Category Archives: Tips & Tricks

7 Tips on How to Style a Bookcase

7 Tips for Styling Bookcases

I have 3 places in my home that I love to style the most. I really like all of it, but if I had to choose 3 it would be:

• Bookcases & Shelves

• Coffee Tables

• Bar Carts

Welcome to Day 5 of our IKEA BILLY bookcase library wall reveal. Today, I’m sharing how I style a bookcase.

Here are 7 tips to make your bookcases appealing.

1. Work large items to small items. 

Large to small styling

1) I like to place my largest item first. It may be a picture frame like it is here or a vase or accent. I usually place this far right, far left, or centered. 2) Medium sized items, usually books fill in. I like to play with this. Stacking books or lining them up. I do both. 3) Last place smaller items. If books are stacked I like to add something on top.

2. Feature 1 item as an art piece.

feature an item alone

These antlers are an example of how featuring one item on a shelf works. Antlers are natural, sculptural, and a little quirky. This really highlights their form and adds interest.

3. Group similar items together.

Group similiar items together

Groupings have more impact than spreading similar items out.  A collection stands out when it is featured together like this collection of mercury glass.

4. Place kid items low.

kid items on bookcase

Since this is our family library, we wanted our kids’ books to be easy to get to. Placing their items low makes them easy to grab. Our 4-year-old loves to sit right here and look at his books.

5. Embrace negative space. 

negative space

Not every shelf has to be packed full of items. I’ve seen a lot of bookcases just full of a mess of clutter and not the classy kind. Leave some shelf real estate. Here a stationery box is front and center and there is nothing placed next to it or above it.

6. Take sleeves off books or add book covers to paperbacks and label them.

paperbacks

Paperbacks usually don’t have the most appealing spines so I like to cover mine. Here’s some details on how to make book covers. I also like to take the sleeves off my hardbacks that have good spines. Mixing book covered books with the same colors and patterns throughout a bookcase also brings unity to a shelving unit with a lot of books.

7. Step back. Reassess. Edit. 

There are always little tweaks to be made. It’s better to see it as a whole and then go back and edit out items or add something else in. I had to do this quite often with four tall bookcases.

Our Pimp My Library Wall Reveal is rolling along and tomorrow we will be sharing our source list.

Here’s a look back at this week’s posts on our IKEA BILLY bookcase library wall:

THE REVEAL>>>Before & After shots of our project

MUSIC >>> How we added hidden speakers & a sound system

LIGHTS >>> How we added brass picture lights & put them on a remote

TRIM >>> How we made our bookcases look built-in

Pimp My Library Wall Schedule

xoxo Kristin

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Top Interior Design Tips for Beginners

If you have recently moved into a new house, or maybe you want to spruce up a few of your rooms, then you might be interested in reading these interior design tips for beginners.

It takes a lot of time, thought, effort and money to re-decorate your home. This is why so many people like to keep their houses extra safe by installing burglar alarms, buying secure door locks or even taking out home insurance with a company like http://www.aviva.ie in case anything unfortunate should happen.

When thinking about interior design, try and see your house as a totality rather than trying to decorate each room with unique themes and colors. Instead, you should try to have a common style or theme running throughout all your rooms. You can unify your rooms by creating a color scheme. For example, why not pick maybe three or four colors and use them in a variety of ways and in slightly different shades throughout the house?

5dc90846dae13c2efad56a826d7c02c1 {via}

You should also try and create an equal distribution of visual weight in a room. One way to do this is to create symmetrical balance. This style is normally found in traditional interiors; it gives the room a comfortable, neat and balanced setting.

symmetry in room design {via}

For something a little different, try using radical symmetry. This is where the elements of a room are formatted around one central point or a feature. A spiral staircase for instance makes a stunning feature and is an excellent example of radial balance.

