Booked...

That's pretty much how I've been feeling this week. Hence the tardy posts. But today isn't about my schedule. It's about the the joys of reading and displaying books.

There's something very comforting about shelves packed with books. Like a pantry stocked with food, it's a subconscious security blanket against cold nights one might be holed up at home--either by weather or by choice. Today let's focus on a few simple ways to up the chic factor of you bookshelves.

1. Vary heights and directions. One key to a visually interesting bookshelf is variation. Be sure to vary the direction you lay books, the sizes you place together and even the colors (unless you go for something like these images above. Gorgeous!)

Stand back and be sure you have balance, not just on each shelf, but overall. If one cove is crammed with books, the surrounding spaces should be left more open and airy, with a single vase or with larger art books, lying horizontally. Atop this flat stack, prop small paintings or other framed art with tiny easels or plate stands from any craft store. Framed art also works bookcase magic when propped against the back wall of a shelf.

2. Group like colors or items. Groupings always make single items sing. Group similar objects (like bottles, coral, shrunken heads, whatever you've got) and display books by collections. Penguin recently released these redesigned classics; some of the best reads of all time in amazing cloth covers. I've had these beauties bookmarked for months!

Wouldn't these smashing Penguin designs make fabulous gifts for any age or sex? (Holidays are just around the corner!)

3. Consider the way you'll use each book or object.  Remember my post about The Un-Staged Home, which addressed keeping it comfortable and functional? Well, it's especially important here, in this room where you'll cozy up to read and relax. When organizing your shelves, keep in mind how you use each object and which books you'll access frequently. Don't set yourself up for a high-maintenance situation or, worse, for an untouchable library. I love this look below for an avid reader's shelves. It feels chic, organized and super easy to maintain.

Love these lacquered bookcases with the silver tipped edge! And the sconces with silhouette shades. More on those later.

A well styled bookcase. (Though no one's cozying up in that chair!)

Next time I'll give you some great library lighting tips.

What are you reading this weekend?

Sources: Windsor Smith, Penguin Publishing, Pinterest, Kerri L. Kelly.

The Un-Staged Home

Earlier this summer I received a fantastic article written by Bunny Williams for William Sonoma Home's "To the Trade" series. It's all about Making A House A Home, something too many of us designers (and clients) tend forget. 

Everything doesn't have to be hidden that is not entirely by design, or arranged for maximum impact. I'm all for the beauty of cool objects and the serenity of an orderly, well designed home. However, I love that she reminds us that, when arranging furniture, we should think first of maximizing easy conversation rather than style; that people should display the books they truly read rather than the pretty ones, and that it's okay to let newspapers and mail be seen, just not "left lying around willy-nilly." (Who but she could use the term "willy-nilly?") 

I think this is why I tend to gravitate toward European home magazines. The rooms, even in all their glossiness, never look "staged," but rather like living, breathing, spaces occupied by living, breathing people. That's always more interesting to me. Like perfect people, perfect rooms, no matter how stylish, are totally boring.

A Bunny Williams designed salon for Kips Bay.

I think the vibrant eclecticism of this space makes it all the more inviting.

In a world of pretentious kitchens, this one actually makes me want

to cook big meals with my kids and hang out with friends.

Perfect for a long family breakfast (coffee reading at hand) or 

a formal dinner with friends.

Images: Kips Bay shots via Cote de Texas, Bunny's seaside living area as seen here in Lonny, my pinterest, Minnie Mortimer's Malibu home via Vogue

Color...

I know, we've all seen these by now, but I'm still swooning? I think after working on a very pale project for a client who prefers to be soothed and swaddled in pastels, these images were like chocolate mousse and foie gras after a long detox diet. 

Walls clustered with art, heaps of books, pink chinoiserie,

and strong contrast and juxtaposition everywhere. 

And I don't usually like purple, not even when you call it lavender. 

These are rooms in which I could live quite happily, 

        'cuz I'd rather be stimulated than soothed any day.

Images: House Beautiful (via thedecorista)

Doesn't this make you happy....

LuluDK's latest patterns

perhaps her trail of inspiration

It definitely made me smile. I'm absolutely crazy for this soon to be fabric by LuluDK. She is in the process of having it printed. I reminds me so much of Matisse's Paper Cut-out series, which I've adored since I was a little girl. There's a reason they called him "The Happy Painter." I hung the posters from the Icarus series in my preteen bedroom and thought they looked so smart with with my bold Marimekko bedding. Brights on white. Yum. I can't wait to get my hands on this fabric!!

For more about Matisse and his brilliance, check out this page on artsy.com

images: LuluDK, Henri Matisse (source unknown), Barnes and Noble