Monday, November 28, 2011

bookcases styled simply


In yesterday's post I told you I wasn't oozing with excitement when I opened
my boxes of decor, which led to a new plan.

The goal  ~   a simple, clean look.

First, I removed one shelf, three seemed to work better with the 'less is more' plan.
 To create symmetry on the top and bottom shelves I chose matching vessels
stacked on piles of red books, on the center shelf I included the angels
 so everyone would know I do love a little holiday decor!

Keeping the color scheme coordinated helps the look feel less busy. 
(the books and vessels are old thrift store finds I had) 


The greenery from our yard adds some texture.




On the left side of the fireplace I removed another shelf - only five more to deal with!
More red books, cream vases and a gold tray to keep the elements consistent.

Found a spot for my favorite sunburst mirror....


...and made some artwork on my computer.


I have a Santa I'm thinking I'll add in place of the greenery on the top shelf.
(Looking at your photos is a good way to see what needs tweaking.)

If I end up with any spare time (HA!) the back of the bookcase is screaming for a
little pattern....what do you think? 

The mantel is in the works, how is your plan coming along?

19 comments:

Shannon Fox said...

Lovely. I like this so much when I see it... but never seem to achieve it for myself? Hmm... Anyhow, very pretty, clean and classic. I will be sharing on my fb page. Shelves can be a challenge, I think people would love to see you ideas ;)

Carly {a simple affair} said...

Simple and perfect. The red books add just the right pop of color. And love that you made the joy print on your own!

Dana Frieling said...

Understated elegance...love it! Will you come finish my projects please?

Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles said...

I think a patterned backing would be amazing! The red books and white mix it such a classic look. Looking good!

Holly Gruszka said...

Can I stop on over now? It's so pretty and clean Pam! Mental note: keep an eye out for thrift store books all in the same color scheme for styling one day. I love how you've repeated the gold too. I saw that sneak peek of the mantle and can't wait to see more. Would you wallpaper, paint, or stencil the back of your shelves? It always seems like such an arduous task to me but really worth it with the end result.

Unknown said...

I have not even begun to decorate, we we dug into our office re-vamp over the week-end, crazy right? Anyhoo, when I do get to ramping things up for the holidays, I am soooo stealing your ideas, what you have pulled together is just gorgeous!

Cathy

Alexa said...

Oh so pretty and simple. Just the way I like it.

A Vintage Vine said...

Pam it is perfect....The red, green, touches of gold and black work so well together...As you know, simple is really going to work for me this season too! You have a wonderful knack for making frugal look expensive! As always, thanks for the inspiration!

Diana @ Your Day Simplified said...

I vote for placing a Santa where the greenery is on the top shelf! Your shelves look beautiful and elegant. I love that you used your every day objects and just helped them to look a little more festive.

Calypso In The Country said...

Pam,
I love it - such a clean, classic look! I love the pops of red and I agree, sometimes looking at the pictures helps. I just started my decorating inside but our outside is done - just some simple white lights and a wreath.
-Shelley

Amber B (Simple Dwellings) said...

I love your shelf styling! it looks amazing! The red books and greenery are a great touch. I love the idea of adding some pattern to the back of the cabinets, but I also love it just the way it is! :)

Lori said...

So classic and elegant. I love your style. I can't wait to get bookshelves to style and go "Goodwill Hunting" for red books and vases!

Lori said...

I think printing and framing another of your "Joy" art would make a great gift for your "Words" party. It is so pretty.

Suzy www.savedbysuzy.blogspot.com said...

I'm visiting from A Thoughtful Place and I'm glad I did. I love how you used the red books. Your shelves look great! P.S. - I'm a fellow Coloradoan and golden lover.

Stacie@hometownperch said...

So pretty. I love your built-ins. I pinned one of your images onto my Pinterest page for my future house. :)

Lili said...

very pretty! loving the clean look...

Mae B said...

Your shelves are gorgeous! I especially love the gold and red accents! visiting from A Thoughtful Place, glad I found your blog! xx

Unknown said...

Pam, I love everything about it! So perfectly styled and not overdone. I love the "Joy"

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

Pam you are totally inspiring me to go through all my books and pull out only the ones with red spines....I love that for Christmas decorating! Your bookcases look great - not too busy. I wish you could come do mine!

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