Always make sure your room has a focal point or one main striking feature. This could be anything from a fireplace to a bay window. Your focal point should draw attention and have a lasting impression.

focal point fireplace {via}

 However, those who do not have a natural focal point such as a fireplace can create one themselves. A piece of striking art, an ornament or a feature wall will do the trick.

focal point art {via}

This is a sponsored post written for Bliss at Home.

What I’m Loving Right Now: Pops of Blue

Pops of Blue

With severe spring fever kicking in I am wanting to brighten up my space. I am just smitten with all the different shades of blue that are hitting the marketplace right now. From aquas to turquoise to cobalt to navy there are a lot of options.

One of my favorite design tricks is to take a neutral room, like my bedroom, and layer in shades of one accent color.

BEFORE

Before: Neutral Bedroom

AFTER

After: A Pop of Color

Just by adding a bright pillow and a couple of books with shades of blue on the nightstand it brings this space from winter to spring. I don’t like to stick to just one shade of a color. That is too matchy-matchy for my taste.

Brighten up your bedroom for spring

What changes are you making in your space for spring?

th_127015651961492530_AAnBnFoE_f

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You can still vote for my nightstand in Emily’s contest here.

I’d love your vote!

Nightstand Contest

 

Day 18 Fall Countdown

Happy Thursday!

This weekend promises to be a perfect 70 degrees for our weekend away and with that in mind I spent some of my Labor Day transitioning my closet. Here’s a little closet inspiration.

It’s Day 18!

Hello sweater coats, capes, and jackets! My home was built-in the early 1950′s and closet space is less than desirable. For someone who loves clothing this poses a problem. It is worth investing in a closet system! Having double hanging racks and shelves really help.  This is how I keep an organized closet in a small space. I put all my outerwear together for easy finding.

On the top rack I put all my sweaters. On the shelves, I have a basket for handbags, and for bootwarmers. The long top shelf of my storage system I use for sweatshirts and pullovers.

All my flats and casual shoes I place underneath on both shelves. My blouses have their own little area. It’s a tight squeeze but it works.

The other half I hang my formal wear all the way in the back since it gets the least use. My dresses,skirts, and tops all hang together. I separate the tops into sleeveless, mid-sleeved, and full sleeves. I double row my boots, notice the pool noodles (happy applause).  Winter boots and sneaks I stack on the top. It all fits! Amen!

Luckily, my pants and jeans fit nicely in the built-in drawers underneath or else I would need to donate some items!

Phew! That was a lot of work.

I celebrated with a nonfat/no whip pumpkin spice latte when the labor (on Labor Day) was over! I have closet envy for all you that have walk-in closets! Cherish that!

Wise “Console”– Ideas for Your Console Table

Good morning!

Today I am giving you some design ideas for your console table. I had a Facebook friend ask me for some advice regarding her table.  Lisa, this post is for you!

This is the photo that Lisa supplied of her existing console table:

She really wants to bring in some color and is not sure what to do with the built-in.

Here’s a quick sketch of what the space could look like:

Ideas for the wall and built-in:

I have 2 plans of action to address the built-in.  Personally, I would cover it with a large mirror or make some large-scale fabric art to hang over it.  Click here for a post on large-scale fabric art.

If you want to keep the built-in, you could paint the back wall of it with the color you want to bring into the room. I would keep it simple, and just hang a wreath over it with some ribbon.

Also, just changing the hardware will give your table a fresh look.

This example is from www.myknobs.com

On the wall, I would take down the 2 sets of photo collage frames. You have some really beautiful family photos to display, but I feel like they are not getting top billing. There are too many little photo frames competing in this space. I would love to see you do a gallery wall with your photos with larger frames and mattes. Just leave one or two on the top of your console table.

Here are some other ideas to bring color into this space:

1.Paint the lamp bases. Spray paint does wonders on lamp bases and it is super inexpensive. If you don’t want to go that route, I would definitely update the shades. A drum shade on those traditional bases would look great. You could even do a colored shade or fabric pattern on them.

