Nancy Meyers films are the epitome of the two C's: classy and cozy. It's no surprise, then, that the interiors in her films have developed a cult following of their own. Expansive kitchen islands, warm materials, and clean colors pepper the homes in films such as Something's Gotta Give, It's Complicated, and The Holiday.
Those in the loop will know that Meyers' own home is as delightful as the ones she depicts in her movies. Fresh-cut flowers and inviting paint colors accent her mostly neutral space; however, our latest fixation is a cozy corner of her living area.
In a recent Instagram post, Meyers revealed a reading nook where the chairs might look familiar to some (according to the caption, they were sourced from the set of Something's Gotta Give). What we were drawn to, though, was the beautifully organized, white-painted bookshelf illuminated by an elegant lamp.
Organizing a bookshelf is as much strategic as it is an art. While shelving trends come and go, there are some evergreen styling tips that can come in handy when building a mini-library at home, as designers explain.
'A well-styled bookshelf can be the focal point of a room, reflecting your personality and interests while adding depth and charm to your space,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'Achieving a look that is busy and curated without appearing cluttered requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some tips to help you style your bookshelf to perfection.'
First and foremost, Lichtenstein recommends considering how the books will be positioned.
'Combine vertically aligned books with horizontally stacked ones,' she says. 'This creates visual interest and breaks up the monotony of rows. Use horizontal stacks to fill gaps or as pedestals for decorative objects,' she says. 'Layer items by placing smaller objects in front of books or leaning artwork against the back of the shelf. This adds depth and creates a more dynamic display.'
Next, we should take a layering cue from Meyers – starting by incorporating various book sizes and laying some books vertically, as the filmmaker has done. This is a simple but powerful way to maintain interest on our shelves.'Vary the heights and sizes of objects to create a balanced look,' Lichtenstein comments. 'Group tall and short items together to avoid uniformity, making the shelf look more interesting.'
We can also see that Meyers has alternated organizing between ascending and descending heights of books, which creates an interesting wave effect.
Additionally, books don't have to be the only objects filling a bookshelf (despite what phrases like bookshelf wealth may imply).
'Mix in decorative pieces such as vases, sculptures, or framed photos,' Lichtenstein suggests. 'These items add texture and prevent the shelf from becoming too book-heavy.'
Consider selecting objects that match existing books on the shelf – this taps into another one of Lichtenstein's tips. 'Coordinate colors for a cohesive look,' she says. 'You can arrange books by color or choose decorative objects that complement the color scheme of your room. However, avoid making it too matchy-matchy to retain a curated, eclectic feel.'
Finally, while the focus of bookshelf styling can often be to fill and decorate, Lichtenstein says that we should not underestimate the power of open spaces in a shelf.
'Leave some negative space to avoid overcrowding. Empty spaces give the eye a place to rest and prevent the shelf from looking cluttered.'
We recommend arranging books horizontally and vertically to create as much visual interest as possible. Bookends are fantastic ways to not only keep books upright, but they also add more dimension to shelves. Brass and stone bookends are sure to make a statement.
