Search Results

Hey there, super moms! How we doing? Are we tired? With school being back into full swing and the weekends going by in a blur, if you are anything like me accomplishing even the simplest task at home seems like mission impossible. But … what if I were to tell you, I have six tips to not only get your house back in order but also get the kiddos involved as well. Impossible? Not at all. Let’s get into six tips to getting the kiddos involved in household chores. Play Some Tunes and Make it … FUN! Who says chores can't be a dance party? Hook up the stereo, put on the best of Backstreet Boys circa 2000 and cue the music. It’s time to groove and clean! My oldest daughter has shown an interest in classic rock 'n' roll jams and my youngest daughter gets super excited for any jams in the pop-punk category. ACTION STEP: Make it collaborative and pull together an ongoing cleaning playlist. Ask your littles for input (and add your own) and be sure to encourage them to dance, sing, or even make up their own cleaning songs as you get to the task at hand. Race Against the Clock If there is one thing I know, kids love a good challenge. Turn chore time into a competition against the clock. Action Step: Set a timer and give your kids tasks with a time limit. Can they complete their chores before their favorite song ends? The race is on, and excitement is in the air! Make It a Game Level up household chores by turning each task into a game. This will require a tad bit of creativity on your end, but here are some ideas to get your wheels turning. Action Step: Challenge your kids to gather toys as if they're on a treasure hunt. Turn laundry into a basketball shoot-out. Play musical chairs, but with a twist. Place chairs in circle and on each chair put a chore card or an object representing the chore. Play music, have your kids walk around the chairs. When the music stops, they must sit on a chair and perform the chore on the card they choose. Repeat until all the chores are done. The winner of each games gets a small treat or extra playtime. Game on, momma! Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Why go solo when you can team up? It’s time to foster cooperation and unity. Action Step: Pair up siblings or join forces with your kids to tackle bigger chores. Working together makes chores lighter and less daunting. Not to mention, quality time. Perhaps have the siblings come up with a victory cheer they do once they are complete. Let Them Choose Empower your kids by letting them take the reins. It's all about choices! Action Step: Allow your children to pick their preferred chores. By giving them a say, you make them feel responsible and in control of the work they are doing. Reward and Recognition Let's celebrate success, no matter how small! It's time for a rewards system. Action Step: Create a reward system with stickers, ice cream outings, or more screen time. Consider letting your kids redeem their earned rewards for a special treat or a fun family activity. A little recognition goes a long way in keeping the excitement alive! So there you have it, Super Moms – six fantastic ways to infuse joy into household chores while bonding with your little helpers. Let's make cleaning and organizing an adventure filled with laughter and shared moments! Happy cleaning and bonding!

Hey there, home sellers! Welcome to the exciting, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming journey of selling your home. We get a lot of questions on home staging and whether it’s necessary to sell your home. Spoiler alert … it absolutely is. Did you know proper home staging can increase your home’s final sale price by up to 10 percent? It also can help get it off the market 73 percent faster versus homes that aren’t staged.* Staging is the art of presenting your home in the best light, helping potential buyers envision their life within those walls. So, let’s get to it and dive into the do's and don'ts of home staging along with some pro-tips and action steps to make your experience a breeze. Looking for something seasonal? We covered how you can stage for the season. The Do's Declutter Like Marie Kondo. Channel your inner minimalist. Start by decluttering every room. Less stuff means more space, and it helps buyers see the true potential of your home. Clutter-free homes also give buyers confidence that the home has been maintained and taken care of over the years of your ownership. Interested