Breathe new life into your space with these few easy tips:
- Marie Kondo’s “Spark Joy” rules apply. Go through all of your art objects and books – touch them, open them up, dust them off – and get rid of anything that doesn’t still make your heart flutter.
- Arrange your books by color for a visually therapeutic effect. What this means is place like-colored spines alongside each other. Think of it as creating a ombré (i.e. blue to gray, red to pink). It makes the bookshelf feel less messy.
- Use different heights – place a classic hand poured candle next to tall wax-exposed columnar ones to keep the eye moving.
- Use different textures and transparencies – mix see-through glass vases with opaque ones. Add unusual textures to keep things unexpected.
- Balance colors – round out a statement piece (like a bright red coral sculpture) with a red book in an opposite corner.
- Add an organic shape – break up the rigidity of books with an amorphous shape. Whether that’s a sculpture, a uniquely-shaped candle, or a floral arrangement.
- Try a tray – leave it empty to create negative space, or use it to keep your smaller miscellaneous items organized.
- Expose your favorite book cover – they say you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but that doesn’t apply here! My favorite book publishers are Rizzoli and Assouline. I love Assouline’s travel series, like this Capri book.
- Less is more – avoid a cluttered look to let your statement pieces shine.
- Most importantly, get personal – have at least an item or two with sentimental meaning.
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