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Thursday, February 21, 2008

KNICK-KNACKS ON MY BOOKSHELVES

The lovely KARI AND KIJSA had a posting on bookshelves and gave some wonderful tips on how to decorate them. I have tried some of their suggestions; putting something pretty on a STACK of books..etc but, they just don't look as pretty as theirs. Would you please take a look at my bookcase and give me some suggestions as to how to make them look nicer and more interesting? Do you think I might want to paint the back of these? Wow...that sure would be a HUGH job....I hate to even think of it. Even cutting fabric or paper to put in the back would take, like forever.! double :( !!




It is so hard for me to get ENOUGH "stuff" in these large bookshelves without getting TOO MUCH. I have added a couple of signs, like the SISTERS did......



I don't mind clutter as long as it is CONTROLLED. In fact, I actually love controlled clutter...I just don't want my shelves to look MESSY by getting too much.










I try to have an interesting mixutre of "things" without taking away from my pretty books......but I am wondering if the things I have in the shelves are too small? Maybe I need chunky?






Am I getting too much stuff? Not enough? I am thinking I need to search for more interesting objects to go in here but....I'm so busy looking for GREAT books, I don't seem to worry about the other !




HAPPY READING!

29 comments:

Kathleen Grace said...

BJ, I think your shelves look fabulous! I have found that we often get so used to looking at our own stuff day in and day out that we get tired of it. We can't see the beauty anymore. I often look around and think I could do better and then someone visits and tells me how they love my home and it actually surprises me. Maybe you just need a change. Take out a few older things and put in some spring items or rearrange your books by color. Do you have some forgotten pieces of pretty things stashed somewhere that you can swap out? Like I said, I think your shleves look great! But maybe you just need something fresh to look at:>)

Anonymous said...

Hi Sweet BJ,
I think you did a great job! it looks just perfect....things can always be changed and be different but i like what you have done.
Now take one of those books and sit down and dream a while.
Love Kristina XxX

Anonymous said...

I agree with Kathleen Grace. Love those shelves. Enjoy the day, Janie

Karen H. said...

Good Morning BJ,
I do love your book shelf. You do have alot of room for things. I would leave it just as it is. You might want to add some more colorful things to it. That's just my thought on it. Or even you could decorate it with each holiday and season. But as long as you are happy with it, that is what counts tho. Take care my friend and have a great day. May God Bless You and Yours.

Love & Hugs,
Karen H.

Adrienne said...

Hi, BJ -
I love your bookshelves just the way they are. I thing you have the perfect mix of books and things. It was fun to see some of your pretties up close. I'm going to 'steal' an idea and put some of my sweetheart's childhood books together with a ribbon or raffia (something manish) around them for display. Your shelves are an inspiration to me. I need to work on mine.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and for leaving your sweet comments. I'm sure the upstairs door in the old schoolhouse must have had stairs - probably a fire escape for students on the 2nd story. Please come by again soon. I'll be back here often to check in and see what you're up to.
~Adrienne~

Cherdecor said...

My, you have been a busy beaver! That took a lot of thought and a lot of work! It looks great! I love design and you did a wonderful job!

I like Kari and Kijsa's blog too! I wish I could buy all the things that Kijsa has in her cubbie holes. Her plates are absolutely stunning!

Anonymous said...

BJ.. they look awsome. I have some on each side of my fireplace and feel they way you do. Somedays I take it all down and guess what? Most goes right back like I had it lol. I don't think i would paint them.
I did see some in a kitchen and she had used the wall color and painted the back to match and it was awsome,but where yours is I think it looks great!

Anita said...

Your bookshelves look like a magazine spresd!! They are wonderful!!!

Dena said...

Hi BJ,

I am in love with your bookcase and wouldn't change a thing! I think you have done a fantastic job decorating it. Oh do I love that bookcase!!!

Hugs,
Dena

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I love your white book sheve. It must be fun to change it up for the different holidays. I think it looks very clean with just enought fun things. My favorite are the books with the pretty ribbon around it.
Hugs,
ginger

Betty said...

Your shelves don't look messy at all, BJ. They look really pretty. I wish my house was big enough to have a built-in bookshelf like your's.

I posted earlier than usual today. I hope you can visit.

Tara said...

I am thinking this looks wonderful...but wouldn't yellow on the backboard make everything just jump out??

Marcela said...

Hello dear BJ
I love the way your shelves look.
Have a wonderful day. Hugs
Marcela

Susie Q said...

I think it all looks wonderful...I too think that *controlled* clutter is amazing! That is how I decorate!
Your shelves have such a lot of space and I envy that! I love the mix of books and treasures...the signs and the ribbon tied books. It is a feast for the eyes.
You can play with it from time to time, and have fun swapping things around but, overall, I think it is beautiful!

Hugs,
Sue

Linda said...

Hi BJ, I really like you bookshelves just as is. You have lots of interesting things and the way you having everythings displayed just works. Hugs, Linda

Teresa said...

BJ,
I love the bookshelves. It looks great! You have given me some ideas!

Teresa

Sandi McBride said...

Oh BJ, it's wonderful. That's the kind of bookshelf I want in my bedroom...one that takes up a wall. Finally aplace for all my books and knickknacks...yours look so great!!

Sandi

Anonymous said...

I think the bookshelves look wonderful. You have done a great job decorating them and I wouldn't change a thing.

Cottage Contessa said...

I think your bookcases look terrific the way they are sweetie! But I do completely understand the urge to 'tweak' things constantly!
Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

Unknown said...

BJ your book shelves look wonderful. I love the little touches you added.

Betty said...

BJ, I think you have done a beautiful job with your bookshelves.

Betty

Betty said...

BJ, next time you are on the message board, we need your birthday!

Hope said...

Hi BJ,
I think your shelves look great! Just enough organized clutter!! :)
I agree with kathleen grace, you might just need some things on there that look fresh and new to you just like your display does to us! I'm sure we're seeing it differently!

Hugs,
Hope

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

It speaks of warmth and love. Says come on in pull up a chair,take out a book,have a cup of tea and settle in for a nice long read....Smiles

Unknown said...

I love your library, well I love your home. So many details, so lovable. It so you. Thanks for sharing BJ.

Suzy

Meggie said...

I like the look of your bookcases but can understand that you may want to add some color. How about painting/papering SOME of the backs of the shelves...every third or fourth one. Alternate the next row.

Anonymous said...

Your shelves look wonderful. I think they are perfect the way they are.

Vee said...

They sure look great to me, BJ. Looks as if you put Kari and Kijsa's advice to the test and found that it does work!

Rhondi said...

BJ Your shelves look great. I like the way you have arranged everything. Not too much, not too little. I agree with Kathleen Grace that we get so familiar with our spaces that we don't see how really fabulous they are. If you are lookng for a change then just swap things out from another room. You obviously have a talent in decorating, so you can't go wrong! Rhondi xo