My Bookshelf Is A Disaster…Help!

Do the shelves and desktops in your home office or family room resemble an episode of Hoarders? Have you always wished you could make these storage pieces not only functional but chic and visually appealing?  Well, I’m here to tell you that you can do it!  Now, how long you keep your office desks and bookshelves neat and pretty is totally up to you and the gremlins (aka, your kids and spouse).  But know this: when it looks more like

a decorative display than collateral damage from a grenade, you (and they) will think twice about cluttering it up with mayhem.  So, let’s get started…

The first thing you need to do is decide what shelf or desk to work on. I know this sounds elementary, but you need to stay focused on one thing at a time, otherwise you will get distracted with the items you find buried under the rubble…Grandma’s brooch, last year’s tax papers, little Billy’s art project; you understand.  My suggestion is to decide which area you need cleared the most, the priority, and start there.  Once you have made your decision, set up three bins or bags near your work area, one for keep; one for trash; one for sell or giveaway.  Now, proceed to empty the shelf or desk completely.  Completely, I say!  Wipe it down thoroughly.

OK, now it’s gets a lot more fun! Since this piece of furniture has been stripped of its worldly possessions (junk), it’s time to make one more decision:  Do you want to move it to a new location?  If you do, now is a good time to do so.  In fact, I recommend it, as this will give it a new look and will also help break the “catch-all” cycle.  If the area you’re working on is built-in….well, sorry, unless you want to tear it out, you’re stuck with its location.  However, that brings me to the next choice you’ll need to make: Do you want to paint it or refinish it?  Again, I recommend the change.  And, don’t think you need to redecorate the whole room just because you redo one piece.  Choose an updated color that also goes with the room’s scheme and other furniture.  If choosing paint colors seems more like rocket science to you, simply use a neutral like black, white, gray, or beige. You can’t go wrong with these.

Your shelf or desk is freshly painted and is in its new location! Now what?  This is the best part.  Really.  You know that bin that has all of your “keep” stuff in it?  Get it.  Remember, however, just because you’re keeping this stuff doesn’t mean that it’s all going back where you found it.  Some of that mayhem belongs elsewhere.  So now it’s time to define this piece of furniture in terms of its true purpose.  What NEEDS to be there?  Books?  CDs?  Toys?  The key is creating a balance between function and style.  Here’s how to do it…

Sort your books by size and color. Set them aside for now.  Now, I want you to go shopping.  No, not at the mall.  This store is much closer than that.  You will find everything you need right there in your own home.  Really.  Look for accessories that have something in common, color, shape, or pattern.  When I say accessories, I mean anything that has visual interest.  Be creative.  OK, now you have almost everything you need.  The last thing is storage.  Baskets, bins, jars, bowls are all good choices for concealing the stuff that isn’t so pretty.  Again, be creative.  You can transform an old container with paint, wallpaper scraps, fabric, or by gluing on smaller items like shells or beads.

If the shelf has adjustable shelving, move one up or down to break up visual monotony. Start placing the larger items first, as these will anchor your design.  Add your books, trinkets, photos, and accessories with the intent to create visual balance and rhythm.  Notice in the above photo, books are positioned vertically and horizontally for added interest. When you look at it, do your eyes flow naturally from one item to the next?  If so, then you have done it!  If not, keep trying until you love it.

Other Chic Shelf/Desk tips to try:

• Paint in between the shelves a different color than the shelves and sides.  For a desk, paint the drawer fronts a different color.
• Use books of only one color or ones that create a rainbow affect as shown in the photo.
• Start a new collection of pottery or art (it only takes three things to make a collection) and display them.
• Look for interesting baskets at garage sales and flea markets.  These are inexpensive and will give you a one-of-kind look.
• Display photos that tell a story or have a theme.  Black and white, your kids at a certain age, a particular place, pets, and vacation shots are all great choices.
• Don’t cram it to capacity.  Instead, keep it simple and find alternative storage options for things you don’t need out all the time.

That’s all for now!  Stay connected for the next Inside Moves when I show you how to bring a little Feng Shui magic into your space.