Words by Megan McDonough, © 2018, The Washington Post
You may have seen the hashtag #shelfie plastered all over your social media feed – usually next to an artfully arranged shelving unit or rainbow colour-coded bookshelf.
A search for the hashtag yields nearly a million posts on Instagram alone. Not to be mistaken for a selfie, a “shelfie” is often used to show off a clutter-free, well-staged shelf, mantel or bookcase that is functional and visually appealing.
Image: Marble and Wood geometric object, West Elm, World Market
We enlisted Victoria Smith of the lifestyle blog SF Girl by Bay for her shelfie advice.
“I’ve added built-in bookshelves in my home, and probably one of my favourite ways to decorate is displaying objets d’art and mementos that mean something special to me,” Smith wrote in an email. Vintage books, flowers and treasures from past travels can help transform a bland bookcase into a conversation piece.
Walden Candle: terrain
Sedona Candle: Urban Outfitters
“Choose items that you connect with, but also share a complementary colour palette, and I think you’ll find it pretty pleasing to the eye. Lately, I’m very interested in classic natural elements – crystals, leather, ceramics – with a modern twist,” Smith says. “The goal is to achieve a cohesive collection, instead of clutter, and I think with these pieces you’d be achieving just that.”
Image: Helsinki Basket, Barneys New York, All, Modern
