Girl vs. Dust: A Story About Shelves

Is everyone making it through the week ok?  Any project casualties? 

I was attacked by dust.  In my den.  I have neglected it over the last couple of weeks.  Good thing it has big sliding doors with baroque glass - can't see a thing when you walk on by.  I'm a genius!

Genius until the guilt set in. 

What is a guilt-ridden girl to do?  Bring glory back, that's what.

So everything came off the shelves.  Dust mites were smothered and then the restyling kicked into gear. All the while I'm thinking that I have so many projects waiting for me...and here I am fixing my shelves.  Again.  Kind of a girly excuse to not get out into the shop and kick it with the paint sprayer and power tools. 

Yep. I'm a wimp.  Not my usual nature.  What is wrong with me?!!

The good news is, the den doors are open and I'm guilt free.  Before you get too excited (because I can sense it from here), be aware that my guilt has individuality and is sectioned by room so it has only dissipated with the den.  Don't bring up the other rooms in the house or you will push me into therapy. 

As a precursor to the viewing party, remember that I'm a Pacific Northwest gal and while I love, love, love all the trendy whites that are popping up, I'm going to have to save that for my next house.  Right now, it is all about wood tones and neutrals.  It is a region thing.  Mountains.  Douglas Firs.  That's right.  Squatchy territory.  (Does anybody watch Finding Bigfoot? ha ha.)

But note that you may catch a glimpse of the my white leather couch that sits proudly in the room. BAM!

 *****

Here is the before...

TIP #1:  Color block your books.

I don't collect vintage books but these belonged to my husband's grandfather, so we have them on display. 

TIP #2:  Bundle.

These are stragglers, and in sorry shape.  A little bit of jute keeps them together and adds a little textural touch.  

TIP #3:  Remove the book covers.

Books look much nicer without their paper covers.   Nothing is going to happen to them.  Just keep your covers tucked away in case you need to use them, but while your books are on display, set them free!

For my regular books, I first group them by genre, i.e., suspense, chick, non-fiction, etc..., then arrange by author and finally, I color block.  All paperbacks by the same author are kept on a lower shelf.   

TIP #4:  Try to stagger by height if at all possible.

TIP #5:  Add large scale items to anchor the shelves.

Generally, it looks really nice to pick a pop of color, such as white, yellow, or teal to use throughout. 

 I, however, choose to display items that have a personal meaning. 

Most of what you see are vintage family items, things we have found while traveling, and family photos.

TIP #6:  Bring something from the outdoors in. 

To me, this is a key contribution to any decor.  It doesn't have to be rustic like these wood rounds. 

Think shells, coral, rocks, fresh flowers, or anything that comes from nature.

TIP #7:  Add some whimsy. 

These over-sized game pieces are fun and fit the general concept of the den. 

A place to gather - with no tv!

TIP #8:  Add a creation from one of your kids.

I love this little pig.

TIP #9:  Games!

As you may notice from the picture, there are more games and puzzles readily available. 

The table in the den also has a hand-crafted Aggravation board made by my dad.

TIP #10: Use baskets, bins, and crates.

They are a great way to keep loose magazines together. 

And add texture.

TIP #11:  Create vignettes.

You don't have to line your books up the traditional way.  Use them as props and don't forget to add photos throughout.

Notice the little message above?  The "key" is to L.A.U.G.H.

Whoop!  There it is.

The white couch. 

Don't blink... 

Keep in mind that you can go shopping in your own home to find things to add to your shelves.  Believe me, if you look hard enough, you will find it.  Think outside the box - and don't forget to step outside your door while you are on the hunt. 

I hope this helps a little for those who are struggling with how to create a pleasant visual with their shelves and not just use them for storage.  You can do both!

Have a super day.

Be inspired,

 

Linking to:

MONDAY
Amaze Me Monday at Dittle Dattle
The Southern Institute:Creative Me Monday
Everything Under the Moon-Bedazzle Me Monday
More the Merrier at DIY Home Sweet Home
Get Your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog
Debbie Do's Newbie Party
Metamorphisis Monday
Dittle Dattle
Crafts Keep Me Sane at Keeping It Simple
Home Stories A To Z
Time To Shine at Diamond In The Stuff
Thrifty Decor Chick
TUESDAY
A Bowl Full of Lemons
DIY By Design
Trash 2 Treasures at Kammy's Korner
Project Queen
Tip Junkie
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Elizabeth & Co.
Not Just A Housewife
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
House of Grace – Twice Owned Tuesday
Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
WEDNESDAY
Fireflies and Jellybeans
Primitive and Proper
Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
Restore Interiors
Primp
Its Overflowing
domestically speaking: power of paint party
blue cricket design
AKA Design
THURSDAY
Saved By Suzy
No Minimalist Here – Open House Party
Somewhat Simple
radcrafter
bloggaritaville
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps On The Porch
My Repurposed Life
beyond the picket fence
Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Delightful Order
A Glimpse Inside
designer garden
house of hepworths
36th avenue
Time Travel Thursday @ Brambleberry Cottage
FRIDAY
Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence
Frugalicious Fridays at Finding Fabulous
Fingerprints On The Fridge
2805
Chic On A Shoestring
Miss Mustard Seed
Remodelaholic
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Freckled Laundry
Tater Tots and Jello
Addicted2Decorating
sassysites
SATURDAY
Funky Junk Interiors
The DIY Showoff
Be Different Act Normal
Serenity Now
SUNDAY
Homemaker On A Dime
Sisters of the Wild West – Sister Sunday Link Party

Nifty Thrifty Sunday @ Nifty Thrifty Things

stuff and nonsense

happy hour projects

redoux

love notes by lauren