Let's Talk About Your Shelfie...

Don't know what to do with those cluttered bookshelves or exposed shelving in your kitchen? Don't worry, I've got you covered girl. As a stylist I've worked with so many different shelves that I've developed some tried + true tricks. I'll be honest, walking up to an empty or cluttered 8 x 4 foot shelving unit is daunting + intimidating but, if you follow these simple tips there won't be any shelf you can't tackle.

THE SHELFIE IS A SERIOUS GAME + JUST LIKE ANY GAME, YOU GOTTA PRACTICE AT IT TO GET IT GOOD, BUT THERE ARE A FEW TIPS + TRICKS I CAN PASS ALONG

As a stylist over at The Platform Experiment we deal with shelves daily. And as home stagers we definitely have gotten close to perfecting the "art of the shelfie" in a timely manner. A few tips to consider before attempting the shelfie:

1 | When you're at home + working with what you've got it's best to start with a blank canvas. Remove all your clutter from your shelves + start from scratch.

2 | Slim down that book pile. If you're a book hoard, good for you, I hope you've read them all! Keep out any books you love +/or think are cool looking + this will make the styling process much easier.

TIPS + TRICKS

H E I G H T

Every shelf needs an element of height balanced with something horizontal. The shelves above utilize vases, frames, books + decorative objects to accentuate the height of the vertical shelves. Layer on top of stacks of books to give height as well.

B A L A N C E

Balance is great, but if every shelf is balanced perfectly there isn't much interest or contrast for your eyes, + therefore your eyes won't settle anywhere. I love a little asymmetry. Asymmetrical shelves perfectly counterbalances your balanced shelves!

R H Y T H M

Break your shelves into clusters, or I like to call them "moments", such as a cluster of 3 vases balanced opposite with a large single object. A shelf with a central rhythmic grouping, such as the 3 terra-cotta vases, is a perfect way to balance these moments.

M I N I M I Z E

It is so easy to over clutter your shelf. Be mindful of what piece you are planning to use. If a piece is colorful + loud or graphic + neutral, maybe it doesn't need a whole lot more than a simple vase + some greenery. If you're just dying for more, proceed with caution.

A R T W O R K

Utilizing framed art is one of my favorite shelfie tricks. It takes up space, adds graphic interest + adds vertical height. Art doesn't have to be expensive either! Maybe one of your favorite coffee books has a great illustration that would look perfect leaning on your shelf ; )

G R E E N S

Did I have to say it? Yes, I did. Greens, whether real or fake (yep, I said that too), can be used to spruce up any shelf! Especially if you aren't lucky enough to have crisp clean white shelves, some greens in a vase or succulents in a terrarium will add so much life.

E M P T Y

Last but not least, if you're feeling real cluttered, empty up some free space! I love leaving negative space in shelves. It allows the eye to move easily + your brain to feel relaxed. Heavy shelves are balanced by the bareness + your faves will really stand out.