This weekend,
I am playing with styling the shelves in that old vintage cupboard in the kitchen.
Pumpkins and pinecones and bowls of crisp apples are popping up here and there.
And even things like that vintage cupboard in the kitchen gets sprinkled with a bit of warm autumn charm.
But first, a confession.
I am not a pro at styling shelves.
But I am a pro at playing with styling shelves.
I have been known to style shelves in a cupboard,
or armoire or even in the kitchen- more than just a few times.
What might seem like it would take just 15 or 20 minutes- can turn into a long affair
as the dishes are all moved out and shelves wiped down.
Then it is time to stack the plates
and add something.
Then take it away.
Bring in a little height in the back
and something short and chunky in the front.
And then there are the bits of flowers or greenery… and finding the perfect spot for them to go.
And before you know it, those shelves are looking completely different
and that 15 minutes turned into an 1 hour.
But honestly, styling shelves is one of those favorite things to play with in the house.
Shelves are interesting and charming little spots that seem to beckon for stacks of books, trinkets or dishes to be artfully arranged on them.
Out in the cottage-
I have a small love affair with vintage books
and filling those shelves with them.
Some tall and some stacked
and all simple colors and looks keeps it cohesive.
And in the house, the antique buffet deux corps filled with dishes
talks to me any time of the year.
Even the simplest of shelves holding every day items can look pretty while doing it.
So the million dollar question…
Is there a magic formula for styling shelves and making them look right
and perfectly, beautifully, artfully arranged?
If there is a secret formula-
I don’t know what it is.
But I can tell you what my formula is…
Do what you like-and what pleases your eye first.
But also think about
keeping it interesting when displaying your charming collections
Use a simple color scheme,
groups of similar items displayed together always make a huge style statement
(such as books, white dishes, bread boards)
And remember to vary the overall look by styling them with
different heights, sizes and styles displayed together.
3 examples?
This bread board display by Brooke Giannetti at Patina Farm.
Knocked me over in person
it was super gorgeous and yet- so simple.
Simple is key for me.
Simple is color as well.
All white dishes in a cupboard is always pretty.
Stack them, line them up, etc.
Even in simple displays with just single items such as
bowls or creamers is charming.
In the open shelves in the kitchen,
a single item on a shelf can be effective at creating interest- and you can also stack 3 or four bowls to create even more charm.
Add in the collected creamers on the shelf above the sink
and a plate rack for a little interest on the bottom shelf
and it is wrapped.
Or small shelves with stacks of similar such as vintage tea cups and coffee cups
on repeat.
Keep it simple and interesting and style those shelves to create a display that you love.
Whether it is books, dishes, dried flowers or anything else.
For more ideas- you can take a peek at this older post
and creating interesting open shelf displays.
I am off to play with dishes and pumpkins in the kitchen cupboard
happy Friday everyone
Love your style. Pictures are amazing.
Everything you do is beautiful, Courtney!
Great tips and pretty as always.
Difto to everything you wrote. I love styling my home.
You know, it was really the playing with dishes in my china cabinet and on my buffet table that got me into blogging. ???? I love taking everything down, washing what's dirty, wiping the shelves down then putting up a whole new look! Love it! Thank you for your beautiful style and inspiration!!
Look at what you have done with this SWEET COTTAGE! Handsome French furniture, adding CHARM, crisp clean linens, fresh paint, and fragrant flowers! How LOVELY is this and the fact you have shared your LOVE for decorating French with all of us.
You are showing two things I am looking for. White pitchers, and the French side table in your office, for my living room. You have added the sweet soft charm that I love about French Cottage décor!!
Love! Yes, play!
Jane
So much can be learned by seeing how other people style their shelves. We have shutter shelf on living room wall, sort of a replacement for fireplace mantel. Also have small area in corner of living room hubs put shelves in so there is enuf to keep me busy dusting shelves and treasures on them but have to be in right frame of mind to tackle restyling shelves. Usually tackle it when seasons are changing, for a holiday perhaps or just cause I get wild urge to redo all shelves in l/r.
I do like to study how other people style their shelves, gives me ideas for using other items I may have can be used for a change, didn't think of before.
Love how you style your shelves in photos shown. Many times will print out photo for rekindling ideas. Have notebook to keep photos for just such a purpose.
This is special topic we all ponder, I would think, trying to think up new ideas of how to style shelves in our home. Have been doing that since I was a kid in parents home, haven't quit yet. My Mother worked 6 days a week then was busy cooking, doing laundry, baking on her day off, (some day off) so that left me chance to start trying out ideas before even had my own home.
Have wonderful weekend
I am so in love with your China cabinet and all your ironstone pieces. You make styling shelves so easy but I am learning from you. Ty