As I was fiddling around with the accessories in the living room, I finally decided to rework the built-ins on the right side of the fireplace. I painted them white shortly after I moved in and filled them up with one thing I have plenty of – ironstone. (You can read about painting the built-ins HERE.) It was just easy, pretty, and something I could call “done” when I had so many other things I wanted to work on in the house. But, I wanted to revisit styling these living room shelves…
I have wanted to add some warmth and interest there for a while, but even though it’s a fairly small project, it was too much to do when I was having issues with my shoulder. Earlier last week, I started just moving things in the space…a few books, a couple of pieces of blue and white transferware, just to see if I liked adding some color and warmth to the shelves. I decided it was worth pursuing, so I took everything down, gave the shelves a good dusting, and started over.
I gathered things from around the house…antique books, pinecones, greenery, and some blue and white pieces from the dining room hutch. And I just played. That’s one of the keys to styling shelves – allow yourself to test out ideas and try new things. I arranged and rearranged. I scooted and reworked and then sat on the sofa staring at it until I decided I liked it or it needed to be changed again. I did end up removing one of the shelves, so I had a bit more vertical room to work with and that gave me more options for stacking and adding height variations.
I waffled between feeling like it was too busy and liking the added visual interest. I’ve learned, though, anytime I’m rearranging something, I need to give it some time. It feels different and, right away, the instinct is to change it back to the familiar.
But the warmth, color, and greenery really adds a lot. There is variety…things of different sizes, shapes, textures, and colors, but they are all within set parameters. There really isn’t right or wrong when it comes to styling shelves, but just what you like.
And I’m glad to be using some things that were stashed away in a cabinet – like these antique wooden croquet balls.
And my collection of pale blue and white transferware is showcased better here than in the dining room.
Moss, pinecones, and a few small faux plants add some life.
I may tweak something here or there, but I’m pretty happy with it and I’m going to leave it this way for now.
Several people have made suggestions about altering the cabinetry to make the right and left sides symmetrical and, trust me, I have puzzled this one over a lot. I love symmetry and that would be my preference. Unfortunately, that’s not a simple or inexpensive project, since the cabinets are completely different configurations and depths. It would involve removing and replacing one side entirely, which we’re just not going to do. If I was designing it from scratch, yes, they would match. But, we have existing, quality built-in cabinetry, so I’m just going to go with it. I am still going to work on the fireplace wall, though, and have some ideas I might pursue.
And, I decided to keep the horse on the trunk. I sort of like him there…
As always, thanks for the suggestions! I do read all of them and they always get me thinking and trying new things.
A few people have asked about Decorating Dilemmas and one is coming soon…
I LOVE it! There is so much more to look at now, and I love how the darker colors coordinate with the other dark/wood colors in the room. I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s beautiful!
Much better imho. Makes the eye travel over the whole area
I love what you have done, but then it is more my style so that makes sense. The shelves have more contrast, fullness, texture and color. Well done! The nice thing about shifting accessories is that nothing is permanent, you can enjoy it for a season then change it back. I usually change out my kitchen and china cabinet seasonally. It can be a big project, but is so rewarding. Plus, I can pull out stored items once a year, enjoy them, and stow them away until the next mood strikes. Thanks for the inspiration.
The shelves are beautiful! I loved them before and I love this. You are very talented. We don’t all like the same look and that is a good thing. I hope you are strong. I’m sure people mean well, but this is your home. We won’t all agree on the same look. But I love all the beauty you share. God has blessed you with a gift. And we are blessed to get to share in that blessing.
Great job!! What a great way to show off your special pieces
I love it! It is more interesting and highlights the blue in white in your room. My only suggestion would be to move the clock that is in front of the bookshelves and put something flat, but then you are a pretty darn good judge of what looks great!
I love it! All the white was a bit cold. Brrr.
The whole room is SO much better and I think it will give you so much pleasure.
