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My Top Five Tips for Styling Your Shelves

February 22, 2023
Photo Credit for styling shelves: Zee Wendell

It’s almost spring! That means time to clean and refresh ? Today’s post is short and sweet. I’m giving you my top five tips for styling your shelves! Our goal is always to make things simple for you. We’re excited to show you how easy it is to give your home a stylish, new look this season. We wanted to share a fun little project we just completed, where we helped our clients style some shelves in their gorgeous living room. Studio McGee for Target’s Spring collection was our primary source for dĂŠcor.

With the sun starting to make a regular appearance, what better way to start transitioning into spring than by sprucing up your shelves with some fun, new accessories? By mixing natural materials, modern silhouettes and contrasting colors, I gave these show-stopping shelves some personality. Layering is KEY to making large shelves look intentional and not an afterthought. You want to tell a story with your shelves — a collection of personal items that have a cohesive look and just make you … happy! 

Here are My Simple Go-To Steps for Styling Shelves

 

STEP ONE

Start with larger items, such as baskets or larger pieces of art or prints, and display them on shelves in a zigzag pattern (top shelf: large piece is on left, middle shelf: large piece is on the right, and lower shelf: it’s back on the left). This way, your eye flows smoothly from shelf to shelf. With this technique, you’re able to give the area a cohesive look. This technique grounds each shelf as well — if that makes sense? Ha!

STEP TWO

Speaking of smaller items, I think that vases are beautiful for filling in the gaps. (Style tip: for larger shelves, I typically like to pair vases — either two identical ones, or one big and one small). They give the shelves another ‘layer’ to the larger pieces. Try experimenting with different arrangements of sizes, shapes, and colors/textures to decide which suits your style best, while also adding a contrasting element. 

STEP THREE

Books! Large cocktail books are your friend when it comes to styling bigger shelves. They are particularly effective when it comes to these types of shelves because their size simply speaks for themselves. Plus, the bold colors and beautiful covers can make the space a bit more vibrant and interesting. Not to mention, they can be great conversation starters! 

STEP FOUR

Go for the greens! Whether faux or real (my personal favorite), bring any room to life with some succulents or pots of moss. But let me warn you, potted plants can be a full-time responsibility. For those who have trouble keeping them alive, I recommend some dainty dried flowers to add in your vases. There are also many good faux stems to try. Check Alfloral — I’ve been very impressed by the quality of their faux flowers and greenery. 

Photo Credit: Zee Wendell

 

Photo Credit: Zee Wendell

STEP FIVE

Lastly, add small architectural elements like antlers, favorite kids’ pottery projects, book ends and/or small vintage ornaments. These are perfect for stacking on top of books, and they complete the shelving ensemble. They also help give the space a more unique and personalized charm. Checkout your local antique store or flea markets to find great second-hand steals.

CLOUZ HOUZ TIP: Organize the clutter! Add some baskets or decorative containers for holding remotes, blankets, pet toys, and other miscellaneous items. This idea pulled the shelves all together and made the room feel more cozy. Consider it a life hack for tricking your guests into believing you are always this tidy! 

 

OK, so there you have it! Whether you’re looking for a few statement pieces or just a couple of small accessories, you can find all the items you need to create your perfect look. We hope this helps inspire you and get your creative juices flowing. Below is a list of items that we used for styling this project. Happy shopping, and tag us if you style something utilizing these tips — we want to see your handiwork! 

1

Pair of Vase Drawings

I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of these prints! They were the perfect backdrop for these beautiful white oak shelves. They're neutral, yet add a graphic punch. If you're in need of smaller prints to use at the rear of your shelves like we did here, you won't be disappointed with these.
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Pair of Vase Drawings
2

Carved Cream Vase

These vases are simple and elegant. I purchased a pair since these shelves were too large in scale to use just one. This is a favorite hack when I want something to feel 'heavier' than a stand alone. The ridge design gives texture to the shelves, and I absolutely love the color. There is a slight fleck in them that gives off a great vintage vibe.
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Large Carved Cream Vase
3

Large & Small Faux Shagreen Lidded Box

These boxes are the most beautiful color, and they are a steal for the price! Real shagreen would be at least four times the expense. I love to stack boxes on top of each other, and these would also work well for hiding remote controls, keys, etc.
4

Woman Figural Sketch

Again, what can I say? I'm amazed at the quality of these prints! This neutral sketch was the perfect compliment to this neutral palette, but it would be equally attractive with a colorful palette to help neutralize the look.
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Woman Figural Sketch
5