in the KonMari method? We have a post on that! Clean, Clean, Clean. Do give your home a thorough cleaning. Dust, mop, scrub (don’t forget those baseboards), and make sure every nook and cranny sparkles. Cleanliness gives a fantastic first impression. We recommend hiring a local cleaning company to help deep clean your home. Trust us, the expense is worth it. Let There be Light! Let natural light flood your space. Open curtains, clean windows, and replace any broken blinds. A bright home feels more inviting, and it allows buyers see how your home looks throughout different hours of the day. Even better? It can also make smaller spaces feel larger. Create the Perfect Blank Canvas. Opt for neutral paint colors. Soft, neutral shades create a clean canvas for potential buyers to imagine their personal touch. We like to focus on light grays, beiges, and whites. By utilizing light neutral colors, it can also help enhance the natural light within each space. Amp Up Your Curb Appeal. Ensure your home looks as good on the outside as it does inside. Your home's exterior sets the tone. Trim the lawn, mulch, plant flowers, rake leaves, shovel the snow, give your front door a fresh coat of paint, fix any gutters … the list may be long, but the work pays out in dividends. Minimize Personal Items. Buyers should see your space as their potential home, not yours. By keeping family photos and other items around your home out, it may make a buyer feel like they’re intruding on your personal space, rather than envisioning themselves in a potential new home. The Don'ts. Overpersonalize. Don't go overboard with personal decor. Quirky or strongly themed interiors can deter buyers who might not share your taste. We know you may love that neon sign in the home office or your University of Texas themed basement, but potential buyers may not. Tone it down and help create that blank canvas. Neglect Repairs. Don't ignore necessary repairs — especially ones you can see with the naked eye. Leaky faucets, squeaky doors, nicked up walls, carpet stains or broken tiles can turn buyers away. Try to fix as much as you can up before listing. Crowded Spaces. Don't overcrowd rooms with furniture. Less is more, but remember, you don’t want your space to feel empty either. Striking a balance and creating the right scale of furniture that fits the room easily helps highlight the function of the room. Arrange furniture to make rooms feel spacious, inviting, and useful. Can You Smell That? Don't disregard odors. If your house smells bad, simply put, it will kill the sale. While most go for candles or air fresheners, they may overpower certain buyers. Try adding a couple drops of essential oils or use diffusers a few hours before a showing to give your home an understated, but pleasant smell. We recommend utilizing one scent for your entire home. Take the Fur Fam with You. We realize gathering the animals can be challenging, but, if possible, don't leave your pets during showings. Some buyers may have allergies or feel uncomfortable around animals. Arrange a pet-care strategy before you list. Lightening Round Action Steps First Impressions. Focus on the entryway – it's the first thing buyers see. Add a fresh welcome mat and some potted plants for that warm welcome. Furniture Arrangement. Arrange furniture to create an open flow. Don't push everything against the walls; it can make the space feel smaller. Depersonalize Bedrooms. Bedrooms should have a universally appealing look. Neutral bedding and a few tasteful decorations are ideal. Add Mirrors. Mirrors can make small spaces seem larger and add an elegant touch. Looking for inspiration? We have an entire post on utilizing mirrors in your home. Go Green. Indoor plants can add life and vibrancy to a room. Choose low-maintenance varieties (or even fake plants) for ease. Fresh Flowers. A vase of fresh flowers can brighten up any room, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Take it up a notch and use seasonal color palettes to elevate the cozy or the freshness of the season. Professional Help. Guess what? You don’t have to do this alone. Selling a home can be daunting. Consider hiring a professional stager for expert guidance. Good thing we know of a company to help . The Bluebird Design Company is happy to help with your occupied or vacant home staging needs. Check out our portfolio to see our previous clients and reach out to us to help. We can’t wait to help!

