HG Openhouse Blog

Yesterday I visited the Marlton New Jersey HomeGoods store for my third Designer is In seminar. I had a wonderful time and enjoyed meeting the shoppers there and answering their design questions. One common dilemma was what to do with shelves besides just using them to store books and magazines. My recommendation was to make them more of a gallery to display art, photographs or decorative items. Below were some challenges shoppers had and my solutions for putting their shelves to better use:

Shopper #1
• Question: I have a 12 foot long shelf/ledge that runs along the wall in my living room. Right now we are just storing books and odds and ends there. How can I make the shelf more attractive looking?
• Answer: Instead of making the shelf a catch all, make it a part of the design scheme of the room. Since it is so long I recommend that you divide it into 3-5 separate sections and then display a grouping of 1-3 items in each section to give it a pulled together but streamlined look. For example you could add a piece of art to each end and then display a large decorative platter or vase in the center or a large piece of art in the center and then some decorative items on either side.

Shopper #2
• Question: We just hung a large piece of art on the center of our dining room wall and then added wall ledges around the art. What should we add to these shelves?
• Answer: I recommend adding accents that coordinate with the color of the art. This way the entire grouping will have a cohesive look. Since it is a dining room, plates are a great and affordable solution. Votive candle holders are another great idea that is simple, elegant and add ambience to the room.

Shopper #3
• Question: We have a large family room with high ceilings. We just hung 5 shelves on the wall in a staircase like pattern. What can we add to these shelves?
• Answer: Since the ceiling is so high I recommend that you use larger items. Small accents will only disappear in a large space. I love large ceramic platters since they are affordable and provide a pop of color. You may want to display some family photos in 8×10 frames. If you use black and white photos and matching frames it will have a gallery feel. You may want to alternate between one shelf with an accent item and the next shelf with photos and so on.

Shelves can be a great addition to any room if you are looking to add storage or display treasured items, photos and artwork.

Come share your decorating ideas and learn more about designing your home on a budget at my next Designer is In seminar at the Glen Mills HomeGoods on Saturday October 4th. I look forward to seeing you there!