Shelves are the perfect opportunity to display personal style with decorative objects alongside curated heirlooms. Accent Decor is the source for stylish wholesale décor offering the perfect decorative ingredients, many crafted by global artisans with hand-made elements, to create key statement moments. We spoke with our award-winning Creative Team to get their expert tips on creating a perfectly styled shelf.

Meet Becky Hillis, Creative Director, and Toni Dammicci, Visual Experience Manager at Accent Decor. This dynamic duo has a blend of responsibilities including the execution of world class showrooms in Atlanta, Las Vegas and High Point along with overseeing and designing editorial photoshoots and sets. In between a flurry of projects, we sat down to discuss their top tips and approach to shelf styling.

STEP 1: SET THE INTENTION

Becky: Sourcing your desired decorative objects can be a challenge without understanding the shelf’s intention. Is it to blend curated items with functional kitchen and barware? Is it to hide and conceal children’s toys and games? Is it to display a collection of decorative accessories and family photos? Once your “why” is established, get creative! Think through your must-haves, whether it be glassware, dinnerware, or books. Accessorize with décor or treasures from your personal collection. Remember, the most visually interesting shelves include something unexpected – an artful object with a pop of color, or a material that stands out amongst its neighbors like glass layered with wood.

STEP 2: BE SURE TO ZIG ZAG

Toni: When I’m styling surface areas, I like to arrange objects so there’s a mix of heights, shapes, and sizes. It pulls the eye in and gives the surface visual impact. When tackling a shelf, I always place key focal items in a “zig zag” pattern. For example, if you have three shelves, start with the top left, then move on to the middle or middle right side for the second shelf. Then, for the third, split the difference. This helps the eye “read” the composition.

STEP 3: CREATE BALANCE

Becky: Creating balance is the key step and that secret sauce takes some practice (but it’s fun and experimental)! Imagine the shelves floating away with a goal of keeping the unit steady. Ensure your largest objects (often the heaviest) are placed evenly throughout. Next, layer your decorative objects by type – books, framed art, trinkets, plants, etc. After each grouping is placed, step back as assess. Does the shelf appear steady, or does it look it’ll unsteadily float away?

STEP 4: EXTEND THE LOOK

Toni: If the shelf is placed above a counter or tabletop, extend styling to that secondary surface. A tray holding beautiful wine bottles or spirits looks cool and welcoming beside perfectly pared drinkware. A bowl of seasonal fruit adds color and freshness. I like to add depth by using framed pictures layered against each other, behind statement vases or planters. Flowers and plants give shelves a touch of sweet personality.

STEP 5: BE MINDFUL OF OVER STYLING

Toni: There aren’t hard-set rules to styling a shelf. Sometimes, the magic happens by simply experimenting, taking a step back and editing until it “feels right.” Remember, less is usually more: too many objects can look cluttered and haphazard. Incorporate your favorite pieces – and if you have many, try swapping them out each season to give your shelf year-round freshness.

To shop Accent Decor’s wholesale decor and wholesale home accents including all new and flower, plant and home products, visit accentdecor.com.

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