• Blog
    • In the Home
    • Shop
    • Projects
    • In the Kitchen
    • Lifestyle
    • Design Work
    • Wedding
  • Shop
    • Shop my Home
      • Living Room
      • Bedroom
      • Office
      • Sitting Room
      • Entry
      • Outdoor Spaces
      • Nursery
      • Powder Room
      • Kitchen
      • Dining Room
    • Shop my Outfits
    • Shop Instagram
    • Where I Shop
    • Amazon Shop
    • Presets
    • Design Boards
    • Splurge or Save
  • Services
    • Interior E-Design & Styling
    • Branding & Design
    • Content Creation
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Contact

Meg Leonard | Design & Lifestyle Co.

In the Home

7 Essential Decor Accents for Simple Shelf Styling

May 23, 2022

The built-in bookshelves in our new home certainly provide character and give us a space to personalize the home! However, it brings a challenge of a large space that can easily become cluttered. I didn’t want to go out and buy anything new for these shelves as we have some plans in the works, on top of many other projects that would be best to put money to. Like I (and a lot of others) stress – shop your home! While they aren’t my dream shelves, it makes a hell of a difference to have them styled for now!

As I worked through the process, it was fun and freeing to not search for all kinds of inspiration and go with my gut and previous knowledge. With that, I’m sharing a few photos and a full list of essential decor accents to mix in for simple shelf styling. I’ll write a tips post soon, but these two should help for now as a lot of the same principles apply:

8 Tips for Kitchen Shelf Styling

Office Shelf Styling

Ok, let’s get into it!

 

 

1. Personal Items

This is first for a reason. If this is the only thing you read in the post, you’ll walk away with an improved shelf look! Mixing in items that are personal/sentimental to you and your family is key. There is nothing worse than a shelf full of items that are obviously from Target. You’ll always feel like something is off, because it is lacking core ties to you. To make it feel like home, mixing in some thrifted finds that brought joy when you found them, objects that symbolize places and things you love, or framed photos of core memories will instantly give the unique touch.

On these shelves, I’ve incorporated our wedding crest that my friend watercolored for us, a basket hand woven by my late grandmother, a watercolor portrait of our late pup, Hudson, photo albums, antique thrifted items and much more! These are all pieces someone else can’t get, making the look truly yours.

 

2. Layered Books

I know you’re thinking, of course books belong on a bookshelf. But, make sure you’re using them in the right way. Vary position, stacking, height and color to give that lived-in look.

 

3. Baskets, Boxes & Bowls

From wood to paper mache, to rattan woven – baskets, boxes & bowls are an easy way to add organic shapes to a shelf. Mix up textures within a shelf by dropping in a basket, or, make a statement with a large bowl. Stack and layer a little decorative box – bonus, it may hide some essential items for the space.

 

4. Decorative Figures/Objects

These may fall into the personalized items category, but by consciously adding marble, brass, wood and or clay objects creates variation. Additionally, they add unique lines that allow for depth to your overall design. From spheres, to clocks, sculptures and candle holders – the range is endless!

 

5. Framed, Layered Art

Art can be a powerful way to play with color, whether bold or muted. Framing adds an elegant, refined touch and provides a way to pull in another metal. Canvas art looks great, too! Show off your personal style by selecting scenes of your surroundings or favorite interests.

 

6. Greenery

Whether faux or real, varied areas of greens gives essential life to a shelf. Whether in a small bud vase, or a large plant, they breathe life into a space by contrasting from the man made objects. 

 

7. Vases & Jars

Filling empty space (large or small) can be best done with a vase or jar. They come in so many varied shapes and sizes and can easily add depth and texture to your overall look. 

 

I’m so excited to see how these evolve over time! If you’ve made it this far, you’ve earned a little peep into the future. Unfortunately, we don’t plan to have these shelves for long. We hope to take this left side of the room and install cabinetry to create a dry bar. Don’t fret – some shelf styling will be involved! From glassware to entertaining essentials, we can’t wait for more storage and an area to entertain!

 

Shop Favorite Essentials & My Shelves

 

Pin this Post for Later

0 Comments
Share

You May Also Like

Transitional Decor: Harvest to Holiday

November 22, 2021

5 Holiday Shelf Styling Tips

November 26, 2019

The July Recap

July 31, 2022

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Previous Post
Weekend Sales
Next Post
At the Moment: 5/24

Categories

  • Design Work
  • In the Home
  • In the Kitchen
  • Lifestyle
  • Projects
  • Shop
  • Wedding
behind the brand
Meet Meg

Meet Meg

I'm so happy you're here! With a high-taste design eye & a love of affordable finds, my goal is to help you achieve attainable, simple style to create a happy home. By day, I'm lucky to work with brands to foster their growth. Let's chat!

favorite retailers

Where I Shop

Brooke & Lou

Etsy

H&M Home

Pottery Barn

McGee & Co.

Overstock

Target

Terrain

Wayfair

World Market

Amazon Shop

Presets

Frequently Asked Questions

The MLCO Playlist

The ultimate playlist for a happy home, updated monthly – follow along!

