Tips on decorating shelves and bookcases
September 17, 2009
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I'm so glad you love my new candle dining room centerpiece as much as I do! :)
Awhile back when I showed you my Ballard Designs shelves, I promised to show you how I accessorize. I struggle with filling spaces with stuff. I usually like the end result, but it takes much running around/fluffing/rearranging.
There are a few basics I know work when accessorizing that I wanted to share with you. You may have heard the odd number suggestion -- that is using one, three, five, seven, etc. of items.
For some reason it just appeals more to the eye. That's what "they" say anyway. Sometimes I listen to "they," sometimes I tell them to shut it. I happen to agree on this one:
My homemade sofa table in our living room is our living room is one arrangement I really like. You'll notice the three finials (Goodwill/Hob Lob finds, spray painted black).
My homemade sofa table in our living room is our living room is one arrangement I really like. You'll notice the three finials (Goodwill/Hob Lob finds, spray painted black). I like the little cabinet in the middle because it gives the table something weighty to hold it's own in the middle.
Balance is something else I think helps big time -- when you have something tall on one side, even it out with something tall on the other:
The lamp on the left is up on books to mimic the tall rattan vase to the right of the sofa (that you can't really see here) and balance that area.
The same goes for shapes.
The lamp on the left is up on books to mimic the tall rattan vase to the right of the sofa (that you can't really see here) and balance that area.
The same goes for shapes. The two candlesticks are the same shape as the finials and balance them out on the other side. The large square print on the right needed something to balance it out, but so I used a smaller ceramic square on the left:
Let's see if I can say "balance" one more time. Umkay...balance. I also love easels -- I use them everywhere to bring items up just a bit higher.
Let's see if I can say "balance" one more time. Umkay...balance. I also love easels -- I use them everywhere to bring items up just a bit higher.I love how the DIY chunky Ballard shelves look right now, but it was a process.
This was the start:
I heart leaning frames against each other. I do it all over the place. I knew I wanted that look here, but the mismatched frames weren't doing it for me.
I heart leaning frames against each other. I do it all over the place. I knew I wanted that look here, but the mismatched frames weren't doing it for me. The balance (No. 324) on the top shelf was not right, so I moved on to this:
I loved my cut up art much better than the frames -- much simpler but a much bigger impact than the frames. Something was bugging me though -- you may notice, the left side of both shelves were both high.
My next tip -- use BOOKS! They are FAR-REE!! Take the covers off, and stack em! But don't stack em on the same side of each shelf!! Again, too much weight over on the right -- you KNOW...the BALANCE is all off.
Add a few sprinkles of fall-y stuff, and you're golden.
I loved my cut up art much better than the frames -- much simpler but a much bigger impact than the frames. Something was bugging me though -- you may notice, the left side of both shelves were both high. You want the eye to travel up and down when it looks at something like shelves. The way it was, the eye started up and went down on both levels. So I simply flipped everything on the bottom shelf:
My next tip -- use BOOKS! They are FAR-REE!! Take the covers off, and stack em! But don't stack em on the same side of each shelf!! Again, too much weight over on the right -- you KNOW...the BALANCE is all off.
I put the books on the top shelf under the pitcher instead, and propped up the "art" with an easel:
Add a few sprinkles of fall-y stuff, and you're golden.
In our office, I have a few treasured items I want to have out, but not a lot of space to put them.
One of the shelves on this bookcase is busier than I like, but I tried to even it out by making the other shelves simpler:
Books are key, stacked on each other or upright. Love me some stacked books. Hee. My bookshelf is stacked. Totally.
The large frame has an easel back, and if you don't have room for it to stand up, just lean it! I probably wouldn't put some of these accessories in any other room, just because they wouldn't go. This room is a tad bit more eclectic, so it works. (At least I think it does.)
All it took to make me completely happy was to run the cord down the back of the shelves so the horrible thing was out of my sight:
One more tip -- take a pic! Take a picture of your space, and it will give you a different outlook on it. I don't know why, but you notice things in a picture you wouldn't otherwise.
Wow Sarah - I love reading all of your great tips. Thanks so much for the terrific post. I'm going to stop by our dollar store tomorrow morning and see if there's any cute stuff left. Those Halloween crows are super expensive at Pottery Barn!
ReplyDeleteSquee-zays...this is why I love you! That and the fact that your bookcase is 'stacked' LOL You're too funny :)
ReplyDeleteSeriously. I love your decorating tips and ideas. You got skills.
