8 Tips For a Beautifully Styled Bookcase

(via BHG)

A utilitarian bookcase can be transformed into a beautiful and personalized display case for your most treasured possessions.  All it takes is a little thoughtful styling.

The space below illustrates the powerful effect of layering.  A desk placed directly in front of a shelving unit adds dimension, while artwork hung vertically on the face of the bookcase create a sense of height.  A generous use of white and pockets of empty shelving beautifully balance the overall display.

(Melanie Turner)

Patterned wallpaper provides a stunning backdrop in this classically styled bookcase.

To prevent the display from appearing too busy, use decor items in neutral tones mixed with a single accent colour, and allow each piece plenty of room to breathe.

(via Haus Design)

A collection of plates add softness to the black books and dark accessories in this elegant built-in.  The repetition of marbled, brown pottery and small, wooden chests shape a cohesive and balanced display.

(Phoebe Howard)

Vintage prints and old leather books mixed with shiny objets d'art give this bookcase a sophisticated, old-world feel.  Notice how the pieces vary in height, and are displayed in multiples of three to create a visually appealing vignette.

(via Atlanta Homes Mag)

Stack books horizontally and vertically on shelves for added interest.  Layer small antiques, sculptural pieces and a few unusual statement pieces in an eye-pleasing arrangement to showcase your art and collectibles.

(via Pinterest)

Lean artwork against the back of your shelves and add interesting decor accessories in front to create the illusion of depth.  Paint the interior of your bookcase in a dark colour for a dramatic effect.

(via Lonny Mag)

Sort books by size and colour and display like-items together for a uniform and understated arrangement.  Consider installing a ladder on a sliding rod to access high shelves.

(via Hello Metro)

Display tiny collectibles in groups to prevent your bookcase from looking cluttered.  Express your unique personality and interests by introducing objects with a similar motif.  Notice the porcelain birds featured on each shelf.    

(via Centsational Girl)

I hope these styling tips help you to design a beautiful bookcase display.  Just take your time, play with different arrangements, and, most importantly, have fun and enjoy the creative process!

Decorating with Houseplants

(via Cote de Texas)

Plants improve the air quality in a home, add an element of natural beauty, and bring a room to life.  They can fill an empty corner, create balance and height, or simply provide a bit of much needed colour and texture.

Lovely, lush foliage rounds out a room's design.  But, as with any decor accessory, less is more.  Here are a few examples of how to successfully add a touch of greenery indoors.    

(Lucas Studio)

(Joy Tribout)

(via Atlanta Homes Magazine)

(via Pinterest)

(Dana Doumani Design)

(Rogers Design Group)

(Classic Chic Home)

(David Easton)

(TG Interiors)

(via Better Homes and Gardens)

If your home feels like it's missing that 'certain something', consider adding a few well chosen houseplants.

You'll be pleasantly surprised to discover how such a simple and often overlooked decor accessory can provide that perfect finishing touch!     

Classic Chic Style with a Touch of Glam

While patiently waiting for Spring to arrive, I've been busy making a few small updates to my great room sitting area.

During a recent trip to HomeSense, I fell head over heels in love with these round mirrors. 

The frames are made of delicate black and silver cut glass, and their round shape perfectly relates to the understated circular motif that already exists in the room.

This is my latest art project.  I added texture to a canvas with drywall compound, and shaded the background with the room's current wall colours.  A few simple, oversized branches and blossoms finish the piece.

It's definitely not a Monet, but, I think it adds a unique, personal touch to the room.

I also found two tuxedo-style accent cushions for my white leather side chairs.  I love the extra touch of glam they add to the space.

And finally, hidden on a clearance rack at Michaels, I found these pretty porcelain birds.  The cut glass pattern on their wings ties in perfectly with my new mirrors.  Happiness!

Even though these are small changes, I think they add a sense of cohesion and flow, and are in keeping with my Classic Chic design style. 

Most importantly, my new decor accessories make me happy, and for me, that's what decorating my home is all about!  As an added bonus, they were purchased on gift cards I received for Christmas which means I didn't spend a single dime!

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Ideas for Decorating with Beautiful Bird Motifs

(via Conspicuous Style)

Bird Motifs add a beautiful, nature-inspired element to a home's interior.  They lend themselves to a variety of design styles, and are easy to incorporate into an existing decorating scheme...

with striking accessories,

(via Decorpad)

(via Four-Walls-and-a-Room)

light and lovely fabrics and linens,

(via Dwell Studio)

(via Avanti Linens)

(via Really-Linda-Baker)

artistic prints and delicate wall decals,

(via My New Edition)

(via Casa-Sugar)

elegant dishware and china patterns,

(via Vietri)

(via Garden-City.Patch)

charming, decorative birdcages...

(via Elle Decor)

(via Pics-Decor)

(via Decorpad)

or stunning, chinoiserie wallpaper.

(via Atlanta Mag)

(via The Lennox)

If you're a bird lover like I am, decorating with Bird Motifs is a wonderful way to have your home reflect your own unique and beautiful sense of style!

Smart and Stylish Decorative Screens

(via Lee Louz World)

Folding screens have long been a highly favored element in interior design. Remarkably versatile, they can be used for privacy, as a room divider, in place of a headboard, or as a stunning and dramatic backdrop.

Decorative screens can inject a space with additional colour and texture, and offer the illusion of much needed height and dimension.

Regardless of its purpose or application, a beautiful folding screen becomes a fabulous statement piece when featured in a room's overall design plan.

(via Auction Decorating)

(via Martha Stewart)

(Keller Donovan)

(via Decor Pad)

(via Beclaire House)

(via Decor Pad)

(Ralph Lauren)

(via Easier.com)

(Phoebe Howard)

A perfect marriage of form and function, decorative folding screens are a unique and interesting way to add a beautiful focal point to a room.

Available in a vast selection of finishes and price-points, these versatile pieces are a decidedly smart and stylish design choice.