{"id":13253,"date":"2024-02-14T04:45:16","date_gmt":"2024-02-14T04:45:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.accentdecor.com\/blog\/?p=13253"},"modified":"2024-05-14T16:44:16","modified_gmt":"2024-05-14T16:44:16","slug":"5-expert-tips-on-styling-the-perfect-shelf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.accentdecor.com\/blog\/2024\/02\/5-expert-tips-on-styling-the-perfect-shelf\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Expert Tips on Styling The Perfect Shelf"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Shelves are the perfect opportunity to display personal style with decorative objects alongside curated heirlooms. Accent Decor<\/a> is the source for stylish wholesale d\u00e9cor<\/a> 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meet Becky Hillis, Creative Director, and Toni Dammicci, Visual Experience Manager at Accent Decor.<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEP 1: SET THE INTENTION<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Becky: Sourcing your desired decorative objects can be a challenge without understanding the shelf\u2019s intention. Is it to blend curated items with functional kitchen and barware<\/a>? Is it to hide and conceal children\u2019s toys and games? Is it to display a collection of decorative accessories<\/a> and family photos? Once your \u201cwhy\u201d is established, get creative! Think through your must-haves, whether it be glassware, dinnerware, or books. Accessorize with d\u00e9cor or treasures from your personal collection. Remember, the most visually interesting shelves include something unexpected \u2013 an artful object with a pop of color, or a material that stands out amongst its neighbors like glass layered with wood.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEP 2: BE SURE TO ZIG ZAG<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toni: When I\u2019m styling surface areas, I like to arrange objects so there\u2019s 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEP 3: CREATE BALANCE<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Becky: Creating balance is the key step and that secret sauce takes some practice (but it\u2019s 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 \u2013 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\u2019ll unsteadily float away?<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEP 4: EXTEND THE LOOK<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEP 5: BE MINDFUL OF OVER STYLING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toni: There aren\u2019t hard-set rules to styling a shelf. Sometimes, the magic happens by simply experimenting, taking a step back and editing until it \u201cfeels right.\u201d Remember, less is usually more: too many objects can look cluttered and haphazard. Incorporate your favorite pieces \u2013 and if you have many, try swapping them out each season to give your shelf year-round freshness.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n