The book idea is fabulous! You are very talented. So happy to have found you. <3
ReplyDeleteYou just make me laugh. This post was so fun to read, and informative, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tips! I especially like the idea of leaning the frames. I love pictures, but generally only put one or two on a shelf becuase of the room the frame-stand-support-thing takes up. I am excited to update the look of my living room shelves!
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how much I love those shelves of yours. I really like how thick and chunky they are. I've been wanting to put a shelf under one of our windows and I think I may very well pick a big ol' chunky one just like those. =] Please enter me in the contest! Those pumpkins are too cute! I have a mind to see if my dollar store has any if I don't win!
ReplyDeleteThe shelves really turned out nice...like how you used books...I love using books! Come over for a visit to see what I found this week at the famous DOLLAR TREE....I think you will like it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Linda
You always make me wanna go decorate something!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE all your tips.....I am really loving that color in your office too!
*gulp* I'm already a bit nervous just thinking about trying to balance my shelves. I've never used shelves for more than books (I have more books than shelves), but I'm inspired to try my hand at it! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHey sarah! Love your centerpiece! leavin a comment to grab up that crow and spreaders! I love free stuff!I hope you will check out my big reveal when I do it! my colors for my living room are fall colors..I guess I may as well live in my favorite time of year yearround! lol great post I will see ya soon!
ReplyDeleteLoving the look!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved your post :) very cute giveaway too.
ReplyDeleteI love decorating in odd numbers too. There is something that is appealing about it. :) You are so sweet to do a giveaway! Love the items!
ReplyDeleteI LOVED your tips. Accessorizing is one thing I struggle with.
ReplyDeleteI hope I win the give-away.. I could really use (I mean NEED) some fall decor! :)
Okay, so I saw the huge bin of lifeless black crows at Michael's this weekend, and I was sad and creeped out at the same time. YIKES! But for some reason, your little birdie looks cute! Must be your magical powers :)
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I'm still in love with the way you chopped up that poppy art to make all the smaller pieces! I've got my eye out for something similar so I can copycat you! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the great tips ...I sure could use them! Love you blog! I went to the Dollar Tree two days ago: no pumpkins, and a few damaged crows...should have picked up a couple but didn't! Shucks! Maybe I'll get lucky here!
ReplyDeleteYou crack me up. "Take a pic" is from Diego; did you know that Click is Rosie Perez's voice? Weird.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win. Count me in!
I love reading your blog. Lots of great ideas and some that I could do!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the tips!! I have always had the hardest time with all the "little touches" of making things look right. You are so funny the way you write. Hope your having a great day. :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE your decor. Great suggestions. I too have always heard the rule of odd numbers. And I like it.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the Old crow. Please enter me too. I am a follower.
Love your blog and the great advice you gave!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! You do such a good job decorating!
ReplyDeleteI am all about the "little" giveaway!! What cute stuff, I would love to win!!
I love the book stacking tip!! Sometimes I pick up books out of the free pile at the library or recycling just because they'd look pretty on my bookshelf. But now that my hubby and I have SO.many.books - I'll have to try stacking them around the apartment and not just the shelves!
ReplyDeleteYes, electrical cords can be a bear to hide! and oh... squeeeee at the little black crow!! He's adorable and I listen to live ones out in our yard every day.
ReplyDeleteDi
I thought the shelves looked great in the first step but then every change made it even better! They all look great!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. Now if I could just get myself off this computer to accessorize our new entertainment center we got in January that is still empty!
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions and giveaway Sarah! I'm all about balance as well and mentioned it in a previous post about nesting.
ReplyDeleteYour shelving looks beautiful.
~Blessings, ~Melissa :)
I just love reading your blog. Your tips are always fun, easy, and do-able. And it gives me great satisfaction when you give a tip and it's something I'm already doing!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to say it once more: BALANCE. I wish life was as easy to balance as shelves...tall issues on the ends, small ones in the middle. Ha!
ReplyDeleteThat crow is super cute!
I like the book stacking look, but I need my books accessible. How is that suppose to work?
ReplyDeleteYou have such a beautiful home! I enjoy your blog so much. CUTE give away!!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to say it once more: BALANCE. I wish life was as easy to balance as shelves...tall issues on the ends, small ones in the middle. Ha!
ReplyDeleteThat crow is super cute!
They have some similar pumpkins at Walgreens! I managed to get ONE of those crows last year, the others were just to beaten up.
ReplyDeleteI'm having a paint party soon, feel free to check it out!
Thanks for the tips!!
ReplyDeleteNow I'm off to redecorate my living room shelves!