2. Paint the table.

Sometimes just a pop of color makes a bold statement.

Ideas for your table top:

On your table top in-between the lamps, I would do a tray with plants on it. Or books stacked with a natural element on top. You could definitely change this out with the season. Bringing some nature inside is one of my favorite design tips. Plants, seashells, driftwood, or coral are great things to work into a design. Succulents are so popular right now and low maintenance.

Ideas for below the table:

On the bottom of your table, I would pick larger items. This could be a collection of pottery, larger stacked boxes, or baskets.

Here are some reminders to work with: Place your larger items first. Your lamps, books, tray, boxes, etc.  Add a few smaller details, but keep it simple. You can have too much of a good thing. Add a pop of color for sure. Either in your lamps or in your art or mirror choices. I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any other questions please ask away.

image credits 1  2  3  4

Other posts you may like:

  

Transitioning the end of summer into fall

Navy!

Hello, friends!

I shared with you a month back a design board for my living room. I have been slowly adding in the navy over the summer and just wanted to show you some changes. I am still going to paint my navy accent wall, but I wanted to show you some ideas to bring color into your rooms through accents. This is great if you are unsure if you want to commit to going all in!

My spring and summer room:

Yellow!

Some subtle changes to transition from late summer to fall:

Navy!

Get a colorful rug:

My brother-in-law, a Marine, sent this to us from Afghanistan.

Paint photo frames:

My DIY seashell art with the painted frame.

Buy pillow covers for existing pillows:

Navy greek key pillow cover. Easy way to change a look and not have to buy a million throw pillows! Light on the wallet too!

Add a colorful blanket or throw:

Paint a piece of furniture:

Plans to bring it all together:

Just painting one wall with a pop of color will transform this room. The whites, gold and silver metallics, and navy accents around the room will play well off a navy accent wall. Can’t wait!

Happy Tuesday!

Dressing Up My Beauty Products

Here’s a wonderful little thing I do with my beauty products that I leave sitting out that have less than appealing packaging.

Having lotions stashed around my house is a must! Cleaning up after a family all day, leaves my skin less than baby soft. I need a little lotion therapy. I just don’t want to see an ugly label, no offense Cerave, you just don’t match my decor, but you do wonders on my skin, so thank you! Cerave rocks if you haven’t tried it yet.

I just use whatever I have handy and make a cute little outfit for my products. Ribbon, scrap paper, glitter tape, scrap fabric,  whatever.

In this case, I used leftover scrapbook paper and glitter tape.

Making it pretty…


yesterday’s post– 

Just an update…

If you would like to link to my blog you can now grab a button! Just go to “Grab a Button” on the right side of this blog and copy and paste the code to your blog. 


A Golden Tips & Tricks Friday

Tips & Tricks Friday: How to clean and polish brass

Gold is making a big comeback in home interiors. When I made over my china cabinet, one of things I was most excited about was bringing the brass hardware back to life!

It’s pretty easy!

Supplies

steel wool soap pads

Brasso

gloves

soft cloth (I used an old T-shirt)

It was pretty simple. All I did was scrub the hardware with steel wool soap pads. Then, I rinsed it with water and dried it. After it was dry, I put on my gloves and polished it with my T-shirt rag and Brasso. I buffed it until all the Brasso was gone. Easy-Peasy!

Pretty GOLD again!

If you have any tips on how to polish brass please share them. Have a great weekend!

xxx Kristin

DIY Coat Rack for Mudroom

Tips & Tricks, Tips & Tricks…

Do you ever have those days when your mind is fuzzy and you lack inspiration?  Well, for me that day was today.

Exhibit A

**Note the blank stare and glazed over eyes.

Exhibit B

** Note the abyss of keys that have not been touched…

I had planned a tip & trick to show that required some hands on participation on my part but,  due to feeling under the weather, I did not have the oomph today. So, instead I reached into my bag of tricks to show you a project we did this last winter. I promise you it is still great!

