3 Bits on Bookshelves
Built-in bookshelves. Quite dreamy in the magazines. Can be quite the headache in your home. They quickly become a dumping ground for all the things or stay empty because you just don't know what to do. I learned a few surprising lessons after a recent edit of ours. Today, I'm turning these lessons into tips so you can have functional and stylish shelves in your home.
Rules of Odds (groups of 3 or 5)
You've heard it before but it never rings more true than on bookshelves. I am constantly clumping (designer speak) groups of 3 or 5 things together to create a mini scene. Can be all shapes, textures, colors...if it's in a group of 3 or 5, it automatically feels more cohesive. Think 3 frames, 3 vases, 5 (stacked) books.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
I'm a big believer in this phrase but it doesn't always ring true. For years, the board games were arranged on their sides (not stacked) on the shelf where everyone could grab and play all the time. Well, guess who never grabs and never plays? This family. While spontaneous board game nights sound dreamy, they will always be at my encouragement. I certainly don't need the constant reminder they are there. In the cabinet, this clutter goes. (Note to self: stop buying board games as last minute Chrismukkah gifts.)
Say No
(Most) Everything I donated was something that was handed down (over?) OR I bought on super sale. Think hard when "gifting" your things to others. Think even harder when receiving such "gifts" and when shopping the clearance rack.
Remember, bookshelves CAN BE one of the biggest organizing supplies you have. Ours function as a library, a travel journal, a photo album, a wannabe game room and a bar. Imagine the mess if all of those spaces weren't working in my home.
Take the time to make them work for you. And if you have said, "I just can't do it more than 3 times", reach out (near or far!). You know I'd love to help.
p.s. I recently helped a client create custom "built-ins" for a fraction of the cost using Elfa shelving. See more inspiration for that project here.
+ Hot reads...I'm on a roll lately with good books. Transcendent Kingdom, Midnight Library, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane have all kept me up late. Want to read more? Put your phone to bed early AND always have a list going.
+ Baby Vases...I can easily get intimidated by big vases and love spreading easy-to-arrange bud vases around the dining room table. Added these to my almost-out-of-control bud vase collection.
+ ICYMI...You can literally make an acronym for any phrase. 3 Organizing Trends I'm Not Into - just in case you missed it last week.
Progress over perfection, Laura. This phrase is on repeat lately. I'm baby-ish steps from launching a new website (you can't wait, I know!).
I had dreams of this post being on there but 231 things are holding that up.I debated not sending, I debated making a video, I debated...all the things. And then said, just send it. And doing that feels really good.
What's holding you back from taking one more baby step forward? How would it feel if you just "sent it"? Would that mini win be just what you needed to keep pushing you forward?
Let's find out-