<3 Rebecca @ xoxorebecca.blogspot.com
Thank you for the decoraing tips! I can use all the help I can get. Loved it all and plan on using it to create some lovely (and balanced-hee hee) areas in my own house!
ReplyDeleteI love all your tips... my favorite piece would have to be your sofa table... I think it's PERFECT:)
ReplyDelete~Whitney
Love reading your tips. I've actually drug out the ol' standby fall wreath and hung it on the front door due to your Fall Decorating frenzy.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips...and I think a Dollar store trip is in my future!!
ReplyDeleteTotally feeling ya with the odd number rule and all the balancing. I am so OCD about that kind of thing!
ReplyDeleteYou know, with no designer training whatsoever, I notice that tend to use these very suggestions most of the time. Now I feel like a smartie!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love all of your ideas and suggestion. Your house is gorgeous and since I found your blog about a few weeks ago, I come to read it on a regular basis. I would love to win those cute little white pumpkins!
ReplyDeleteGo, Diego GO (and drive me crazy while you are doing it!)!!
ReplyDeleteHa! Looks fantastic! I have the little crows too, gotta love you some dollar tree action!
Is it just me (but it looks from your pics that you are the same way), that the eye tends to like the larger/taller items on the left? Is it because we read from left to right? Just a thought.
Alyshia
LOVE your blog, your design is so clever and you crack me up too =) I love those little pumpkins! I'm wondering if my dollar store has any!!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your balance!! haha....you are too funny!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
You are just one "balanced" person! Love it! Thanks for the tips ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy Fall!
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteSomehow randomly found your blog and I LOVE it! My hubby and I are in the midst of a remodel, so I am itching to redecorate the rooms that aren't down to the studs. Thanks for the inspiration with the centerpiece and bookshelves! I now have lots of ideas and trips to GoodWill planned.
See you again, soon. :)
thanks for sharing :o) i' in loove with everything!! :o)
ReplyDeleteCould that quote be from Diego? Dora's cousin? I think I have dreamed about that silly song! Anyways, loved the accessory lesson. You crack me up!
ReplyDeleteAnnie @ astonesthrowfrominsanity
Ah, Sarah. You make me want to be awesome. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I also *heart* me some fall and Halloween, so I've really been enjoying your blog.
ReplyDeleteLove your tips and those dollar store pumpkins are cute.
ReplyDeleteGirl, I loved how you covered your glass "candle holders" in your last post -- makes them look so elegant! And I love the arrangement behind your sofa.
ReplyDeleteAAAAAAND I love those little pumpkins and that little crow, so I'm heading over to the dollar tree just in case I'm not the winner this round!
Grins!
Pamm
It's easy for me to remember why I instantly followed this blog- humor and decorating that I can afford and copy right off your site. That is okay, right? If I can just look at the pictures, I can do it. Otherwise. No way.
ReplyDeleteI am wondering how often you dust all that stuff on the shelves and if ease of dusting is something to consider when decorating. It has been for me, in the past, which is why I have almost nothing anywhere, which MUST change.
Thanks!
Heidi@2 Thinks to Share
I really like your "tutorial"! It had some great tips. I'm hoping to work on decorating my new house soon and I will SO use some of your ideas. Oh, and I LOVE your "Irashaimasu" japanese cats on your bookshelf. I'm jealous!
ReplyDeleteLove your post! I'm a goner for staked books too. Scored a 1930 10 pound Websters Unabriged Dictionary for 50 cents a few weekends ago! Yowza! No need for any other books with that one.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of leaning the easels, heck I love all your ideas!
Keep up the good work :~)
*hugs*deb
BTW I love how you customized your "leave your comment" box up there ^^^^. How'd you do that?
Hmmm, idea for your next blog! ;~)
*huggers*
There's no way I'll win b/c SO MANY of us love you! But what the heck! sign me up!
ReplyDeleteNot that it should influence you that today is my birthday (and I didn't get one present)...but pick me, pick me!!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us into your head...he he...
ReplyDeleteI love the table behind the sofa....come do my house!
ReplyDeletePam
I say the same thing, Sarah; take a picture and look at it. It's amazing how you can be looking at the room in person but you notice more in the picture. I love the way you accessorized your "Ballard" shelves. I think they "balance" out nicely! ; )
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove your decor ideas. I get lots of ideas from your blog, keep up the great ideas.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love your ideas! And I bought a pumpkin at the Dollar Tree a couple of weeks ago...though not nearly as cute as yours. Thanks for all the tips!