I love what you have done with the shelves. It looks styled now instead of displayed. The brown in the pine cones and books bring in the color of the granite tile on the fireplace and makes it look intentional. I can’t wait to see the tile once you sand it. I have been a reader since your early days in blogging before you had a paint. I love seeing your blog posts. You have such a great eye for decor.
Much busier, fuller and definitely very interesting. It makes one one to visit that space just to peruse the shelves. Lovely.
It’s beautiful. Love all the blue scattered about.
Perfect……that Blue and White along with greenery and texture filled the bill!
Love, love the sofa.
Very nicely done. It is so interesting to me that you have all the pitcher handles on the left. I almost always place my pitchers so the handle is on the right. There is no right or wrong in this; it is personal preference and what feels right personally.
I love it, so much better!! I am surprised that as much as you love to photograph there are no family pictures. I think they warm things up a bit.
I have family pictures running up and down the staircase, so I didn’t add them there. I actually did try some art and pictures, but it was feeling too busy.
Most decor blogs I follow don’t have family photos displayed. Seems I read something one time about not displaying family photos. Is that a decorating rule? I know when you get ready to sell, you should remove all personal items. Just interesting and hadn’t thought about it until I saw the comment.
I have really never liked decorating with pictures. That’s just a personal preference for me. I do love using old family photos, though, and I have a gallery wall along my stairs of sepia-toned photos. I keep our family photos in albums. But, that’s just my preference. It’s not a right or wrong thing.
Love it, more interesting for sure. I would suggest turning the pitchers 180° so the spout is facing into the room rather than toward the outside wall. Well done as usual.
I like it! Very pretty! Can’t wait to see the decorating dilemma. I have a built in vanity thats just…well weird. Needs help, lots of help! Have a great day!
I love the addition of the blue and white pieces – and how it looks with the rest of the room. Beautiful!
Great update! Love the mixture! The blue and white pieces pull the room together with the new blue and white sofa! You did good!?
I just had time to read your blog! I absolutely love how you arranged the shelves and added the blue , touches of green, and the books and wooden balls.
It is 12;:45am and now I am looking at my last
The line hutch in my living room contemplating how I need to arrange my dishes and add some books and possibly greenery! Thank you for sharing your ideas. Your blog is my favorite of the ones that I read.
I need to do that so bad. I do like your blue mixed in there.
A llama would add an interesting touch to the display.
perfect now. The blue and white is the prettiest ever.
Oh I love it! You have it all arranged beautifully and the added color adds so much interest. You have such beautiful pieces, they really show off well now. Rome wasn’t built in a day! I agree with you on keeping the quality cabinets you have on the left and working with them. Lots of people have this situation in their home. There are ways and you will find it. Nice job!
Laura
Oh. My. Gosh. It looked great before, but now it is AMAZING! So beautiful!!! Oh how I love your house and everything in it!!
I love it! None of the ironstone pieces really stood out before, but now each one is highlighted by its surroundings! Just beautiful and adds such depth to the room. As an asymmetry lover, the different sides of the shelves surrounding the fireplace are one of my favorite things about your living room! I wouldn’t change a thing there. (But I know if you love symmetry, you’ll probably always want to change them.)
I simply love it. A nice change.
I love it! So warm and cozy and lived in.
Your so talented. It connects your collection of creams and blues in with your new furniture. Rest and admire.
Yes, I love the touches of blue on these shelves. Easier then painting or adding fabric to the back . I am guessing this means the ironstone went into the dining room…which would be perfect. The calmer all white will make your gorgeous mural shine even more (if that is possible!). Sometimes we just have to live with something awhile to get a feel for a new house. Both collections are amazing and beautiful.
AND to the person who left the “Target” comment last post……tell me which Target sells this beautiful “antique” blue transfer ware…..I will go and buy it all!!!
Pretty before, but amazing after the restyling!❣️
Love it. Greenery and (good ol’) books make anything better.
