TO THINE OWN SHELFIE BE TRUE

Inspired to try it for yourself? Here are Martha Roberts’ six Cs for creating the perfect shelfie…

CLEAR This is the ideal opportunity to decide what to keep and what to jettison. Martha advises keeping things you love (not just like), and selecting a ‘hero’ item – such as the teapot from your nan’s dinner service – then letting go of the rest.

COMMENTARY What do you want the shelfie to say? Is it inspired by one key piece? Is it marking an occasion? And who is it talking to – followers on social media, or visitors to your home? It needs to reflect your personality, so stick to the things that spring to mind when you think of your theme.

COHESION This is how the shelfie works, visually and aesthetically. For maximum impact, go for a good mix of heights, shapes and textures. Same-but-different items, such as modern and vintage candleholders, or potted plants with different greens, hang together beautifully.

COLOUR Start with a colour wheel, easily searchable online. Then select analogous shades (next to each other on the wheel) for harmony, or complementary (opposite each other) for impact. Picking elements from just one colour works well, too.

CURATE This is conscious collecting – choosing items that build up into your story. Seek inspiration from vintage stores, seashores, auction websites – but ensure that whatever you glean or buy fits your theme.

CREATE Decide where to display the shelfie – on shelves, windowsills, bookcases, stools – and go for it. Think horizontally and vertically, add a few plants for texture, and don’t be afraid to layer or overlap items. Anything goes, and your happiness with the end result is the only measure that matters.