ReplyDelete(And I love to use stacked books, too!) :-)
Greetings,
ReplyDeleteI just recently came across your blog and since adding to my newly founded blog my friends and I have become your fast viewers! I love the technique about accessories! It is such a process and your guidlines witll come in helpful to me. So enjoy this blog!!! thanks for your positive engergy and creativity- it is a gift!
I really enjoyed reading your advice.
ReplyDeleteWould love to decorate with your fall finds.
awesome tips! I LOVE me some books too!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love how you decorated the bookshelf. I need some help I have a large bookshelf next to my fireplace with 3 long shelves. I am thinking I could use some of your ideas. Love the cute white pumpkins. Love your blog.
ReplyDeleteChristi
Christiadkins@sbcglobal.net
Thanks for all of the great tips! It's sometimes hard for me to BALANCE things without matching them, and we all know tha matchy-machy is not the best way to go.
ReplyDeleteI love playing with accessories. It's so fun to shop around your house and get an entirely different look for free.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much as always for the wonderful inspiration, Sarah. You're the bestest! You wouldn't believe how many times I think of your blog when I'm out thrifting or spraying like mad out in the garage. I love coming here & getting inspired by you!!
ReplyDeletePlease enter my little ol' name in the giveaway. I'd love those sweet pumpkins!! ((hugs))
Yeah for fall decorations! I am holding off until October 1st since we are still in 100+ weather here in the sweltering desert. . . But those are so cute!
ReplyDeleteAnd your tips are so helpful for my copycat sofa table. I am in the decorating process right now- eek!
Thanks for the tips, I can usually tell when something is balanced and works, or not, but it is hard to tell why. I appreciate the time you take to explain why.
ReplyDeletewew hew!! I love all the tips! And I'm liking the fall decor giveaway. I don't think one can ever have enough fall decor!!!
ReplyDeleteI recently found your blog and I'm really loving it! Thanks for all the fall decor inspiration. I hope to get my fall goodies out tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, LOVE the pumpkins, but I'm not a huge fan of the crow. I'm sure I could find someone who would though! ;)
ReplyDeletewhen you said you bot 2 white pumpkins & went back & alas, no 3rd - i immediately thought "oh, i'll go check & see how many white i have from last year & send you 1" & then, kind you, said they were for a give-away. well, i'll still go check & see if you want me to. i'm sure i have more white ones than i need, if you need 1 more for the give-away or if you would like 1 or 3 for you.
ReplyDeletei'm a little crazy about symmetry.
everything must be mirror image or 3 & 2. but heaven forbid, no 4 & 1, or 4 & 2, or random whatever. i'm trying so hard to break it. but, it's so hard. you are who you are.
& you are fabulous. i always take something away from your posts!
let me know - i'll send you white pumpkins from the dollar store, i know i have more than i need.
What a timely post for me. THANKS!!
ReplyDeleteI have so enjoyed reading all of your awesome post. I love what you do... love the molding... think I need some in my dining room. I've added the crown, but have blog envy on the other goodness. I would love to join in your give-away fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your creativity!
~Kimberly
How sweeet of you!! I saw some of those pumpkins at our dollar tree 2 weeks ago....I hope they still have them!!!! Thanks for such a cool give away!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the great ideas. Love your style.... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win some neat goodies.
Amy
thanks for all the great Ideas, I'm about to go take some pictures of my decor to look at. Crossing my fingers! thanks
ReplyDeleteI love your blog & tips!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah!! Just love your ideas (added you on FB to prove it.. you're my only bloggy chick on there). I'm so jealous of you and your Dollar Tree! I try to stop in each time I cross-border shop but don't always get the chance. Since I've been stalking -- I mean reading -- these blogs I've been searching my dollar store more carefully, but Dollar Tree still wins. Would love (lurrrve) to be entered in your giveaway and I have a cousin in Michigan you could send it to. I would also like to send you something in return. Thanks, keep up the awesome blogging!! ps.. I started one and am struggling.. eeek! Hayley :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE all of your accessories!
ReplyDeleteI just went to the Dollar Store tonight and bought my first. ever. bird. (I know!) It looks UH-DORable on the china hutch with my white platter, birdhouses, and fall leaves.
You were my inspiration!
You did a FANTABULOUS job explaining how to balance!! Thanks for all of the helpful tips... something I never learned in design school!! You ROCK!!
ReplyDeleteSO thoughtful of you to pick us up a few goodies!!
So you are seriously "in my brain" I was at Michael's the other day and I was all a flutter over the "fall filler" they had after seeing yours amongst candles. I L.O.V.E your site and refer to it often. I've gained a new perspective on decorating my home and love "hunting" for a good fine (that I can take home and make my own). :) Thanks so much for all your great ideas!
