A good bookshelf isn’t only for books anymore. Shelving is a great way to showcase your decor, and styling your shelving, whether it’s a bookcase, built-in (like my unit) or floating shelves, is a bit of an art. Want to nail the perfect Instagram ready #shelfie? These fundamentals will be your guide to making your space feel special. I shared my how to style shelves tips with the popular website, BC Living (where I am a regular contributor), and I also wanted to share them with you here!

STEP 1: START CLEAN

Start with a blank slate. Remove everything from your shelving to start fresh.

STEP 2: COLOUR CONSISTENCY

Choose your colour palette and then stay within it to avoid a messy look. I’ve gone with whites, golds, and hits of colour. But you could be going for a more rustic look with warm woods and raw ceramics. Pull inspiration from your personal decor style.

STEP 3: BOOKS

I like to remove the sleeves from books to reveal their beautiful hard covers. A combination of stacking your books, as well as leaning them, will create a nice flow.

STEP 4: RULE OF THREE

As you begin to style your shelves, start with the larger items as they will anchor the space. Groupings of three create attractive vignettes that draw the eye. Is it beautiful, sentimental or functional? These are questions to ask yourself when you’re deciding what to include on your shelves

STEP 5: ALL ABOUT TEXTURE

Layer in textures. I’ve used a marble cheese board against the back wall, and placed staggered items in front of the piece. This technique creates depth and a high-end feel.

STEP 6: BLOOMING

Add in fresh or silk flowers in a bud vase (succulents make perfect shelf plants as long as you have lots of sunlight available) for that pretty pop of freshness

STEP 7: ADD IN ACCESSORIES

Now it’s time for your smaller objects and decor! Accessories are what will really bring it together. My favourites include a pretty candle, some raw quartz and vases.

Sources: Vancouver Candle Co. in Fairview | Pineapple | Books: Love and Lemons, Lauren Conrad Celebrate, Simply Nigella | Cake stand (small)