5 Tips For A Bookcase Refresh

Today I am sharing my top 5 tips for a bookcase refresh! The bookcase in the entryway of my home was in major need of an update! Usually when I’m looking for a way to change things up or add seasonal decor into my home, this bookcase is where I begin. However, this time, I also got the itch to give it a paint job! Ever since I painted our walls white this past winter, the bookcase was just blending in and not “popping” like I wanted it too. So, before I even began shelf styling, I painted the bookcase! I am IN LOVE with the color, as it adds some warmth into my home that we were desperately needing! The color I used was Conduit Grey by Sherwin Williams.

Now, let’s get into what I typically do when I am styling this bookcase, or any area in my home for that matter. Side note- it is okay if takes a few tries to get the look you want! I always play around and try several ideas before I settle into the finish product! So, without further or do, here are my Top 5 Tips for A Bookcase Refresh:

1. Mix Textures

To me, adding and mixing different items with different textures is what makes a home cozy! Depending on your style, there are many different textures you can do this with. For me, I tend to mix the same type of textures throughout my home to make it all come together. As you will see from the way I styled this bookcase, I like to use wicker/different shapes and sizes of baskets, metals- right now I am loving brass and copper, wood, and glass picture frames!

2. Choose Collected Pieces

When I say, “collected pieces,” I mean pieces you have gathered over time, that have a special meaning to you. Items that you can’t just go to Hobby Lobby or Target to purchase. Decor pieces that are unique to you, and that make your space different from everyone else’s. Collected items are pieces that I like to say “found me” rather than me finding them. Whether that be a passed down pitcher from a relative, a flea market find that you spotted immediately because your grandmother always had it in her home, or even just an item that you take pride in because you LOVE it, and it took you months to find. Collected pieces are items that you have gathered over time, that give you your distinct style.

Some of my collected pieces that I used to style this book case are old books (I try to pick them up every time I go thrifting because I use them EVERYWHERE), all different shapes and sizes of brass candlesticks, trinket items (brass bird, set of busts, vintage rocking horse, flower frog, etc.),the Ironstone pictcher, and the ornate mirror. I can honestly say that everything in this bookcase (including the bookcase) was thrifted and collected over time!

3. Incorporate Personal Touches

Personal touches are different than the collected items I talked about above. When I say “personal touches” I mean bringing you and your family into the decor. Adding photos is how you can do this! I have several different pictures of my family, just on this bookcase! At the top I used a vintage double frame to put pictures of my boys in. I also have a silhouette of my oldest son and my niece displayed on the shelves (my youngest son’s silhouette is on the mantle). I also have another picture of my boys and a special picture of my chickens in another frame. Bring those personal touches into your decor, and it will really make your house feel like a HOME!

4. Add Greenery

I don’t know if it is because I am just obsessed with house plants or what, but I have found that adding greenery to different areas/vignettes in my home really makes a difference! Indoor plants/ faux greenery can really bring life and happy feelings into your home. First, greenery is timeless and can essentially be incorporated into any “style” of home. Second, it adds a pop of color that is sometimes really needed! And lastly, if you choose to incorporate real houseplants, some come with added benefits you might not even know you were signing up for. For example, some plants have been proven to improve air quality and help fight off sickness. So, my challenge to you is if you don’t have greenery in your home anywhere, give it a try! I bet it will give you all the happy feelings!

5. Use Seasonal Items

Last but not least, is the use of seasonal decor. You can add a little or you can add a lot but adding seasonal decor here and there can really refresh a space! I typically do not go ”all out” with seasonal decor, just because it can get expensive and also it can be hard to store all that decor in the off season. I like to add small seasonal touches here and there to change things up from time to time!

On this bookcase I have added some July 4th/USA elements that I will leave up all through the summer! I took an old, tattered American Flag I found thrifting and put it in an Ironstone pitcher with some dried hydrangeas. I sifted through all my old books and found two with red and blue spines and I stacked those horizontally with an ”America” vintage inspired flashcard displayed on top. This gave me just the look I wanted with our being too much! I love how it turned out, and I won’t have to change it up until the end of summer!

I hope you find these 5 tips for a bookcase refresh helpful! Like I stated at the beginning of this post, it is okay if takes a few tries to get the look you want! Play around and try several ideas before you settle into a finish product! I would LOVE to hear what some of your styling secrets are! Please share your ideas in the comments!

Want more home inspiration? Check out our latest garden update HERE.

See where I get my antique/collectibles HERE.