Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Sophie Edwards

Russell Wilson and Ciara reinvent the 'bookshelf wealth' trend with a modern twist

Olivier Douliery via Getty Images.

'Bookshelf wealth' has been one of the most discussed interior design trends since early 2024. The look champions maximalist bookshelves, packed to the brim with personal effects and books read over a lifetime. It favors personal style over fads, meaning the 'trend' looks different for everyone. 

Russell Wilson and Ciara's home showcases one example of what bookshelf wealth can look like in a contemporary home.

An Instagram video taken in the couple's living room showcases their unique take on the design trend. Ciara and Russell's built-in shelves are painted a trendy, charcoal black. On the shelves, books are arranged haphazardly by color. White and gold sculptures break it up. Rather than displaying a collection of antiques, this decor turns bookshelf wealth into a cozy, contemporary look.

'Russell Wilson and Ciara's bookshelf organization takes what is special about this trend, creating a lived-in feel in your home, and makes it fit with the contemporary style of their home,' says Jennifer Ebert, Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. She continues, 'The combination of dark shelves with brightly colored books is quite modern styling.' Though curating a bookshelf wealth look rather than building it over time can be controversial, it makes the most sense in more contemporary, minimalist homes like this one.

Furthermore, the way that Russell and Ciara have chosen to arrange their books creates a beautiful focal point in their living room.

'These books are arranged by color, and while this leans towards neurotic, the way they are casually arranged - with some upright, some on their side, and some haphazardly leaning - it realigns the shelves with reality,' says designer Heather Knight-Wilcock.

'There is a nice mix of books and objects that play off of each other in a visually pleasing way.'


Shop the Edit


If you're considering following the bookshelf wealth style in your own home, Ciara and Russell's version of the look is a reminder to consider replicating the trend in a way that complements your home, and fits into your own version of chicness.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.