How to style shelves in your home

It can be hard to know where to start with styling the shelves in your living room, dining room or office, so today we are going to give you some tips to create perfectly curated shelves. The first thing to note is that there is no right or wrong way to style your shelves, but there are a few things to keep in mind in order to create an aesthetically pleasing look. So to get started, clear your shelves off completely. Next, gather up items to have on display, some of which have meaning to you, and start by placing your larger or taller items on the shelf first.

*Everything is linked at the end of the post

Tip #1 When displaying books, make sure that you like the colors and look of the spine since that is all you will see on display. If you don’t like the book jacket, take it off and see what is underneath. Lean or stack the books and make sure it feels balanced when you step back.

Tip #2 Instead of lining up your picture frames, sprinkle them throughout for a better flow.

Tip #3 Mix vintage pieces and new elements with different textures.

Tip #4 Keep everything counterbalanced by having varying heights next to each other.

Tip #5 Add greenery to warm up the space. Plants can help add texture to the space.

Tip #6 If your bookshelves reach the floor, add functionality by filling the space with a pretty basket full of stuff for the kids. They will be able to help themselves to toys or games, while keeping your area nice and neat.

Some looks we love:

credit: Tessa Neustadt Photography, found on Hunker.com
Image by Arange Solange at Home
Image by The Grace House Interiors

If you need some home design inspiration, we would love to help you and feature your space on our blog post series, Reimagined Spaces. We invite you to email us a picture of your space along with a short narrative of your dreams for that space.   If your space is chosen we will send you a short questionnaire that will allow Michaela to understand your vision, likes, dislikes and the design aesthetic that most appeals to you.  Michaela will create a design board and provide it along with links to the materials selected that compliment your space.  All reimagined spaces will be featured through this blog.

Please email us at Reimaginedspacesforyou@gmail.com


Reimagined Spaces Revealing Benjamin Moore Color of the Year

Each year after extensive research and travel, Benjamin Moore selects their Color of the Year. They consider 5 elements when making their choice:

  • Design- furniture, lighting, fabrics and home accessories are well thought out while considering the relationship that paint and color has to each of them
  • Art- seeing how artists use color helps the team to see color and color pairings in a fresh new light
  • Fashion- deeply influenced by color and constantly changing, fashion is an expression of style and personality that is strongly considered
  • Environment- whether home or traveling, the team takes in all the elements surrounding landscapes, color palettes, and architectural traditions
  • Culture- entertainment, economics, consumer sentiment and contemporary culture all give voice to the annual BM color palette selection

What does this have to do with us?? We want to use the newest Benjamin Moore Color of the Year in our next Reimagined Spaces home! After the Color of the Year is announced on October 11th, we will get to work creating a home design vision board that incorporates that paint color into our design work and possibly as an accent with wallpaper, accessories, furniture or rug. Michaela will find a way to give your space new life with the 2020 Benjamin Moore Color of the Year!

If you would like to be considered for this exciting opportunity, we invite you to email us a picture of your space along with a short narrative of your dreams for that space.   If your space is chosen we will send you a short questionnaire that will allow Michaela to understand your vision, likes, dislikes and the design aesthetic that most appeals to you.  Michaela will create a design board and provide it along with links to the materials selected that compliment your space.  All reimagined spaces will be featured through this blog.

Please email us a picture of your space at reimaginedspacesforyou@gmail.com.  We look forward to transforming your space into one you love. 

Let’s get started and have some fun with design!


Reimagined Spaces #4- Glam Living Room

Michaela Boushie of Addison Tyler Designs and I are excited to introduce you to Reimagined Spaces.  You are invited to follow our newest blog series as we showcase Michaela’s exquisite design talent using your spaces.  We will provide select applicants with a unique opportunity to have a space in your home reimagined. Our vision for this project is to connect homeowners with elevated home design assistance and have a little fun watching your space come to life. We all have a room in our home that “stumps” us from a design perspective. Allow Michaela to provide you with guidance and a professional design board created specifically for your space. 

