CALM + COMFORT: CREATING THE PERFECT BALANCE IN YOUR HOME DÉCOR

Most living space includes some open shelving, whether it be cabinet shelves, wall mounted shelves, or a combination of both. (If you DON’T already have this convenient storage option, you can order custom glass shelves to be installed on unused wall space.) However, over time the contents of shelves tend to become more and more unattractive. A typical set of shelves might include one stuffed with books of all sizes, one overloaded with knick-knacks, and one that’s a catch-all for everything from pet supplies to seashells from last year’s beach vacation!

Follow these steps to transform the aesthetic faux pas describe above into one of the room’s most charming features.

• Minimalism might be waning, but the idea of trimming down our “stuff” should never go out of style. Begin by emptying the shelves and donating or discarding items you don’t really need/want. Items that are purely utilitarian should be re-located to a hidden storage area. (You can also set certain pieces aside to be used in decorating elsewhere.)
• Next, it’s worth your time to peruse articles and videos about styling open shelves. Seeing examples of beautifully arranged shelves makes it easier to create a similar effect. You can even follow this step by step video guide by decorator Jessica Griffin.
• Place the items back on the shelves, but this time with an eye to visual impact. Use the tips below as a further guide to get you started.

You might be surprised how much better the same items look when placed and grouped differently. Here are some basic strategies to inspire you:

• Group items in odd numbers – ie 3, 5, etc.
• You can also display a solitary item on its own, but it’s best to avoid even number arrangements.
• If you have a lot of the same item – such as books or plates – mix up how you arrange them. For example, store some of the books vertically between bookends or knick-knacks but stack others horizontally.
• Set something on top of stacked books, magazines, plates, etc. to keep it decorative rather than sloppy. A pitcher, a little vase, or even a unique stone will do the trick.
• Leave some open space on the shelves. Doing so will make your display look intentional and curated. 

Downsizing and reconfiguring the contents of shelves is important, but most of us also require storage space that doesn’t need to look “intentional and curated.” Likewise, some parts of a home are mostly functional and don’t have to be ready for viewing by guests. An overly open floor plan or too much open storage can make you feel like the whole space needs to look like a model home at all times.

Of course walls can be added and some shelving arrangements can be turned into closets, but traditional remodeling is messy and time consuming. Privacy glass – glass that is frosted, patterned, or tinted – can be used to quickly create room dividers or glass doors. For example, if you’ve converted part of the living room into your home office, a vision obscuring screen means you don’t have to tidy up your work space every time company is coming. Privacy glass is also great for hiding workout equipment, making the kitchen sink area invisible from the dining room, and camouflaging a kids’ study space.