaningful elements. Styling shelves can be a challenging task that requires a delicate touch. I look for height variation and eliminate evident pattern repeats from shelf to shelf.

My rule is to vary the groupings on every shelf. An example of this is if we have a long, low bowl on an upper shelf, the one below will have either two, three, or four groups of items, but I wouldn't use another long, low item. If you simplify it by groupings, it's easier to see how the count of items varies from shelf to shelf, and that keeps it visually interesting.

In terms of the items we use, most of our projects start from scratch, so it's our job to collect décor elements that reflect the homeowner's interests. 

GET THE LOOK:

1: Dean 24" Picture Light by Alexa Hampton available at visualcomfort.com
2: Ovo Things tree candlestick holders from forestandfieldcollective.com
3: Stretch vase from globalviews.com
4: Chic ceramic cockatoo from palmbeachregency.com
5: Pantry Charcuterie & Serving Board from farmhousepottery.com
6: Rustic canisters from shopkmhome.com

My team tends to source items from all over the world. We love incorporating small pieces of art from local artists, pottery from small makers, and items that hold special meaning for the client, along with a bit of surprise sprinkled in.

We like a mix of books, art, plants, and personal items, but we curate the elements so that the overall feeling is cohesive. I love small easels to raise art or a special book. And I love to stack books in unexpected ways.

Regarding book choices: unless our client is already a book collector, almost all books on the shelves are chosen to match their interests and add aesthetic appeal. We spend countless hours finding books that showcase their hobbies, favorite vacation spots, or even personal style elements. We want the look to be chic, and at the same time, feel like it's meant just for them.

Different types of shelves—built-ins, open shelving, freestanding units—tend to get the same attention and variation, but we will, of course, make specific choices for particular rooms. For kitchens with open shelves, for example, I love to have easy access to everyday plates, bowls, and glasses and then mix in some pottery, greenery, and a touch of art.

My best advice for homeowners looking to create shelves with visual interest and standout style is to encourage them to find images of well-designed spaces that they love and study how the designer styled the shelves. That makes for an easy way to shop, once you know the elements that you need (and it's always more than you think). Follow your personal preferences within the element categories to create a unique shelving display in any room of your home. 

GET THE LOOK:

1: Large pantry set of glass and bamboo canisters available from littlelabelco.com
2: Handcrafted Silo bowls from farmhousepottery.com
3: Two step stool in black from Nickey Kehoe Collection nickeykehoe.com
4: Steel and wood storage baskets from yamazakihome.com
5: Ceramic pinched white vases with satin finish by alicjaceramics.com
6: Lazy Susan from provenceplatters.com