Love what you did, pure Marian.
This is off topic but today I did something that you mentioned awhile ago about making piping.
I was not going to have enough fabric to make conventional piping for bar stool cushions so I did not cut them on the bias the traditional but did a straight cut. worked out perfectly, thanks for your tip.
That’s so funny (the comment on the direction of your ironstone handles)! I’d never noticed such a thing before. I’m left-handed (writing, drawing and eating), but I knit/crochet, iron, catch/throw balls, bowl with my right hand. I turn my handles in displays primarily on the right. I wonder if there’s a scientific or logical reason behind this???
Va va va VOOMMM!
It is a lovely and inspiring outcome. Truly time for the change you made. Great share post!
It looks GREAT!!! Good job! I really like it now. Wish you could come and arrange a pine hutch for me…
looks so cluttered :-/ I’d take that wooden horse any day. Have the perfect spot(s) for him.
Nice job, Marian.
You did not disappoint! There’s so much interest and depth, it’s looks wonderful! I was anxiously awaiting to see this post.
I LOVE it, Marian! You’ve inspired me to do some retouching of mine own LR bookcase!
You might consider having all of your pitchers facing in towards the fireplace instead of away from it as they are now.
I love it! Ready to do mine??
sure thing!
I Love it To! Great Styling! Makes me want to start looking at my house with a different eye
Wow and Wow. The shelves were very pretty before, but did not invite you over to look closer. The change is fabulous.
I didn’t notice the handles all facing the same way, but I did notice that almost all the greenery is on the left side of its shelf. Are you left handed?
One easy fix to make the cabinetry look more symmetrical on both sides of the fireplace would be to remove the decorative molding on the top of the right side so that it’s just straight across the top like the left side.
Your home is beautiful and I love the details and thought processes you share…so inspiring!
I noticed that when I looked at the photos, but didn’t notice it in person. That’s funny. I’m actually right-handed typically, but I play most sports left-handed.
That is so funny to read about your using both hands. I am just the opposite. I am a leftie but I just the right side for sports.
Looks great! Just a little busy for me, but very interesting. Would like to see something “soft” on top though. What I wish you would highlight and comment on is the ottoman cover. It’s really interesting and I would like to know more about it. Follow your posts regularly.
It’s a $5 yard sale find that I covered with a piece of an antique quilt and some homespun linen. I made it to sell, but I just couldn’t part with it!
LOVE! With the addition of the different shades of blue in the transferware the slightly different blue in the checked fabric on the back of your chairs just blends right in and looks intentional!
And since we’re weighing in on the direction of pitcher handles, I always vary mine and mix them up (left and right facing) for greater interest…just my 2 cents. Looks AMAZING!
Ah you see you did it. Well done!
Even ( much ) better now! Each shelve is its own little landscape. The faded blues are lovely as well as the old discolored areas of the iron stone pieces, it reminds us that they have lived way before us and now they enjoy their retirement and they are happy to show off their loveliness.
Do not crowd too many pieces, the wooden ball really bothers me as much as when at someone’s house I see a frame, a painting or a mirror that is a few millimeters off. Do not take offense.
Just a suggestion that appeals to me: Put the birdcage back in the cubby to balance the two shelf units with the blue symmetry. Put the clock where you had the plates. Hang something flat where the clock was – maybe just the silhouettes or another of your light colored paintings to not distract from the shelf arrangement. Now I will go and work on my own walls!
Beautiful & warm. I looove it! Now I can’t wait to see what you’ve done to the cabinet in the dining room where the transferware came from!!! Oh the domino effect! ?
I love it! Can’t wait to see if you restyled the dining hutch with the white ironstone!
I love all the texture and warmth! Beautiful!
Very pretty! I like how you added greenery, pine cones, and some books on the shelves. It definitely adds warmth and adds interest. It’s fun to play around with shelves! They are beautiful built ins even with they’re a bit asymmetrical.
