Styling a Bookcase With Mementos and Memories
by
Megan Aubrey
(IC: blogger)
I am having so much fun creating the most inviting, bright, happy guest room I can! The changes with the curtains, fabric gallery wall, and headboard just make me want to do a happy dance. Or just spend lots more time lounging in the guest room. Or at most it makes a nice happy spot to get dressed every day since my clothes are kept in this closet. Or most importantly, host happy guests who make the room even brighter!
I decided to keep the momentum for this room and turn to the bookshelf that not only welcomes you into the guest room but also into the hall.
I decided to keep the momentum for this room and turn to the bookshelf that not only welcomes you into the guest room but also into the hall.
This is a bargain Target bookshelf but I love it. It is spacious, a nice white, and just the right size for this little nook (a happy surprise – we bought it for another space and then it found its way here).
To make this project even more fun, I challenged myself to make it a no spend project. That means everything that you see in the bookcase was already in the house. I love these types of challenges. I feel they can really force you to be more creative and think outside the box.
Of course my process always starts with chaos. Most projects start there, don’t they? The important thing is that you don’t end with chaos (definitely possible with styling projects).
Then came the knick knacks.
I tried to keep the rule of threes in mind and also have a nice mix of sizes, shapes, and heights. I think heights are what add the most interest to styling. You need to lead your eye around a space. Height can really help you accomplish that.
Some of you may question why I didn’t cover the back of the bookcase with paper or paint it a bright color. I thought about it but at the end of the day I thought it would just be too busy. So for now I decided to use the sassy foam topper with the velour fabric and keep the white bookcase white so the objects can be the fun pops of color.
•The wooden tray is from a project done at my first Haven conference.
•This quirky little road runner number just spoke to me at an antique store in Staunton. Eric took me there for a little weekend getaway earlier this spring. I love anything with some quirk.
•The container holding the books on the left is something my mother-in-law gave to me from her décor she got while living in Japan.
•These beautiful blue and green glass ornaments were a gift from my oh-so thoughtful mother-in-law who knows my favorite colors and love of all things glass. I also might have oohed and ahhed over some she has. I’m not so subtle I guess.
Isn’t it wonderful that not only can we surround ourselves with beautiful items but these items can also remind us of beautiful moments in life. And as I’ve said before, I need more reminders in my life to just savor the moments of every day.
Enjoyed the project?
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Published May 25th, 2014 8:47 PM
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4 of 8 comments
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Jan Derr Nevins on Apr 26, 2017
yes, you inspired me. I have a big bookcase to tackle in my new house and you gave me some great ideas!
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Ethel Kirkpatrick on Apr 26, 2017
Very appealing!
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Megan Aubrey on Apr 27, 2017Thank you!
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