ReplyDeleteYou did it again! Thank you for all the great tips and ideas! We are getting ready to purchase some floating shelves to house some of our many photos... and other items and this post will prove to be VERY handy for us! THANK YOU GIRL! ox And black crowes, SO fun!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I took your advice and used some books (without the jackets) to boost up the lamps in my bedroom. Looks good! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTeresa
Click! Take a Pic! Go Diego, Go! ;)
ReplyDeleteUmm, love all the tips. Thank you!!
Great tips! I stuggle with trying to arrange all of my things. My problem is that I have too much! I want to put it all out at the same time!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the tips. I was redecorating my kitchen wall tonight and it took a lot of fluffing but I think it's good now. Wait til tomorrow morning though and I won't like it. haha
ReplyDeleteI bought 2 black crows at Dollar Tree. I was going to go back and pick up a few more. I wonder if there will even be any left. I even blogged about my Halloween Dollar Tree finds. ;)
Thank you so much for sharing all of your 'balance' deco tips. I am the same way - every month or season when I change up my decor I spend so much time making things look just right - I often change things 3 or 4 times in the first day:) It was nice to read your phraseology - it is exactly the way I feel but I've never been able to put it into words.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I have checked out your space in blogland. I LOVE IT!!!! It is right up my alley. I can't wait to come back for more!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! And I totally was looking and hoping to find some spreaders the last time I was at Target in the dollar spot. Unfortunately, there were none! And those are so cute. Oh well!
ReplyDeleteI love your ideas!
ReplyDeleteI've got to try the centerpiece, too cute.
I absolutely LOVE your blog and get so excited every time I see you have a new post. Your idea about stacking the books is just great and I really think leaning the pictures works well too.
ReplyDeleteLove the $1 store finds!!!
ReplyDeleteKerstin
Cute decor stuff!
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog the other day, and hadn't read back as far as the sofa table yet. I'm SO glad you shared it again today!!! I have a really *ugh* living room setup, and have to put the couch against the wall. Problem is that there is an air return vent right there... I've been trying for 6 1/2 years to keep the couch away from the wall, and it never once occurred to me to BUILD my own table!!! All the ready made ones are too wide, but this was just what I needed ;o) Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge - I really am looking forward to getting to "know" you better!
ReplyDeleteI love your Ballared Design shelves and accesories. I love how you took pictures of the process, and I love knowing I am not the only one who redoes and redoes. It is so fun.. my husband totally doesn't get it! Thanks for this awesome post!
ReplyDeleteYou seriously have some "mad skillz"...not only with the Decor, but with the way your personality shines through in your writing...I LOVE IT! I know if you have a new post that doesn't pertain to something I'm interested in at the moment I'll still always enjoy reading it anyway!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYOU ROCK!!!
you are one hip decorating chic. you rock.
ReplyDeleteGood accessorizing advice. Thanks so much. Cute little pumpkins too!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jen
Not only do I love, love, love your decorating ideas, but you crack me up as well! :)
ReplyDeleteCute little pumpkins! And I think that crow would have an adorable spot on my desk, maybe on top of a lamp? :)
ReplyDeleteLove all the advice you gave- I really like the idea of taking pictures too...will have to try that!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about looking at your spaces through pictures! I discovered that by mistake when I took pictures of my living room for my very first blog post. Thanks for sharing the great tips!.
ReplyDeleteYour posts are so entertaining to read and educational! I am learning so much from you. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou really are so very talented!!!!! I just love ALL your designs (even the "bad" ones)
ReplyDeleteand thanks for shopping for us!
Love those pumpkins! Time to make a dollar store run!
ReplyDeleteI always have such a hard time w/ accessories. It always ends up looking to knick knack-ish and cluttered so then I just leave it bare and boring. I really have to work on this. Love the idea of using books. Thanks for sharing your tips!
ReplyDeleteYou're such a peach! Thanks for pickin' up those things for little ol' me. Ohhhhhh. You mean they are for the person who wins your giveaway. Ahhh, gotcha! You are still a total peach though!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the excellent tutorial - the pictures are really helpful!
ReplyDeleteLove using books to decorate! And you could sell those pumpkins for $10 even!!!
ReplyDelete-Tasia
idofaces56@aol.com
Boo-yah! I read the whole thing!! And I had a weird dream and Thrifty Decor Chick was in it.