Just lovely! It looks so fresh and the blue adds so much to bring the color to that wall. I enjoy each of your posts, I always find inspiration and new ideas for my home.
So pretty, as always. ?
I really like it. The blues, greens and browns warm it up and make you notice the shelves now. With just white stoneware, they faded into the background.
It looks simply beautiful! I love the way that the new arrangement ties everything together, the whites, the blues and the wood. And I also think the wooden horse looks great in its new spot!
Loved it before and love it now. Taking out a shelf really makes it better , amazing. I love to make changes, I get bored. Thats the fun part. You can enjoy your horse whereveryou want ! Such a nice piece
So very beautiful Marian….I love the way you added the beautiful blues and various textures with the books and greenery.
Your style techniques are superb!!! The large blue checkered sofa and pillows are beautiful. You are blessed to have built-ins and be able to decorate them to highlight your collective interest! I like light and airy so I would limit each shelf to three or five stoneware items with greenery and wooden objects.
Otherwise your family room is just right.
Your style techniques are superb!!! The large blue checkered sofa and pillows are beautiful. You are blessed to have built-ins and be able to decorate them to highlight your collective interest!
Oh my gosh!!! It looks so so pretty. It just ‘fits’. Love everything about it. A job well done.
Love it. Blue is my favorite color and you can’t go wrong with blue and white.
Love it as I love all you do. Question: is there anyone out there that will (for a fee, of course) take a picture and tell you how to complete? I like what I have but think maybe it could be improved.
You can send it to me for Decorating Dilemmas!
The blues are such a great addition. I resisted commenting before but still think your idea of a round or oval antique mirror, when you find one, is a better choice than the rectangular bird cage. The hobby horse is perfect where it is.
Great job! It really looks pretty with the blue added!
I know you love the clock, but I’m thinking it’s out to far to give the shelves justice. Maybe something flatter there.
Always looked forward to your post!
I need to arrange mine now!
Oh Marian! I can’t tell you how much I love the changes you made! I have a huge collection of ironstone as well and love it all by itself. But, the addition of the blue and white, wood, books and other textural items just adds so much personality and character! (I know, I know… I get carried away with the exclamation points when I really like something!). Well done!?
You got it! The greens, blues, and browns make it a pleasure to look at without making it the center of inter6. Would like to see both cabinets/shelves togeth6!
I’m smitten! The bLove is the perfect accent with your room. I’m so in love with the way you styled it.
I think it is perfect.
I just love it! The warm woods with the cool blues are so balanced. You are a master!
Love the shelves and love the rocking horses new stall. Looks good there.
I hate to say it.. Because I loved your display of ironstone.. But it DOES look fab! The blues & browns bring the room together. Beautiful!
Beautiful! I like the addition of blues and greens. I think books are always right.
Lovely and lovely. Are those croquet balls?
Exactly what that room and shelves needed! Great job!
BTW I have 2 smaller size ironstone pitchers. They were sitting on grandma’s kitchen shelf when we went through her things to pack up the house. I just had to have them and now they sit on my shelf. But I didn’t know that they were a “thing”. Thanks for all the care you take in your displays. It is a refreshing change from the overly-designerly things I see in the mags and catalogues.
I like that you added some contrast and greenery but I do wish you would consider putting the birdcage back in the open shelve area on the other side like a few others have mentioned. I think its just the right balance. I think it might appear too bulky hanging on the wall and it definitely gets lost sitting on the chest.
SO pretty! Loved it before. Love it now. Sometimes you just need a change! When I was a teen, I used to rearrange our rooms all the time. I don’t know how my mother & grandmother ever stood it. I’d be ready to disown anyone who rearranges my rooms (or dishes)! I don’t move things quite so much now. Partly age (almost 70) & partly…when I find the arrangement that works, I leave it alone.
Love to hear from you…all those pretty rooms & new ideas.