We invite you to email us a picture of your space along with a short narrative of your dreams for that space.   If your space is chosen we will send you a short questionnaire that will allow Michaela to understand your vision, likes, dislikes and the design aesthetic that most appeals to you.  Michaela will create a design board and provide it along with links to the materials selected that compliment your space.  All reimagined spaces will be featured through this blog.

Let’s get started and have some fun with design. 

Today we are looking at a home that was recently purchased by a client of Carolyn’s in the Harvey Park neighborhood in Denver. This home was built in 1955 but recently renovated from top to bottom. The main level is stunning with an open concept living/kitchen/dining area. As a first time homebuyer, the homeowner had a great clean slate to work with, but was searching for some direction on where to start. (Both pictures show staging done before she purchased the home.)

The homeowner filled out a questionnaire that we provided so that we could get a feel for her likes, dislikes and the overall esthetic of the home.

1. What do you consider your style to be? Some options might be- contemporary, traditional, rustic, minimalist, industrial,  mid-century modern, bohemian, coastal, mediterranean, modern farmhouse, french country…  please add any others that speak to you.

I’m all over the place with this! It is a boho/mid-mod style home in my opinion. I want it to be homey, yet contemporary! Open to all ideas and opinions!  I have also attached a picture of the front of the home so you can get a feel for the style of the home itself.

2. Please list the room you would like help with and explain how you use this room.

Living Room – this is the first room you walk into through the front door. It will be used to watch tv, hang out and relax. The upstairs is a quaint space with an open concept. The living room is flows into the dining space, and the kitchen. It is a very open concept. 

3. What colors/patterns are you drawn to?  Are there any colors that you would like to avoid?

I have put some thought into this and think I would like to incorporate yellow into the space. I also like navy. Grey is what I was thinking for the primary color along with pops of color for accents. The entire top floor is white – white walls, white ceiling, white counter tops, white cabinets. I would like to make the space more homey. I really want ideas with what to do with the big picture window… open to all ideas. I did look at some unique roller shades, which caught my eye. I’d love your inspiration!

4. Is there anything in the space that you would like to keep?

The house is new to me and I am starting from scratch, so I do not have anything in the space right now. 
5. What is your budget for this project?

I am on a small budget being this is my first home. I would like to stay under $2000 to furnish the living room. 

Michaela of Addison Tyler Designs says “I picked furniture and décor that reflects a trendsetting, dazzling style. I wanted to give her a little bit of glam while still keeping in mind that this is a room where everyone just hangs out and relaxes.”

Option 1
Option 1
Option 2
Option 2

“It was difficult to settle on one design, so I created two different sets of boards for Paxton to consider. I went a bit fancy and used a mix of high-shine metallics and different finishes- in the wall mirrors, marble coffee table tops, and some fun artwork, while still keeping it comfortable with the sofas and chairs! 

My goal was to set a tone of relaxed refinement and pop of posh!”

This was such a fun space to dream about. We truly love watching your homes come to life!


Item Links:

Langly Yellow Arm Chair $239

Wingback Blue Chair $319

3 Piece Wall Art Work $101.99

Gold Urchin Sculpture $41.99

5 Piece Ball Set  $46.99

Gold Ball Table Lamp $88.99

Gold Ball Floor Lamp $142.99

Tripod Floor Lamp $137.99

Black Gold Wood Buffet $849.99

Coffee Table $157.99

End Table White and Gold $61.99

Sectional Sofa  $819.99

Gold Gray Carpet $69.99

Blue Water Color Area Rug $115.99

Shimmer Fan Wallpaper $1.98 per sq. ft.

Pink Panel Curtains  $47.44

Off White Curtain $30.29

Yellow Throw $47.99

SunBurst Wall Mirror $129.99

Yellow Tray Side Table $59.99

Pink Gray Graphic Wall Art $36.99

Glam Console Table $151.30

Please email us a picture of your space at reimaginedspacesforyou@gmail.com.  We look forward to transforming your space into one you love.