BEFORE: For most people, it is so easy to let our shelves become a collection place for paperwork, extra books and everyday items. Even though there are beautiful items in there, they get lost with all of the visual clutter.
STEP ONE: If you’re selling your home, make sure to remove all photo albums, paperwork, most paperback books, games, and all but 1 or 2 of your favorite personal photos. Don’t forget to wipe down the shelves while they are pretty clear.
A note about photos: I prefer to stage with black and white photos and only inside shelves. Personal photos should never be hanging on the wall or sitting at eye level, such as a mantle or buffet. If you’re not selling, you should have your photos out. But don’t group them all together in one spot….spread them out around your house so that each photo gets to be admired by itself.
STEP TWO: First use the hardcover books on opposite ends of each shelf. Don’t be afraid to lay them horizontally as well. Odd numbers of book groupings look best. Then add in your accessories. If you don’t have enough accessories, don’t be afraid to add in a small piece of art, a book with a pretty cover standing upright, pinecones, rocks or cool sticks from the yard. And I always like to have a plant for a little life. The fake plant on the bottom shelf comes from Wal-mart for just $7. If you need to have some paperwork or smaller items in your shelf, put them inside a beautiful basket first.
