The aim of Elizabeth Mayhew’s new book, “Flip! For Decorating” (Ballantine, $24), is to help do-it-yourselfers create stylish yet livable spaces. Here, the former home magazine editor and regular “Today” show contributor addresses one common breeding ground for uncomfortable clutter — the bookcase.
She writes: “Bookcases become a dumping ground for papers, photos and, of course, books. But because open shelves reveal everything (unlike desks and closets), a bit more care taken can produce a proud display. Consider backing bookcases in colored paper or painting the back of the shelf a contrasting color. This perks up a humdrum bookshelf and helps make the objects on the shelf pop. By following a few easy styling tricks, you can turn your bookshelves into artfully arranged tableaux.”
Elizabeth Mayhew’s step-by-step bookshelf help
1. Edit: Remove everything from your bookshelves, sort books by size and subject matter, and discard any ripped dust jackets. Store paperbacks out of sight; they’re not attractive enough to take center stage.
2. Line up: Line books up on shelves, stacking them both vertically and horizontally in a rhythmic pattern. This will add visual interest to the shelves and break up the monotony of rows upon rows of books.
3. Conceal: Maximize unused space with attractive boxes. Boxes allow you to neatly store everything from photos to computer manuals, and their solid blocks of color break up the rows of books.
4. Embellish: Add ceramics and other objects for visual interest. Photographs or small works of art lending against a stack of books personalize a bookshelf and prevent it from looking too staged.