So here is your Tips & Tricks Friday edition! If you don’t have a mudroom or storage off your garage door, make your own!

With kids going back to school in a few weeks for most of us, I wanted to share with you an easy DIY that we did for more storage.

Our garage door is the most used entry in our house, especially during school days. We needed a place to store all those back packs, coats, and shoes. We don’t have a mud room so we decided to fashion our own. What I love most about this project is that it only cost us  $25!

For complete instructions on this project click  HERE.

Supplies:

4×8 primed bead board (we got ours from Lowe’s for $19)

wall hooks (we got ours at Target for $5.99)

**These were the only items we purchased for this project,

everything else we had on hand.

————————————————————————

3- 2×4′s 8 feet long

tape measure

12- 4inch toggle bolts (preferably 3/8′s diameter)

table saw or circular saw

24- 1 inch diameter fender washers (2 per toggle bolt)

2 tubes of Liquid Nail & caulk gun

power drill & 2 paddle wheel bits sizes 1- 1/8 & 7/8

wood fill (make sure you buy the kind that you can sand & paint)

sand paper

paint & protective top coat

4 picture frames

… & a wonderful husband to help you with the project! (Not necessary but helpful none the less)

In the winter we add a bench, basket, and boot tray for all those extra things you need to brave a Mid-western winter.

I like to make things as user-friendly as possible. I added the frames at top so each family member knows where to hang  their belongings. It’s a cute, personal touch and I love to change the photos out with the season.

Enjoy your weekend!

xxx Kristin

Design Dilemma: How to Place Furniture

It’s a Tips & Tricks Friday!

As we place our belongings in rooms, often times our furniture gets thrown up against 4 walls and we call it a day. Let’s think outside the box, literally! I am going to give you three examples on how to maximize your space.

Tips to start the process:

1.Before placing furniture, consider how you want to utilize the room. Are you watching a lot of tv, does it have to multi-function, is it a place to have conversation? What do you want to do in there?

2. Just because it’s a set doesn’t mean you have to use it as a set. It’s easy to go down to the big furniture store and buy an entire set and throw it into a room. While, sometimes it is cost-effective, think about breaking that set up and mixing things from other rooms in your house. This can add a layer of comfort and interest to any room.

3. Have fun with it! You don’t have to be a designer to set up a room. Play around with lay out and remember that we spend a lot of time in our homes and it should be a place to relax and enjoy!

Example 1:

How to float furniture in a room.

This arrangement is great for creating a space for conversation and entertaining. The focal point of the room becomes the center of the room. Often times, our lay outs deem where people feel drawn to go. This lends itself to gatherings, enjoying games, and sharing drinks. Nothing is up against a wall. Pulling furniture out from the walls gives it that floating effect.  Also, note the placement of the seating. Everything is so you can see everyone.

Example 2:

Creating symmetry in an awkward space.

This is a great way to give balance to a room. This room has an odd layout with the built-in bookshelf  and the fireplace in a corner. By hanging art and placing  tables and lamps that are alike on each side of the couch, it presents a symmetrical balance that is appealing to the eye. Notice the chairs are even mirroring each other.

Example 3:

What to do when a room has to multi-function.

When a room needs to suit multiple purposes set up “areas”. In this case, the rug anchors one part of the room as a seating/conversation area. Then, the table and chairs by the fireplace form another area to enjoy the fire, work on the laptop, or enjoy drinks.

I love fireside time!!! Board games are so fun to play here!

If you are wondering if I moved furniture around in my livingroom just for this post, you are exactly right, I SOOOO did! It was time to clean behind the furniture anyways.

Have a great weekend!!!

A quick sneak at DIY Monday:

Just a quick update.

You can now join bliss on twitter and bloglovin’. Those are new and I am loving them!

Thanks! xoxo-Kristin

 

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