Rattan Woven Serving Tray

This could be used as a styling piece on a countertop, but I loved it at the rear of the shelves to give more texture. Treat basket trays such as these like artwork!
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Rattan Woven Serving Tray
6

Faux Camel Leather Storage Bin

This is from the Hearth & Hand Collection at Target. We used three in the large size at the base of the cabinet. This was originally designed to hold firewood. But, the clients decided they didn't want the mess, or bugs inside from real wood -- so there was a void. By adding the bins, we incorporated some color with the rich leather. They hold blankets and puppy toys, and are a great look that makes the space feel intentional for storage.
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Faux Camel Leather Storage Bin
7

Brass Footed Bowl

This is on the smaller size, so it's perfect for adding in at the end phase of your styling project. It looks great in front of a print, or stacked on top of some gorgeous cocktail table books!
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Brass Footed Bowl
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This breakfast nook is a perfect example of why I believe a good design plan can actually help you spend smarter, not more.

We intentionally paired a more affordable lacquer dining table with timeless wicker dining chairs and a statement light fixture. By saving in one area, we were able to invest where it mattered most. The end result still feels layered, custom, and collected because every decision was made with the bigger picture in mind.

That’s one of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer. People assume we’re here to encourage a bigger budget.

Honestly, we’re here to educate you where to save so you can spend on the things that matter the most.

Knowing where to invest, where to save, and how those decisions work together is what keeps a project feeling intentional—and helps avoid expensive mistakes later.

I think a lot of people assume they need to wait until they have more money, or the entire house figured out before getting started. But I’ve found the opposite is often true. One thoughtful plan for one room creates momentum for everything that follows.

If you’ve been putting off a room because you don’t know where to begin (or you’re worried about making the wrong decisions), we’d love to help.

Comment “PLAN” and I’ll send you the link to schedule a one-hour consultation so we can kick your project off on the right foot.

19 2
Open
This breakfast nook is a perfect example of why I believe a good design plan can actually help you spend smarter, not more. We intentionally paired a more affordable lacquer dining table with timeless wicker dining chairs and a statement light fixture. By saving in one area, we were able to invest where it mattered most. The end result still feels layered, custom, and collected because every decision was made with the bigger picture in mind. That’s one of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer. People assume we’re here to encourage a bigger budget. Honestly, we’re here to educate you where to save so you can spend on the things that matter the most. Knowing where to invest, where to save, and how those decisions work together is what keeps a project feeling intentional—and helps avoid expensive mistakes later. I think a lot of people assume they need to wait until they have more money, or the entire house figured out before getting started. But I’ve found the opposite is often true. One thoughtful plan for one room creates momentum for everything that follows. If you’ve been putting off a room because you don’t know where to begin (or you’re worried about making the wrong decisions), we’d love to help. Comment “PLAN” and I’ll send you the link to schedule a one-hour consultation so we can kick your project off on the right foot.

When we first started designing our primary suite at the Sixth Street Bungalow, these were the images I kept coming back to. A bathroom that feels collected over time. A bedroom that feels quiet and restorative. Spaces with character, warmth, and a sense of permanence.

I’ve always believed that the best design starts there-not with a specific tile or paint color, but with how you want a space to feel when you walk into it.

The funny thing about renovation is that the vision is usually the easy part. The middle is where the work happens. The demolition. The decisions. The samples spread across every surface. The moments when you’re trying to imagine beautiful spaces while standing in a construction zone. We’re still very much in that season.
Choosing flooring. Finalizing cabinetry details. Adjusting lighting plans. Working through tile layouts.

Making hundreds of small decisions that most people will never notice individually, but together create the feeling we’ve been chasing from the beginning.

I’ve learned through the years that beautiful homes are rarely the result of one dramatic design decision.
They’re built through thoughtful choices, made over and over again.

We’re sharing much more of this renovation journey over on Substack-the sourcing, the design decisions. the changes, the lessons learned, and all the behind-the-scenes moments that don’t always make it to Instagram.

I’d love for you to follow along.

