How to … style open shelves

One of the most common questions I get over on Instagram is how do I style open shelves. So for the second episode of “how to…” I’ll be talking about exactly that - how should one style open shelves. Not only are there soooooo many different ways of styling shelves, but it is also a good way of getting creative, trying different styles out, and most importantly, breathing some new life into a space. My shelves change with the season and the mood. During winter you’ll find dry flowers, a Christmas wreath and lots of candles nestled amongst the glass wear decorating the shelves. During spring fresh flowers and fruit are at the centre, with books and my coffee cups.

Over on my Instagram (see it here!) I’ve shared quick reel showing you all the items and a step by step how to when it comes to styling open shelves.

Like a lot of my interior styling, my approach to styling shelves is very much intuitive. But just because I go for what feels right rather than follow a checklist, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t a couple of musts for shelf styling in order to reach beautifully looking shelves (both together and separately).

Finding balance

First, start with an empty space, and visualise each shelf both separately and as pairs. A way to do this is to decorate one at a time and then step back, look at them as a whole. You want them to complement each other but also be able to stand on their own – finding that balance.

To get the right balance of style and substance be sure to mix both practical and decorative items. When considering what to put on open shelves in a kitchen, for example, mix up useful items such as serving bowls, mugs and recipe books with decorative items such as planters, artwork and vases.

Group strategically

When working with open shelves, we, unfortunately, lose the barriers from cabinets. As such, make sure to group strategically to avoid making the shelves look too uniformed. With that I mean position your drinking glasses in one section and then divide it with a bigger piece such as a karaf, then have a couple of cups - this provide different shapes and rights but still a strategic grouping of items.

Textures, tones & shapes

I am a big fan of blending textures and colours. I know this can be very tricky and sometimes it is safer to go with plain and neutral things when decorating. But by blending tones and textures it can help create different lines for the eye, avoiding too much of the same thing. A good way to detect if you have clustered things of the same colour together is to take a picture of your shelves and evaluate. Is there a balance? In the reel I’ve showcased that you can combine paintings with plates and wooden serving platters. Don’t go to samey make sure you combine different shapes and textures.

Styles

Not only do I like mixing different materials, textures and colours, but I also like mixing styles such as modern pieces with vintage ones, a sculpture with old stacked books, a leaned picture frame next to some greenery. This differentiation between styles brings depth to the shelves.

Don’t forget the under-shelf area

Don't forget about the space underneath when decorating kitchen shelves. Use this countertop area to ground the arrangement and complete the look. Lean a few wood cutting boards against the wall for a bit of texture and warmth, or add a bowl of fruit or potted herbs for freshness. Again, vary sizes and shapes for a more dynamic impression.

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