ReplyDeleteI remember learning about the power of using odd numbers of things in Photography class in 7th grade. When you use an even number, like two, your eyes are drawn to one item or the other. When you use an odd number, your eyes are drawn to the grouping.
ReplyDeleteThanks for holding the giveaway!
ACK! GIMME GIMME GIMME!
ReplyDeleteI love it all - please sign me up...Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI always love your tips! :) You have some beautiful arrangements in your home...I think I like the sofa table best. Great giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteOh man, you reminded me that I was going to stop by the Dollar Tree last week and forgot! I'll have to swing by there this weekend. I'd love to win, though...might save me a trip. :) Thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletegood stuff, Sara. Did u get a chance to come by my blog on wreath-making? Not sure if I wrote about the 2's vs. 3's (evens vs. odds) thing. I was taught (in floral design) it's because the eye naturally looks for symmetry and patterns. Once the eye finds a pattern, it moves on. So it's more visually interesting to use odd numbers - usually in triangles. You're doing it naturally in your vignettes - not sure if you realize it or not - but you just have a great design sense. I had to learn the hard way in merchandising.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I use doubles sometimes, but I'll elevate one of them (a la the white pumpkins) btw, I found ceramic pumpkins here in Cali but not white - orange, browns, etc. love em.
enough rambling for tonight. thanks for sharing.
Great ideas. How did you know I was working on trying to figure out how to arrange all of my "stuff" in the living room? We have the most limited of space and it makes it oh so hard to find the (*gasp--dare I say it?) balance.
ReplyDeleteCrossing my fingers you pick me. Those pumpkins are cute and that little crow is adorable.
So love reading your tips - glad I made it all the way through! A giveaway was the reward!
ReplyDeleteYou are giving me an inferiority complex! :)
ReplyDeleteYou seriously rock.
Love this post as I struggle with accessorizing. Thanks for the great tips!
ReplyDeleteI LUV your blog. Thanks for showing a close up of all your little accessories. I know for myself that seeing how someone else accessorizes will always trigger an idea in my mind of something new to try. Thanks for inspiring...
ReplyDeleteI totally struggle with decorating too...I can invision the big projects, but when it comes down to the little accessories...ack! I freeze up. So I LOVE this post! Thanks so much for the tips!
ReplyDeletelove your decorating tips! what a fun giveaway too. I wish I lived near a dollar store or target even...would love to win
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love your style. Hope I win! =)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips...will definitely be using them when I decorate my new house in a couple of weeks, it is driving me crazy that my fall stuff isn't out yet but such is the life of a Navy wife...always packing! Oh, how do miss the dollar store and dollar spot in Tarjay...Luckily we got a Target here in March but since its Hawaii they do the tourist spot with Hawaii stuff and instead of the dollar spot :(
ReplyDeleteP.S. I made a sofa table b/c of your inspiration...mines not wood but hey I had to be creative with the lack of storage...it's on my blog (which is still a work in progress and since we are moving again it's on hold) .
GOsh. I felt like you and I were bonding with our own private decorating tutorial and you were giving me Autumn presents and then WHAM reality...130 other people commented before me. MAN.
ReplyDeleteGuess that means this was a well written post huh! Good job! :)
Fall is one of my favorites seasons! love the colors..LUUVEEE them! I keep byuing pumpkins and deco ans hubby keep asking me when I will stop?...well I can't!
ReplyDeleteEverything related to fall is in my aisle!
Thanks for the advice on shelf styling. I'm trying to do some of that myself right now! I'll remember BALANCE! :P
ReplyDeletePick me for the giveaway, please! I'd love some additional fall decor, especially that bird--"nevermore." ;)
This is something I always struggle with, so thanks for the tutorial! :) And Oh boy do I know the show your talking about... Sometimes I'll find myself randomly thinking in my head "say click, take a pic!"
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial! I learned a lot about... balance :)
ReplyDeleteAnd adorable pumpkins!
I love all of your tips. Every day I can't wait to check your blog to see what you are up to next!! Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteBalance...could we squeeze it in there ONE MORE TIME?? Puhhhhh-leaze? :) I love it! You kept it interesting by pointing out you were saying it! Plus you need to say it one million times because no one ever listens to it. I've never been in a 'non-professionally' decorated house where they knew the rule of 3 OR about balance. I twitch just thinking about it. oye.
ReplyDeleteAnyway love the giveaway we dont have any money in our budget for decorations so my house looks the same year round (except for Christmas b/c I do at least have decorations for that lol)So SOME fall decor would be lovely!
