JUDGE A BOOKCASE BY ITS COLOUR
Does your shelf display need a decor overhaul? We’ve got you covered
THE FIRST LOOK
Pale and pretty, an all-white bookcase gives an air of serenity to any room. When working with a monochromatic palette, include lots of texture so the arrangement doesn’t seem stark and onenote. You want to achieve a lovely layered feeling.
1. Delicately patterned vintage porcelain pieces work well when juxtaposed with newer, glossier vessels.
2. Make sure to balance the sizes of your objects, and avoid placing too many small items in one spot.
3. Try including a stack of linens to lend a soft, organic touch.
4. Not everything displayed has to be precious. Simple items like white magazine holders maintain the colour scheme without breaking the bank.
5. Books are always the start of something beautiful. Here, they’re stacked horizontally to create a pedestal for a fluted marble bowl.
BOOKCASE, BASKETS, MAGAZINE HOLDERS, IKEA; diamond-shaped PAPERWEIGHT, glass knot OBJET, West Elm; ceramic BOWL (top shelf), CANISTERS, HomeSense; fluted marble BOWLS, Elte.
THE SECOND LOOK
This inviting bookcase is calm and comforting. Perfect for a transitional space, subtle colour introduced in touches of blue and brass gives off a sophisticated contemporary vibe. Because the bookcase itself is white, including a few white pieces in the display keeps the scene light and fresh.
1. Fresh-cut flowers add an organic touch and a sweet scent. Change the blooms every couple of days, as light can be scarce on a shelf and the blossoms will quickly wither.
2. Catching a glimpse of a diminutive piece of art is like discovering a miniature treasure.
3. Look for book covers in varying tones that match your colour palette.
4. Get creative with your display. Jewellery, sewing notions, kitchenware – anything goes!
5. The tiniest objet that incorporates your favourite shades can be the jumping-off point for a great decorating scheme.
BOOKCASE, IKEA; Cloud Series, October 2012 ARTWORK by A. Pell, Great Lakes ARTWORK by Amy Friend, Untitled (Blue Pants) ARTWORK by Emma Hesse, Art Interiors; cream TOSS CUSHION, Crate and Barrel; RUG, HOURGLASS, glass VASES, PLANTER, wooden PICTURE FRAME, glass BOWL, white BOWL (second to bottom shelf), HomeSense; glass knot OBJET, cream VASE, diamond-shaped PAPERWEIGHT, brass SPHERE, West Elm; brass leaf DISH, fluted marble BOWLS, brass leaf TRAY, Elte; NOTECARD BOX, Indigo.