When it comes to the Lone Star State, we know everything's bigger in Texas, even the charm of cozy homes in Dallas! Living in a snug townhome or tiny home doesn't mean you have to compromise on style, comfort, or functionality. With the right interior design strategy, you can make your smaller space not only feel larger but also up the ante in making it more inviting. Stick with us and you'll be living large in your tiny space in no time with this easy tips. Get Creative with Furniture From Murphy beds to coffee tables with hidden storage, I love a good multifunctional piece. And guess what, you don’t have to compromise on style either. Versatile furniture items like sofa beds or ottomans that double as seating and storage can be beautiful too! Elevate the Ceiling While you can't change the height of your ceilings, you can create the illusion of taller walls with a bit of optical illusion (also known as interior design magic!). We like adding tall bookshelves and high-hanging curtains to draw the eye upward. This will help your space seem taller, grander, and stylish. The Magic of Light We talk a lot about light in our staging posts, but natural light can really change the atmosphere of your space in tremendous ways. Capitalize on mother nature’s light by keeping your windows free of heavy coverings. So, while you are picking out your high-hanging curtains, make sure you are considering sheer fabrics to allow sunlight to flood your space, making it feel more open and inviting. Embrace Lighter Tones When it comes to color, choose palettes that consist of light and neutral shades. Light colors make any space appear more open and airier. If you want to add personality, incorporate colorful throw pillows, furniture pieces, and plants to add that pop of life within your space. Keep It Open Sometimes rethinking your furniture arrangement can make a big difference. I recommend creating open pathways. How do you do that? Avoid pushing everything against the walls; instead, place furniture strategically to encourage movement and make your space feel more spacious. Be Thoughtful with Décor When it comes to decor, choose wisely. A few well-selected statement pieces can have a more significant impact than numerous small items. Simplify your decor to give your small space a more open, airy ambiance. Strategic Storage Solutions Oh, I love alliteration. Be strategic about storage and make use of underutilized spaces to store smaller items. Consider options like under-bed storage, multifunctional furniture pieces (ahem, as seen above), and wall-mounted shelves to free up valuable floor space. By keeping your space tidy and organized, you'll enhance its overall sense of spaciousness. Tactful Textures Incorporate various textures in your decor, such as soft rugs, cozy throw blankets, and plush cushions. These tactile elements add depth and dimension to your space. Your small space might not be palatial, but it's yours to make unique, stylish, and welcoming. Don’t be afraid to blend the above with your personal style; the most important part of interior design is to make it feel right for you. As always, if you are stuck and want help with your interior design project, feel free to give us a shout.

Embarking on the journey of making your living space a haven of organization and style is undoubtedly #goals, but let's face it - it can also be a bit overwhelming. That's where the ease of a professional organizer comes in! From starting your new home off on the right foot to helping “lived-in” spaces feel functional (and stylish), let’s focus on why investing in a professional organizer is worth the spend. Welcoming a New Home with Open Arms Moving into a new place is like starting a fresh chapter, and you want it to be a fantastic one! A professional organizer can take away the guessing game of “where to put what” as you unpack. Focused on using the most of your new space and adding functionality, hiring a pro can help make sure your new home feels cozy yet organized right from the get-go. Breathe Life into Lived-In Spaces Living in a space that's become a bit 'lived-in' is like wearing your favorite sweater - comfortable, but maybe a tad worn. Fear not! Professional organizers implement systems that are focused on fitting into your everyday life. So rather than minimizing your space, our goal is to maximize what you have and conquer clutter in a way that will work for you. Budget-Friendly Bliss. Let's talk money. Sure, hiring a professional organizer might seem like a splurge at first, but oh, the long-term savings! An organized home means you'll stop playing hide-and-seek with your belongings (ahem, pantries we are looking at you) and are able to get a full stock of what needs to be truly replaced versus buying more of what you already have. Feel-Good Vibes for Your Mind and Soul Picture this: a clutter-free, serene space that feels like a warm hug. That's the gift a professional organizer brings - not just to your physical space but to your mental well-being too. An organized home is a happy home, fostering a sense of calm and order that's like a daily dose of tranquility for your soul. So, there you have it - the friendly nudge you needed to consider a professional organizer. It's not just about neatening up; it's about embracing a lifestyle that sparks joy and makes every day feel like a celebration. Say hello to an organized and stress-free space. Check out our previous organization projects and let us know how we can give you a bit of calm in your everyday. Until next time,

