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Live Simply

live_simply
It’s a great motto right? Well it’s also the name of Annie’s darling organizing blog. Today, I have the pleasure of being interviewed by her. We talk about organizing of course, but also what motivates me to get out of bed. Although, this week nothing could motivate me – I spent most of it in bed sick. Never fun.
simplified_bee_vertical_storage
Happy Friday! Wishing you a very healthy weekend!
 
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Read full story By on January 27, 2012 in bookshelves, girl's bedroom, interview

Tips for Styling a Bookcase Like an Interior Designer

The bookcase. It’s functional by maximizing space and aesthetically pleasing by adding height to balance out a room. The bookcase is also not just for books. It is a wonderful place to add treasures that personalize your space. Here are some tips on how to style a bookcase.
A Clean Start
Remove all items from your shelves. Store or donate unsightly paperback books.

The study above,designed by Carrier and Company Interiors Ltd., is a beautiful example of how a bookcases help maximize a space, while adding height for overall balance.
Add a Splash of Color
For visual interest, back your shelves with a contrasting wallpaper print or colorful paint. This gorgeous bookcase by Samantha Pynn
{decorator, stylist and host and principal designer of Pure Design on HGTV} is backed with Schumacher’s Imperial Trellis by Kelly Wearstler  in Charcoal.

Some Up and Some Down

Books can be wonderful home accessories, so showcase the most beautiful ones in your collection. Arrange the books by size, subject and color. Create a rhythmic pattern by placing books vertically as well as horizontally {horizontal books can also act as bookends}. I love how designer, Molly Luetkmeyer of M. Design Interiors arranged the books and accessories in the built-in bookshelf above.
Make it Pretty
Adding objects such as shapely ceramics, decorative boxes, small sculptures, family photos and original artwork makes your bookcase more visually interesting and personal. When selecting objects, be aware of the scale and color. Objects shouldn’t blend in or get lost on the shelves. Here is an example of beautiful bookcases flanking a fireplace from Elle Decor  {May 2008} that showcase more decorative objects than books.  It makes me think that “Bookless” bookshelves may  show up more often as people go high tech and move to the Kindle or iPad to read books. What do you think? Do you like the look? 
Tips for Styling a Bookshelf
*images courtesy of Splendid Willow, Carrier and Company Interiors, Samantha Pynn Inc., M. Design Interiors, Good Bones, Great Pieces
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Read full story By on May 24, 2010 in bookshelves, Design Tips, home accessories, interior design

Schedule It and Organizing a Bookshelf by Color

Are you having difficulties finding the time to get organized? That project you’ve been complaining about won’t get done unless you set aside the time.

Step four in overcoming procrastination is to Schedule It. Determine how much you can do or tolerate at a given time. Typically, a project is broken up into smaller 5-30 minute tasks. Be careful to not push yourself too far or you might end up frustrated or jaded. Set dates and times for completing each small task and place it on your calendar, blackberry or iPhone.

For example ,if you are organizing a bookshelf, one of your tasks may be to arrange the books by subject, size, author or the most interesting, by color.
Here are simple steps to organize a bookshelf by color:

1. Remove all books and clear off your shelf
2. Sort all books by color and create “color” piles
3. Arrange books on the shelf by hue (follow the rainbow… red into orange, orange into yellow, etc.)

Love this playful room above by Chotda. For more inspiration, check out the Rainbow of Books Flickr Group.

The photos above and below were taken by me at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2009 house. I love how the designer of “His Sitting Room” kept the bookshelves simple in all black and white.

Organizing a bookshelf by color certainly brings interest to the room, but has its drawbacks. Where’s that stinkin’ book? In addition to color, my books are organized by subject and shelf (novels, reference/fiction, cookbooks, art/coffee table). Each shelf is organized individually by color instead of the whole bookshelf. My shelves look great and this way I can actually find the book I’m looking for easily. See what works best for your lifestyle and home.
And don’t forget… Schedule it!
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Read full story By on May 26, 2009 in bookshelves, home organization, organization tips, overcome procrastination