Making A Statement with Bookcases, Shelving, and Etageres

    I'm always so interested to see how people live with books, treasured collectibles, and random pieces.  Long gone are the days when bookshelves were used to store books only.  Homeowners are now embracing shelving and cabinetry of all kinds as apart of the interior decor and using them to make a statement.  Some of the statements are very deliberate and some totally random; but the mix, whether eclectic or traditional are adding a lot of interest and telling a story like only they can.
 

Used as a room divider and styled to further the contemporary theme of the home, this open shelving in the same finish as the floor, continues the open and airy feel of the two spaces.

 

 

 What an eye-catching way to bring color into the room and transform the contents of the etageres from being ordinary to something you now want to take a closer look at.
 

 

 Surrounding a doorway with built-ins is a great use of space that truly enhances this intimate seating area, which now becomes a great place to curl up, relax, and get lost in a good book.

 

 

The headphones on the chair would suggest a place to listen to music, read, and even watch movies.  What a creative way to have all of these items handy, than by having them become apart of the decor and easy to find at a moments notice.

 

 

 What I love most about this built-in is the charcoal gray finish.  How clever are the frames mounted to the outside of the shelves, and the random placement of books and objects.  A wonderful example of perfectly imperfect living at it's best.

 

 

 I believe this to be a Barry Dixon design.  What a wonderful designer and a great use of classical elements.  Although the contents of this cabinet, along with the cabinet itself is gorgeous, what a very lovely idea to hang draperies along the wall to frame the cabinet and add softness.

 

 

 Taking note of how books and objects are arranged on shelves; some horizontal, some verical; adds interest and makes it become more of an artistic statement.   Isn't this just so much better than just an arrangement of books?

 

 

 Again, taking the time to be deliberate in how items are grouped; keeping in mind their color, size, and theme; and placing them as collections is a wonderful way to tell a story an advance and idea or theme. 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via my Pinterest board "Elements"