Mixing patterns is next level interior design mastery. But we have your back with tips and tricks to creating those beautiful interior design schemes with multiple layers of mixed patterns, textures, and colors. It's All About Space Let your patterns breathe and shine independently by giving space. If your couch boasts a striking striped pattern, avoid introducing floral throws. Anchor your design with solid colors within your established palette, exercising restraing for a cohesive look. Which leads me to ... Color Matching Different patterns with competing colors can overwhelm a space. Using color schemes within the same tonal family or color palette can cut down on the chaos, without losing the textured, layered look of mixing patterns. Try following the 60-30-10 rule. This means 60 percent of your room should be a dominate color, while 30 percent should be a secondary color, and 10 percent serving as your accent. Use contrasting colors within your established color palette to create a contrast of light and dark.  Using lighter and darker shades can help certain patterns stand out more, drawing out certain key areas in the room you want focus on. Start with a Rug British Interior Designer Penny Morrison, master of pattern mixing, always suggests starting your design scheme with a rug and I tend to agree. Rugs are often the hardest to find pattern matches, but they are also key in pulling a room together. For pattern mix/matching newbies, start with the rug as your boldest pattern and go from there. Consider using a large-sized rug (would recommend extending them about two-feet from the walls) versus multiple, smaller rugs to help establish balance. Blend the Simple and Complex and Stick to a Handful of Patterns Here at Bluebird Design Co, we love the intricacy of the latest vintage-inspired patterns hitting the market. That said, the rule of thumb is to always complement more complex patterns with simple ones. This provides contrast and variation without losing the aesthetic you are trying to achieve. Start with focusing on three to four patterns to stick with as you develop your room style. Always remember to balance your patterns with solid colors to break up lines and shapes of your patterns. Don’t forget to keep your patterns flowing throughout the entire room – and not just one specific area. Know What Matches … and What Doesn’t In the interior design world, there is an unspoken rule regarding what standard patterns match and what don’t. For instance, stripes work wonderfully with floral prints and ikat patterns. Plaid and polka dots – hard pass. As always, if you need assistance in creating the room of your dreams, we are here to help. Learn more about our interior design services and check out our previous work and mood boards! Until next time!

The best thing about the new year? Hitting that reset button for a fresh start. Here at Bluebird Design Company, we get it – those "new year, new me" goals can be a bit much. So, we're here to share six, no-fuss tips to get your home office organized without eating up your entire day. With more folks having the option to work from home, creating a space where you can max out productivity without sacrificing style or function is a game-changer. To kick off 2024 on an organized note, here are six simple and efficient ways to keep a clean and functional workspace, creating the perfect environment to tackle your to-do list without drowning in clutter. The Clean Sweep If the last time you saw the top of your desk was in 2023, it's time for a clean sweep. Those paper stacks not only mess with your space but also your productivity. Create three piles: keep, recycle, shred. For keeps, consider going digital to reduce paper clutter and make documents easily accessible on the cloud. PRO TIP: Stay on top of your files by sorting them weekly—Friday afternoon or Monday morning are perfect for creating a daily declutter routine. Minimize Desk Clutter After conquering the "paper mountains," focus on what stays on your desk. Keep it simple – computer, necessary accessories, pen holder, filing tray, and a few decorative items for joy, not dread. PRO TIP: While organizing, give your desk a deep clean. We heard that desks can be up to 400 times more germy than a toilet seat. YIKES! Wipe down heavily used items with a damp cloth and anti-bacterial spray. For hardwood desks, a clean tennis ball works