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI have to say.. ever since the first time i clicked onto your site... I have been hooked... i do not go on the computer without checking to see what you've been up to! Thank you for sharing all your suggestions and ideas with us.. I have used many of your wonderful tips.. I love you site and visit every day!! Keep up the good work... thank you!!
Wow, I am officially addicted to your Blog! :) I check it everyday for an update! I just love your tips and your style :) Can't wait to try out a few of these things around my house!
ReplyDeleteI am in love with your blog! Thanks so much for this post, accessorizing is where I really struggle!
ReplyDeleteHOORAY FOR GIVEAWAYS! I LOVE READING YOUR TIPS AND TRICKS AND I LOVE GIVEAWAYS TOO! YOU'RE AWESOME AND YOU'RE HOME IS BEAUTIFUL. GREAT JOB, VERY MOTIVATING/INSPIRING.
ReplyDeleteIn the process of redoing a bookshelf and glad I came across the tips. What a cute blog you have. Thanks for all the ideas.
ReplyDeleteHey girl, thanks for an AWESOME lesson on accessorizing! I usually try to follow the "rules", but I'm pretty sure I couldn't have 'splained it as well as you! Fabulous giveaway, and I'm SO willing to suck up to win! :)
ReplyDeleteI like your shelves and look forward to a time when I can have cute and breakable things below waist level again - in about 3 years!
ReplyDeleteYour knowledge and creativity are an inspiration! I'm a regular on your blog now. I just got married and moved into a tiny condo. It's more of a challenge than furnishing a 3 story house. What stays, what goes and how do I make this little place inspiring and welcomeing! Thank you for all your tips and pics!!!
ReplyDeleteI am obsessed with the white pumpkins. And the crow is the cutest thing I've ever seen. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI must have a really blah Dollar Store. I never find anything good like that here. I do love white pumpkins-more than the orange.
ReplyDeleteLove those white pumpkins. I really enjoy your ideas and tips, but must quit reading and get back to work.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win such cute fall fun-ness!
ReplyDeleteI love the de-assembled poppy pictures on your Ballard shelves. The reds go so great with your drapes. Thanks for the great tips.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips. This is great!
ReplyDeleteCute decorations! I love Fall!! Thanks for the awesome tips on decorating!! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Now I will have to go through my house and see if I need to redo any of my shelves or tables. I think I need to make a run to the Dollar store as well. You rock!!
ReplyDeleteI love to read your blog! Those are great tips - I agree that I love me some stacked books. They can work wonders anywhere around the house! And those little white pumpkins are the cutest! Love reading!
ReplyDeletedbhowellfamily at gmail dot com
I loved your shelves so much that I made some myself! As soon as I get them "balanced" I'll send you a picture! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou so need to come to my house and help me out, lol! Seriously though, I'm making progress. I just wish I'd take before pics, I keep forgetting!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, specially now that I'm decorating for Fall/Halloween. I am going to rearrange my bookcase so I can have more stuff, other than books that is.
ReplyDeleteOh how I LOVE your blog postings!! I look forward to them EVERY DAY!! :) I get so inspired to start a project after seeing all you do!! :)
ReplyDelete...and I can't wait to find out who the winner is! *fingers crossed*
april_vereb@yahoo.com
You're so hilarious but you totally think on the same wave length I do, haha! I looooooove all the shelving tips & books stacking, perfect inspiration for decorating my teeny rental this fall.
ReplyDeleteGReat job all the displays look amazing. You really can accessorize. and i need to learn to spell.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the different ways you are decorating and making things! We have been in our house for a year and it just isn't decorated much so its fun to get some new ideas! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis was so helpful! We just bought our first house and I am having the hardest time accessorizing. I'm not very artistic, so it's a struggle. But this helps point me in the right direction! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYour displays always look fantastic...and I appreciate all the steps (with pics to boot). It's reassuring to know that the process is attainable with a little time. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting your steps -- I'm bookmarking this post for future reference.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a FUN giveaway. I'm desperate for some fall decor -- we just moved into a house from an apartment and I've got so much more SPACE but nothing to put in it.
Happy Friday!
You have totally got me in the mood to decorate for fall. sabrina_lawrence@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteLove your Blog!
I love your decorating ideas. I am now addicted to black paint. We are redoing our living room and I have gotten a lot of ideas from your blog. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteLove all your ideas, and don't care how many times you say balance!!
ReplyDeleteGot to go get dressed and get to the dollar store, in case I don't win!!
I never think to use books as decoration, maybe cause i never read....but they really do add interest to the space! your so awesome!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips Sarah, and as always, so very entertaining to read! ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi, Sarah,
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas for decorating,, i love them all. Now if I could just remember how to use them in my house,, I seriously need help when it comes to decorating. Thanks for sharing with us!
