Curating an Open Shelf
Finishing touches complete and elevate an interior. What we choose to have in our home tells the story of who we are and what we love. Open shelves are a way for us to tell our own unique story, It may be a collection of ceramics you have foraged over the years, a piece of art you love, books that inspire and objects you adore. But there is an art to styling an open shelf. Here are a few things to consider:
STEP 1: A BLANK SLATE
It’s always best to start with empty shelves.
STEP 2: CONSIDER WHAT YOU HAVE
Consider what you already have. Start by sorting your items by height, colour and shape. Do all the objects all speak to each other? Do you have enough? Perhaps you need to source a few extras to help all the items come together - here’s the fun part, a bit of shopping to find objects that you love. Mix it up a bit and try to have a selection of different types of objects to decorate your shelves, it could be:
small artwork
sculpture
potted plants
vases
basket and boxes dishes and bowls
books
or a collection of ceramics (like the image below).
“Styling open shelves are my favourite way to dress an interior, but there is an art to it - it’s all about layering heights, colours, textures and mixing the old with the new.”
STEP 3: SHAPES AND GROUPS
Once you’re happy with the mix it’s time to start arranging. Place larger items on the shelves first - larger items become your focal point. Having various sizes of objects creates drama. Group items together in 3s or 5s (always more visually pleasing to the eye to have odd numbers). Play around and have fun.
STEP 4: LET IT BREATHE
All squashed in and the shelves will look messy. Give the objects space to breathe so try not to over clutter.
STEP 5: BLEND OLD WITH NEW
In all the interiors I design, I always mix old with the new new - it helps create interiors with depth and soul. And open shelves are a great place to display old books and objects.
Happy Curating!
Laura