wonders, or try a bit of bicarbonate soda for tougher spots. Organize Your Cables Tame the cable jungle with organizers or clips to prevent tangling. Use a surge protector to keep cords connected to the same outlet, and if possible, keep them out of sight. PRO TIP: Add plants on your desk to hide cords and bring an element of zen to your workspace. For a cost-effective cord management trick, try using metal binder clips – clip them to the desk edge and loop cords through. Stick to One Drawer or Filing Cabinet Minimize storage spaces to keep only the essentials. Opt for one drawer or cabinet to maintain a clutter-free home office. When it's full, it's a sign to declutter. PRO TIP: Ditch your ugly, putty-colored filing cabinet from the 80s and invest in super sleek designs to add style to your space. For those low on inspiration,  we love this curated list of stylish cabinets from the Huffington Post. Store In Containers Organize and store office supplies in containers, drawers, baskets, or bins for an instantly decluttered look. PRO TIP: Take it a step further and categorize containers, placing like items together. Common categories can include: stickies (post-its, stickers, tabs), tools, (staplers, letter openers, thumb tacks), writing tools (pens, markers, highlighters, pencils), mail (envelopes, stamps, address labels, letter opener). Utilize Wall Space Take your organization beyond the desk and onto the walls! Consider hanging filing systems, calendars, whiteboards, shelving, and more—go vertical to clear up valuable desk space. PRO TIP: Check out chic and aesthetically pleasing storage solutions. From cubbies and pegboards (yes, they're not just for the garage) to floating storage cabinets (just remove the legs and mount them on the wall), the possibilities are endless. Need additional organizational help? We have your back. We love helping our clients create spaces that are beautiful and functional. Check out our portfolio and let us know when you’re ready to bring harmony back into your home. Happy decluttering!

In 2024, the world of interior design is evolving rapidly, with exciting new trends reshaping the way we envision and decorate our living spaces. From vibrant colors to innovative materials, and from sleek furniture styles to eco-friendly options, this year's home design trends are all about embracing the future while creating spaces that are both stylish and functional. Let's dive in! Popular Colors One of the standout trends in home design for 2024 is the use of bold and vibrant colors to add personality and energy to living spaces. Shades like deep emerald green, rich terracotta, and warm mustard yellow are making a splash in interiors, adding warmth and depth to rooms. Check out our State Street Vacant Staging Project to see how we incorporated yellows and terracottas in this funky 4-story townhome. Additionally, soft pastel hues like blush pink and sky blue are being used to create a sense of calm and tranquility, perfect for creating relaxing spaces within the home. Furniture Styles When it comes to furniture styles, 2024 is all about striking a balance between modern minimalism and cozy comfort. Clean lines and geometric shapes dominate furniture designs, with a focus on functionality and versatility. Modular furniture pieces that can be easily rearranged to suit different needs are gaining popularity, allowing homeowners to adapt their spaces to different activities and occasions. Lovesac has a really cool modular sofa and they even sell mini block sets so you can create different layouts before you move your sofa around. In terms of materials, sustainable options like bamboo, cork, and recycled plastics are being used to create eco-friendly furniture pieces that are both stylish and environmentally conscious. Materials Trends Speaking of materials, natural elements are taking center stage in home design trends for 2024. Wood, stone, and metal are being used in creative ways to add texture and visual interest to interiors. Sustainable materials like rattan and jute are also being incorporated into furniture and decor pieces, bringing a sense of earthiness and warmth to spaces. IKEA has a ton of really stylish and affordable rattan products, including chairs, mirrors, and benches. In addition, high-tech materials like smart glass are being integrated into homes, adding a touch of innovation and cutting-edge technology to modern interiors. Conclusion In conclusion, the home design trends of 2024 are all about embracing creativity, sustainability, and innovation. From bold colors to modular furniture designs and natural materials, this year's trends offer a wealth of options for homeowners looking to update and refresh their living spaces. By incorporating these trends into your home, you can create a stylish and functional environment that reflects your personality and values, while also staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of interior design. Until next time!