I used to rearrange my room all the time, too. My mom’s one stipulation was that we would have to organize everything when we did that, so we would pick through all of my Barbie clothes and dollhouse furniture and I’d get a new room arrangement. When I was in high school, I just moved things by myself!
What a difference a day makes 🙂
You pulled the whole room together beautifully, Marian!
So happy you are healing!
Aaahhh…you’ve done it again Marian ~ Beautiful and perfect ~ Happy Healing!
“Playing” is the best! ?
Like the way the blues and browns warm the area up and tie in with the other elements of the room. Your room is large, so it can def handle a busier curated shelf!
I love the way you arranged things on the shelves and the colors there now. All that white before was just too much white. A lot more interesting to look at now. Excellent job!!
Looks absolutely amazing! The blues are popping with the ironstone and the textures make the display so interesting. Great way to bring color to that cabinet.
You are the master!!! I love all the beautiful things that you have collected over the years, they are all BEAUTIFUL!! I have stuff that I have collected over the years and someday will pass on to my children so they can love it for their lives. Every piece I have in my home may not go together but they have one thing going for them, I LOVE THEM ALL!! If I don’t love something I do not have it in my house. You have some amazing things and I think where ever you put them they look good together. Well done!!
Thank you for always sharing your gifts that you have. Your home is inviting and isn’t that what we all desire? You nailed this one and I am so proud of you. I am still in treatment but doing as well as can be expected! Thankful for every day. Blessing to you and your family. Renee
Yes! I was just thinking about this…I don’t want everything in my home to be perfect. I want it to be inviting and perfection really isn’t inviting. When I see “homey” spaces, they are put together and intentional, but there is a bit of a collected-over-time look that I love and some things are just a little out of place.
Thanks so much for the update. I hope the result is that you return to full health and are completely cancer-free! Take care of yourself and I’m still praying for you. You’ve got this!!
Everything you touch results in sunshine and makes me smile. Thanks for sharing your gifts!
I love it!!! Love your style & blog so much!!!
Have you thought about painting the back of the bookcase in a soft dusty blue?
I love it! And you’ve inspired me to change my shelves on the right side (only) of my fireplace. When we moved in twenty-six plus years ago I claimed those shelves for my collection of old books from my childhood (vintage Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames, etc.). That’s the way it’s stayed all through the years and I do love my books there but I’ve been longing to make a change. You have given me the inspiration I need. I have some my dear, little mother’s blue transferware pieces and several of her cobalt blue vintage/antique glass collection. Some of my books mixed with those pieces and other treasures will make my heart sing – and smile!
Very nice! Well done!
I love how you did ! You are good antique finder. When I go to the antique shop I don’t see what you see, you must have great eyes.
I love everything you do. I can see why you think it’s feeling busy though… suggestion. Even though you didn’t ask. ???♀️?. Have you tried turning the books around where what is showing are the pages? Not the spines? .,, I’d love to experiment with that look. I tend to do that in my home, keeps visual interest without the busyness of too much color or contrast. Just a thought? ?
I love where you put the horse. It seems to be able to breath better. It seemed a little hemmed in when it was on the shelf. I usually love the way you style your shelves but not this time. Those shelves seem really crowded now. That’s just my take on it.
Love the blue on your living room shelves. I understand have good quality built in shelves and not removing them. I am sure you thought of this, you are so talented and have vision. So I will throw this out anyway. How about removing the doors on that built in. Then is will resemble the other shelves.
I hope to recover an old chair someday. You are inspiring!
Love the blue and it keeps your eye moving !
That is simply GORGEOUS!!! It blends everything in the room so nicely together. Isn’t is amazing how shopping your house can have such a big impact?
I love it!!
Yes! Much more interesting to look at.
Perfect! Warms up the room & compliments your antique pieces so well! Love the touches of green to tie into the fabulous boxwood green cabinets in the kitchen! Also love these tweaking/reworking spaces posts; too bad your home is so perfect and you don’t have multiple areas in need of your special touch…I know – you can come tweak/rework our whole home here in warm, spring already weather Alabama, only 3-4 hours from our white sand beaches. Have I talked you into it yet?…I will pay your flight fares!