Love, love, love your blog! Hoping to hear back from you about what-to-do/how-to-transform the antique milk can!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it doesn't look just right and I can spend days gnawing over what doesn't work until I find the perfect combination. But once it's done, it is so worth it!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your site! I am so glad I found you!
ReplyDeleteOooh! OOOOH!! Pick me! Pick MEEE!! :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome post as always...I gotta go buy some of that beady-garland stuff this weekend. I want to decorate for fall now!
Besos!
LCGreen
sparkedlife.blogspot.com
Excellent tips. Thank you for going to all the trouble to write them down!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a fun little giveaway! You're very sweet. . . and very funny. "He's got one good side"?!?! Made me laugh out loud.
cute cute cute love the white pumpkins they would go PERFECT in my dining room!
ReplyDeleteI never knew the odd number suggestion--makes sense. I love the white pumpkins and leaf spreaders.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and friends always question my odd number rule when decorating. I have never had a reason just that life seemed better in odd numbered decorating world. My husband is more of an even numbered decorator so we compromise here and there. Thanks for all the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteGreat great tips!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat great ideas you have. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThose little white pumpkins are too cute!
Love all your tips!
ReplyDeleteThanks for spending the time to type out your balencing act. I know it takes 10 times longer to blog about it, than to actually move stuff around. I really liked seeing the different pictures as you moved things around.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if I'll have time to run into the dollar store on my lunch break today....hmmmm. No kids hanging onto me, so I might be able to make it AND the grocery store!
I better get myself to the dollar store before all the fun fall goodies are gone!
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny Sarah! Thank you for the great tips! I like the idea of leaning the frames. I have so many books that I have ended up using some of them as accessories in various locations throughout the house. Stacked they make great pedestals! LOL
ReplyDelete~Tracy
I love your blog. Great ideas delivered with a sense of humor. I'm going to try to build your sofa table this weekend!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love everything you do. I feel I have the gene of being able to arrange things nicely, I just don't have anything to arrange. I need to start goodwill-hunting (no, not watching the movie!!). There's just not anything close to where I live. So sad.
ReplyDeleteI love me a giveaway, so enter me, PLEASE!!!!
I just found your blog and I want to know how I have missed this!!! I love it! And I want to shop now all the time. :) But thrify is what I tell my husband...I'm being thrifty :)
ReplyDeleteOk so you have a ton of comments and you probably don't get to them all, but I just posted yesterday that I needed some inspiration for fall and I think you just gave me some good ideas! Thank you very much! I think I was afraid to start decorating for fall in my new house cause I thought I would go "overboard." But these tips you gave are just what I needed, like taking a picture...you rock...Thanks again and have a great weekend. B:)
ReplyDeleteYou are Brilliant! Brilliant I say - Thanks for the Many wonderful ideas/tips/how to's and for the Giveaways!
ReplyDeleteSarah, thaks for the tips! Love the dollar tree pupkins, etc. Linda
ReplyDeleteI soooo am replicating your big wall behind the couch art work.
ReplyDeleteI too have a HUGE wall that i need to fill.
I love that you don't get everything right on the first try! Thanks for the tips on what "they" say you should do, and for letting us know its okay to not do what they say also!
ReplyDeleteLove all those great arranging tips, that is what I struggle with the most!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I did the EXACT same thing with the pumpkins. I have a project in mind that uses three, and I only have two. Crossing my fingers that I can win yours!!
Thanks for the well written and balanced post (bwa-ha-ha, so lame). Seriously, I'm looking at my stuffed and un-balanced bookcase in the den and wishing I could just wiggle my nose and have it look as good as your shelves do. But now that you have shared the how-to info, I can work on that myself. Thanks for the post and please, please chose me to win the great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the tips! Love those pumpkins, I will have to stop by and see if they have any at my store!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good ideas. You actually make me feel like I could do this. I probably can't, but good job making me feel like I can. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your site! Love EVERY post! Keep em coming! My house is so cute becasue of you! i have the stuff, but not the knack for putting it together! If I win the pumpkins will they come with a 101 on where to put them?
ReplyDeleteyou are so creative and really good at doing things around your home. you have great tips. keep up the great work! im not really great at the whole decorating thing... any tips for decorating a small living room?
ReplyDeleteLOVE the tips! I never can get it (whatever it is) quite right. I think this will help. And of course, I'll be hitting the dollar store this weekend! Thanks!
ReplyDelete