Sprucing up and organizing your kitchen isn't just about finding that missing spatula in a flash, it's about transforming chaos into a peaceful cooking oasis. Dive into the pantry, cabinets, drawers, and fridge to whip up a kitchen that's not only organized but also a joy to cook in! No matter which area you begin in, here are some general kitchen organization ideas that will get your space, as a whole, in order. Step One: Assess Your Space The first step in organizing your kitchen is to take a good look at the space you have. Evaluate your pantry, cabinets, drawers, and fridge to determine what items you have and how much space you have to work with. Step Two: Declutter Before you can begin organizing, it's important to declutter your kitchen. Go through your pantry, fridge, and cabinets and get rid of any items that are expired, no longer needed, or rarely used. This will make it easier to see what you have and make more efficient use of your space. Step Three: Create Zones Divide your kitchen into zones based on how you use it. For example, create a baking zone, a cooking zone, a snack zone, etc. This will help you keep similar items together and make it easier to find what you need when you need it. Within your pantry, you can create specific zones to help you know where certain items can go, too! In my own pantry, I have a kid snack zone that is accessible to my son, a baking zone for flour, sugar, etc., and additional areas for pastas, canned items, and nuts/granola. Tailor your space to fit your needs and lifestyle so when you purchase new items, you can find a home for them in a snap! Step Four: Invest in Storage Solutions There are many storage solutions available to help you maximize your space and keep your kitchen organized. Consider investing in drawer dividers, shelf risers, spice racks, and clear containers for your cabinet and pantry items. Keep reading for specific product recommendations! Step Five: Label Everything Labels are your best friend when it comes to kitchen organization. Use labels on your containers, shelves, and drawers to help you quickly locate items and keep everything in its place. Step Six: Utilize Vertical Space Don't forget to make use of your vertical space in the pantry and cabinets. Install hooks for mugs, hang pots and pans from a rack, and use stackable shelves to make the most of your space. Step Seven: Maintain Regularly Once you have organized your kitchen, make sure to maintain it regularly. Take a few minutes each day to put things back where they belong and do a quick check to see if anything needs to be restocked or reorganized. Now, let's delve into how you can implement these steps specifically in each area of your kitchen. Organizing Your Pantry: Take everything out of the pantry and sort through it. Throw away anything that is expired or you no longer need. Clean the shelves thoroughly to ensure you have a tidy surface to work on. Group similar items together such as baking supplies, snacks, and canned items. Use clear airtight containers to store items like pasta, cereal, and snacks. This will make it easier to see what you have and know when you need to restock. Consider using risers to maximize vertical space in your pantry. We often use expandable spice racks in the pantries we organize. You can use them for canned goods or other packaged items. The multi-tiers allow everything to be visible, and the expanding size makes it very versatile no matter what size shelf you are working with. Label everything! Well, maybe not "everything", but most things. This will help you and others in your household find what you need quickly and easily. There are pre-made labels you can purchase, but double check that whichever package or brand you choose has labels for the items in your pantry. If you want to be able to customize your labels, you could opt for an erasable set that can be cleaned off and reused. Or you can simply use a chalk marker to write directly on the acrylic containers. If you are utilizing bins and baskets, these clip on labels are very versatile, and any extras can be used to label other bins around your home. Organizing Your Cabinets and Drawers: Sort through everything in your cabinets and drawers. Get rid of any items you no longer use or need. Group small appliances that get more use together in a more accessible cabinet. Others that you don’t use as often could get moved to the back of a lower cabinet or to the top shelf of an upper cabinet. Group similar items together such as pots and pans, baking sheets, and utensils, based on the “zones” you created. Pots, pans, and baking sheets usually make the most sense located near the oven. Group similar utensils together based on size, purpose, or frequency of use. In my kitchen, I have my cooking utensils in drawers near my stovetop so they are within arm's reach while I'm cooking. Every person is different, so use a system that makes sense to you. Consider using a lazy Susan in your corner cabinet to maximize space and make items more accessible. Lazy Susan’s are a great addition to any space in your pantry, fridge, or even under the sink! Use drawer dividers to keep utensils and other small items organized. The tension bar dividers are a great option for versatility. They come in plastic or bamboo finishes, depending