Rolling into the weekend with a clean house brings Rolling into the weekend with a clean house brings all the happy 👏🏼 If you’re spending the weekend on the hunt for something new, this week’s Affordable New Arrivals and list of Weekend Sales are LIVE on megleonard.co. Head to the link in bio to shop!
•
•
•

primary bathroom, bathroom decor, neutral bathroom, faux florals, terracotta vase, spring decor, marble bathroom, wall sconce, ring dish, polished nickel, brass hardware, affordable hardware, master bath, marble shower, calm bathroom, bathroom towels, bathroom art, amazon find, Etsy art, target home, home decor

Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/45eLu #bathroominspo #neutralbathroom #marblebathroom #bathroomrenovation #bathroominspiration
Need a sofa and don’t know where to start? I’v Need a sofa and don’t know where to start? I’ve now put my process through the test twice and have found success ☺️ Head to the blog to read today’s new post: 6 Tips to Select the Right Sofa for your Space. Plus, get all the details on my sofas!
•
Shop my living room, read the blog and much more all via the link in bio! Note: my sofas are not on LTK but linked a ton of similar options for range in prices and availability. My sofa details are on the blog post!
•
•
•

Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit  #LTKhome
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/44RxD

 #traditionalhome  #newhomeideas #smmakelifebeautiful #flashesofdelight #homeimprovements #mybhg #homesweethome #cozyhome #livingroominspo #traditionalhomes #flashesofdelight #lightandairy #pillowarrangement #livingroom #livingroomdecor #livingroomstyle #livingroomstyling #coffeetabledecor #coffeetablestyling white sofa, slope arm sofa, traditional sofa, loloi rug, moody living room, neutral living room, gold mirror, fireplace mantel decor, coffee table decor, spring home decor
All I could ever dream of by 31 trips around the s All I could ever dream of by 31 trips around the sun ✨🤍 Taking my birthday as an opportunity to share a little about the girl behind the account:
-I’m Meg, a now new mom of a sweet baby boy & wife to a hard-working husband whom says yes to all of my projects, living on the water in Maryland.
•
-I indulge in too many oysters, reality tv shows and text messages. However, the common root of each of those is the connections formed. I love to share, relate and make others laugh via any experience with me! I definitely come off bland here, but can deliver quite the quick-witted joke. At the same time, am reserved and don’t love attention!
•
-My career has been in brand + digital design for nearly 10 years, and over the past 5 years I’ve built upon a passion for making a happy home. I’ve worked with 30+ of you to either build your brand or complete your home, and it’s one of my greatest joys!
•
-You can expect for me to share the latest tips, finds and more to inspire an aesthetically pleasing, functional lifestyle, all with the goal of making it easier for you!
•
-Random facts: I grew up playing competitive basketball, field hockey and lacrosse, ending my career in college. I once designed Solange Knowles website. I was the president of my sorority. I have an obsession with painting my own nails. I’m slightly OCD. I’m a textbook Aries. I crave a good IPA.
•
-If you’re still with me, thank you for every like, comment and purchase! I can’t wait to continue to grow this with you 🤍
•
•
•
Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/44RtU #nursery #nurserydecor #nurseryinspo #nurserydesign #nurseryinspiration #babyroomdecor #babyroom #neutralnursery #genderneutralnursery #homedecor #wallpaperwednesday #homedesign #potterybarn #glider #crib #maternityshoot #maternityphotography #ltkhump #ltkbaby 
#pregnancyannouncement 
#liketkit

spring style, floral maxi dress, amazon fashion, amazon style, family photos, newborn photos baby nursery, blue wallpaper, white crib, glider, neutral rug
Picked up a few essentials for the primary bath th Picked up a few essentials for the primary bath that may make your life easier (& prettier) too ✨ Head to stories or the link in bio to browse & shop a few items I’m loving at the moment!
•
Shop my entire primary bathroom on the blog and much more! Message me with any questions.
•
•
•

primary bathroom, bathroom decor, neutral bathroom, faux florals, terracotta vase, spring decor, marble bathroom, wall sconce, ring dish, polished nickel, brass hardware, affordable hardware, master bath, marble shower, calm bathroom, bathroom towels, bathroom art, amazon find, Etsy art, target home, home decor#LTKSale

Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/44Pru #bathroominspiration #bathroominspo #tileinspo #neutralbathroom #neutralhome #showerinspiration #marblebathroom #bathroomrenovation #bathroomreno #bathroomvanity #bathroomdecor #bathroomcounterdecor #bathroomremodel #marbleshower #cabinetrydesign #bathroomvanity #vanitydecor #bathroominspiration #smmakelifebeautiful #neutraldecor #neutralhome #neutralaesthetic #interiorstyling
Spending most of my days in this little corner wit Spending most of my days in this little corner with baby and so grateful for how it’s shaped up in the temporary ✨ In case you missed it, a lot was shared this week to inspire your happy home - no matter what stage you’re in! Catch up via stories. Thanks for being here 🤍
•
•
•
Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/44AgG

 #traditional home  #newhomeideas #smmakelifebeautiful #flashesofdelight #homeimprovements #mybhg #homesweethome #cozyhome #livingroominspo #traditionalhomes #flashesofdelight #lightandairy #pillowarrangement #livingroom #livingroomdecor #livingroomstyle #livingroomstyling #coffeetabledecor #coffeetablestyling white sofa, slope arm sofa, traditional sofa, loloi rug, moody living room, neutral living room, gold mirror, fireplace mantel decor, coffee table decor, spring home decor
Here’s to weekend light ✨ I’ll be organizing Here’s to weekend light ✨ I’ll be organizing in between all things baby to make for a happy home this Spring. If you’re looking to do the same and in need of new pieces, be sure to check out this week’s affordable new arrivals edit and a round up of all the best weekend sales on the blog. Shop affordable pieces from top retailers all in one space - Happy Weekend!
•
•
•

Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome #LTKstyletip #LTKsalealert
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/44xaG

 

  • Blog
  • Shop
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2022 • Meg Leonard Co.

 

Loading Comments...