14 1
Open
When we first started designing our primary suite at the Sixth Street Bungalow, these were the images I kept coming back to. A bathroom that feels collected over time. A bedroom that feels quiet and restorative. Spaces with character, warmth, and a sense of permanence. I’ve always believed that the best design starts there-not with a specific tile or paint color, but with how you want a space to feel when you walk into it. The funny thing about renovation is that the vision is usually the easy part. The middle is where the work happens. The demolition. The decisions. The samples spread across every surface. The moments when you’re trying to imagine beautiful spaces while standing in a construction zone. We’re still very much in that season. Choosing flooring. Finalizing cabinetry details. Adjusting lighting plans. Working through tile layouts. Making hundreds of small decisions that most people will never notice individually, but together create the feeling we’ve been chasing from the beginning. I’ve learned through the years that beautiful homes are rarely the result of one dramatic design decision. They’re built through thoughtful choices, made over and over again. We’re sharing much more of this renovation journey over on Substack-the sourcing, the design decisions. the changes, the lessons learned, and all the behind-the-scenes moments that don’t always make it to Instagram. I’d love for you to follow along.

Comment “PIN” and I’ll send over tonight’s Design Board when it goes live. Or find it later in Between the Layers through the link in our bio.

I think people assume designers spend all day choosing furniture. The truth is, we spend a lot more time studying why certain rooms stay with us.

Why one staircase feels timeless.
Why a stripe can completely change the feeling of a room.
Why adding one modern piece to a traditional home suddenly makes everything else fee more interesting.

That’s what this month’s Design Board explores. It’s a peek inside the ideas shaping our work long before they become finished rooms. Some may be having a moment. But I have a feeling they’ll be just as beautiful ten years from now. That’s always the goal.

Fair warning: you may leave wanting to tent a room. I can’t be held responsible.

118 27
Open
Comment “PIN” and I’ll send over tonight’s Design Board when it goes live. Or find it later in Between the Layers through the link in our bio. I think people assume designers spend all day choosing furniture. The truth is, we spend a lot more time studying why certain rooms stay with us. Why one staircase feels timeless. Why a stripe can completely change the feeling of a room. Why adding one modern piece to a traditional home suddenly makes everything else fee more interesting. That’s what this month’s Design Board explores. It’s a peek inside the ideas shaping our work long before they become finished rooms. Some may be having a moment. But I have a feeling they’ll be just as beautiful ten years from now. That’s always the goal. Fair warning: you may leave wanting to tent a room. I can’t be held responsible.

This is your sign to finally create a plan for the room you’ve been avoiding.

I think a lot of people assume they need to wait.
Until they have more time.
More money.
A bigger budget.
The entire house figured out.

But I’ve found the opposite is often true... Sometimes all it takes is creating a vision for one space.

One room that feels calmer.
More functional.
More beautiful.
More like you.

Because a home isn’t transformed all at once. It’s shaped through a series of thoughtful decisions over time.

If you’ve been circling the same room for months and aren’t sure what to do next, comment ‘PLAN” (or visit our website to get started) and I’ll send you the link to schedule a one-hour consultation.

0 0
Open
This is your sign to finally create a plan for the room you’ve been avoiding. I think a lot of people assume they need to wait. Until they have more time. More money. A bigger budget. The entire house figured out. But I’ve found the opposite is often true... Sometimes all it takes is creating a vision for one space. One room that feels calmer. More functional. More beautiful. More like you. Because a home isn’t transformed all at once. It’s shaped through a series of thoughtful decisions over time. If you’ve been circling the same room for months and aren’t sure what to do next, comment ‘PLAN” (or visit our website to get started) and I’ll send you the link to schedule a one-hour consultation.

If you’ve been circling the same room for months and aren’t sure what to do next, comment ‘PLAN” (or visit our website) and I’ll send you the link to schedule a one-hour consultation.

This is your sign to finally create a plan for the room you’ve been avoiding.

I think a lot of people assume they need to wait.
Until they have more time.
More money.
A bigger budget.
The entire house figured out.

But I’ve found the opposite is often true... Sometimes all it takes is creating a vision for one space.

One room that feels calmer.
More functional.
More beautiful.
More like you.

Because a home isn’t transformed all at once. It’s shaped through a series of thoughtful decisions over time.

1 0
Open
If you’ve been circling the same room for months and aren’t sure what to do next, comment ‘PLAN” (or visit our website) and I’ll send you the link to schedule a one-hour consultation. This is your sign to finally create a plan for the room you’ve been avoiding. I think a lot of people assume they need to wait. Until they have more time. More money. A bigger budget. The entire house figured out. But I’ve found the opposite is often true... Sometimes all it takes is creating a vision for one space. One room that feels calmer. More functional. More beautiful. More like you. Because a home isn’t transformed all at once. It’s shaped through a series of thoughtful decisions over time.
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(503)422-5682