on the style of your kitchen. Preconfigured drawer organizers are great too, and they also come in expandable options to better fit the different sizing of drawers. *Pro Tip: Before purchasing any drawer organization products, create a template of the inner space of the drawer using craft or tissue paper. Take it to the store with you when looking at options. You can lay the template on the floor and place various drawer organizers on top of it to see what will actually fit. Organizing your Refrigerator: Take everything out of the fridge and sort through it. Throw away any expired items and wipe down the shelves and drawers. Group similar items together such as dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Use clear containers to store items like leftovers and condiments. This will make it easier to see what you have and what you are running low on. Storage products with handles simplify the task of pulling out containers and viewing items at the back. Use a lazy Susan or turntable to make items in the back of the fridge more accessible. Consider using bins to keep items like cheese and deli meat organized. In my fridge, I've got these nifty drawer containers that are like mini treasure chests of storage magic. The small ones are great for lemons, limes, and clementines. They not only hold stuff in place but also create bonus space for tiny goodies or those random leftovers to chill out. By following these steps and incorporating some creative storage solutions, you can transform your kitchen into a well-organized and efficient space that makes cooking and meal prep a breeze. If you need help figuring out how to best utilize the space in your kitchen, give us a call. Bluebird Design Co would be happy to meet for a free consultation and create a custom proposal based on the dimensions of your space and your specific needs. Happy organizing!

To style your bookshelves and built-ins like a design pro, follow these straightforward steps. Decorating and styling a bookshelf is a wonderful way to showcase your personality and interests while adding charm to your space. Here are some creative and practical tips to help you transform your built-ins or bookshelf into a stunning focal point in your room. Declutter and Organize Start by completely clearing off your shelves and create a blank canvas to work with. This is an opportunity to declutter and only keep the books and items that bring you joy or serve a purpose. Any books or pieces you don’t plan on incorporating back in can be donated to a local nonprofit organization. Group your books by genre, color, or size to create a cohesive look. Add Personal Touches Incorporate personal items such as framed photos (use a matted frame for an elevated look), travel souvenirs, or sentimental objects to make your bookshelf feel more personalized and inviting. Mix Books and Decor Arrange books both vertically and horizontally to add visual interest. Intersperse your book collection with decorative items like vases, plants, or small sculptures to break up the monotony. You can enhance the appearance by removing the book jackets. Play with Heights Create visual appeal by varying the heights of the items on your bookshelf. Use bookends, decorative boxes, vases, or small trinkets to add height and dimension. Smaller matted and framed art pieces add interest, as well. Place larger items first to anchor the shelf and build from there! When arranging items, keep in mind the "rule of three" to achieve a harmonious and natural appearance. Objects grouped in threes tend to create a more visually appealing look. Odd numbers challenge our minds and provide increased visual interest. Avoid duplicating shelves; instead, aim to match the scale of groupings while maintaining variety. Use of Color Choose a color palette for your bookshelf decor to create a cohesive and harmonious look. Mix and match colors that complement each other to tie the whole display together, but try to limit yourself to a maximum of 3 colors. If your shelves have a dark tone, consider adding lighter pieces to create contrast. Conversely, if the built-ins are painted white, you can incorporate bolder or darker colors for accentuation. For a pop of color and fun you can paint the back of the shelf a different color or use peel and still paper. Consider Lighting If your bookshelf is in a dimly lit area, consider adding small LED lights or a table lamp to illuminate your display and create a cozy ambiance. Many options are battery operated these days, so you don’t need to have an outlet to plug into. Embrace Negative Space Don't overcrowd your bookshelf. Embrace some negative space to allow your items to breathe and to prevent the display from looking cluttered. Rotate Items Seasonally Keep your bookshelf fresh and interesting by rotating items seasonally. Swap out decor pieces, add seasonal touches, or showcase holiday-themed items to keep your display dynamic. By following these tips and adding your personal flair, you can create a beautifully styled bookshelf that reflects your style and interests. Have fun experimenting and let your creativity shine! And of course, we at Bluebird Design Co. can help style any space in your home with our customizable design services. Contact us for any of your decorating needs! Happy styling!