Arrange a Shelf of Decor

I have a bad case of design boredom. This usually happens every few months, and I notice the symptoms right away: impulse purchases, bold color cravings and purging of older items. It's a horrible habit but one that I've learned to embrace by switching out less expensive items that together make a big impact.

For example, I'm a big believer in displaying personal items throughout my home. We all have them -- vases, candleholders, books. I love surrounding myself with items that I treasure and honestly those that I don't but are just, well, pretty.

I get a lot of emails regarding the styling of this nook in my home and thought it may be fun to walk you through the process of arranging a space with multiple decor items. Here are a few rules that I follow when it comes to decor arrangements:

1) Keep it consistent. It's always good to have at least one element that pulls the arrangement together, whether it be size, shape or texture. Here, I've chosen color, where every piece shares either a black or white pattern.

2) Add drama. I like to play with positioning in my arrangements, i.e. pull the eye either horizontal or vertical with placement of a particular item. Remember, books don't necessarily have to be placed upright in a vertical position. They look just as lovely horizontally stacked!

3) Get creative. Collect pieces from around the house that may fit into your arrangement. For instance, this shelf houses a satchel from our laundry room, a plate/coaster from the kitchen and a room service bell from our guest bedroom. Miraculously, they all fit well together.


4) Get dirty. It may be hard to spot in this photo, but on the top shelf lies a black horse, toward the left. This was a Rainbow Brite pencil holder thrifted for 10 cents. I pried off the Rainbow Brite character, spray-painted the horse black and suddenly gained an equestrian chic piece --- for less than a buck!

5) Wrap it up. If you're having a hard time creating a consistent look with dozens of books, try a bit of wrapping paper. I wrapped many of my books in a few Old Navy wrapping paper sheets for an instant and pulled-together look.

6) Take a break. It's always good to create a place for your eye to rest, so if you're styling a bookshelf or similar piece, try to leave a few nooks untouched and open. Here, I left the second shelf completely open for a clean line.

7) Keep an open mind. If you love a series of items, you love them for a reason. Sometimes the best eclectic mixes have nothing in common and match simply because they have one thing in common: your love! Go easy on yourself and don't be shy with mixing fabrics and patterns. More than likely, it will look great to you, and that's all that matters!