You did an amazing job! Transferware is glorious, the green plants and wood
Balls and oh, those books add the perfect bit of texture and warmth…Don’t change a thing!!!
Love your blog.
My husband & I used to rearrange regularly. Now I just try to make things fit in the space we have. I also sit across the room till the piles of clutter fade away.
I was so comfortable with the white on white that you gave me permission to do!
At first I saw the busy, but I knew I needed a longer view. And you provided! The busy disappears with blue&white in the foreground & curtains beside. I’m headed back up to peek at moldings . ‘Love you!
Just my opinions: I love asymmetry since I forfeited my rigid thinking. I love the simple elegant moldings. Eulalie’s “new” frame makes a gentle curve with the moldings across that side of the room. I’m sure you measured, but aren’t the two sides almost the same width? The Left is a different configuration. Even if you divided the Left niche, it would be in 1/3s v.s. I/2s.
Now we wait to see if the birdcage is in the foyer, the niche, or the mirror is hanging under the plates. No complaint! Anticipation!
I very much like your changes, love the addition of blue and brown. Personally, I would add many more books to the shelves, and do a rotation of objects to display your collection over time. Having more books would focus more attention to the fewer objects that are displayed. Books speak more about who you are than collections, and books can be used/enjoyed by others.
Also, I think I liked the birdcage in its original position.
I am hoping to find some more leather and/or blue books to mix in, but this was all I had at this point. I thought about mixing in some home decor or art books, but I reference those regularly, so I didn’t want them to be in a display where it would be more cumbersome to get them!
Love it!
It needed more life.
I might have papered the back of the shelves with a wallpaper…either a blue or sand mini print to add warmth….maybe art- a small landscape…
I really love it! It looks so much cozier and really showcases your decorating talent! A little greenery always livens up a space.
You have such beautiful things and taste. I love your home and want to live there.?
Well, I’m a little late to the party but had to say that it took my breath away. It looks stunning! You are amazing!!! The texture and colors are so warm and inviting. Love to see the baby kitties in your photos too. They’re getting big.
Oooh Marian, I love it this way, it’s beautiful!!
I have been following you for several months, and always delighted with what I see. You have a gift of blending the Old Primative pieces with with the Classic look. Sooo comfortable while sooo delightful to the eyes of beholder!
Looking at your living room there is a french chair next to the fireplace with a blue and white check, is it possible you can tell me or everyone the manufacturer of the fabric. I have used checks with my favorite fabric, Toile. Having trouble this time. Finding it . Thank you and keep enjoying what you do so well!!!!!?♀️
Looks great! I’d consider adding some textiles and a few of your oil paintings for some more variety. Your paintings are all beautiful and would bring some color and a place to rest the eyes in 2-dimensional form. Just a thought . . .
I love what you have done.. Even though I do not know you, it seems more compatible with your personality. And compliments the overall color scheme better .
Do you have a current source for the beautiful moss balls? They have more texture than those I’ve seen and an overall nice appearance. BTW – I have gone back and forth in my piano room where I have a whole wall of built in shelves. Sometimes they are very minimalist with just a few large mostly monochromatic pieces on each shelf. Sometimes they are busier with lots of texture and more color. They are both fun. I say that “only my cleaning lady notices”….and me when I spend tons of time changing these things around. But as in all creative things, it is strangely satisfying.
Those are actually rubber and they are from Hobby Lobby! in the large bowl, I have one whole one and a half tucked on top to make it look more like a mound of natural moss.
I absolutely love this arrangement, and the addition of your blue & white pieces ties in so well with your furniture and drapes. Simply beautiful!!
I love the window treatments! Did you make them or purchase? Either way, they are beautiful and when did you get them?