Bookshelves Have Much to Say!

Obviously the main intention for a bookshelf is to be a home for books.   However, along with book storage why not take the opportunity to make a real reflection of you and your family on the shelves.  Ways you may choose to present yourself may come from travels, special events, collections, photos and more.  


Hopefully the completed shelves photographed in this post will serve as an encouragement and a guide as you design of your shelves. 


How to begin? Empty your shelves, place groups of books in random locations on your shelves,  fill in with the your accessories, collections and photos. Too many small items?  Then group together to make a big statement!  

Light colored shelves really make your accessories "pop!

With built-in shelves flanking the fireplace,  repeat the placement style in the shelves,
along with repeating shapes, colors and textures.
In the close-ups below, notice a simple look is chosen for the top shelves
 thus allowing the arch in the frame to be accented.

 

Great example of connecting the fireplace items with the colors and shapes that are placed in the bookshelves.
It all becomes one!

When repeating a color throughout the shelves,  it unites the shelves to become a great featured focal point.

Notice the placement of the books, both vertically and horizontally, offers a great variety in the design lines.
Even these awesome red chairs become a part of the bookcase design!

These shelves are full of travels, events, collections, photos & more!  Really exemplifies who this family is!

Oriental porcelain pieces are repeated throughout the shelves to offer a great variety of shapes.  Also, note the asymmetrical shelf placement (on the left), opens a larger place for a framed art piece. 

This antique shelf is packed full of books, with a variety of placement directions!
Layering & using every inch!

Painting the back of a bookshelves with a contrasting color,
makes a GREAT backdrop for the chosen displayed treasures!

Take your design even to the top of your shelves,
by repeating themed items that are are inside!

After completing, step back and enjoy your new look!  Funny how some of your older items may look new by simply by being in a different location!  All the shelves featured are from some of Sowell's designer, Nancy's design jobs!