HOW TO STYLE A BUILT-IN

It’s often a homeowner’s dream to have a space with a floor to ceiling built-in. But when it comes to actually styling them it can be a bit overwhelming. That is why we put together a comprehensive guide that we like to use when we are styling our client projects and our own homes. Note: This can also be used for general open shelving and does not require a built-in.

Our rule of thumb is to focus on are the following 5 key categories: 

1. Books
2. Art
3. Pottery + Vases
4. Personal Items
5. Plants

BOOKS

Using old books to style your shelving is an easy way to bring something used back to life. After all a great story should always live on right?! We also find using books is a great starting point to build off of. There are a few different tips you can use to style your books: 

• Use a variation of horizontal and vertical stacking
• Start by creating a few piles of books that work well together
• Pay attention to color and size. 
• Spin exposed or hidden – you should stay consistent in your piles but can mix hidden or exposed based on the look you want to achieve 

ART

Now that you have your books placed we move to art. Depending on the space you have in between each shelf will depend on the art you can use. We often find this is where you can mix in those smaller family photos you never know what to do with or the little pieces of art that never make it on the wall due to their size. 

• Pay attention to the colors and shapes
• Use a variety of horizontal and vertical to create balance
• Make sure you space out colors to avoid one area feeling heavy
• Use a variety of textures – whether that’s in the art itself or in the frames
• Don’t over think the art you are using! If it speaks to you then it can absolutely work!

Remember that art is very personal and speaks to everyone differently!

POTTERY + CERAMICS

Next up is pottery and ceramics! This category is a great way to display items from history – whether they have been passed down to you or you’ve collected on trips! From storage jars to flower vases, this category allows for plenty of options you may not have thought had a space to live. 

• Use a variety of shapes, sizes, texture and color
• You can group pottery/ceramics on its own by color or size
• It can be used as an end cap to a vertical pile of books
• This category is a way you can hide cords or outlets since they are easy to move

PERSONAL ITEMS

Now on to personal items. The number one thing that our clients tell us when we “shop their home” for styling items is “I don’t think we have anything that would look good or work”. Then time and time again we find little gems all over the place that have personal meaning to our clients. We always say that sometimes you just need another person to bring a different perspective. This is why personal items is my favorite category for styling. 

• Shop your house with a fresh lens and no judgment 
• Think about what the pieces mean to you – where are they from? Who are they from? Why is it important to you? 
• Look for items with different heights or colors that you may be missing from the current styling 

PLANTS

Lastly, you can use plants as a final touch. I personal don’t think you can ever go wrong with adding plants to any space but a built-in is the perfect spot for them. Not to worry if your space doesn’t get much natural light – you can use a mix of real and/or faux plants to add life to your styling. 

• Pothos are always a great option because the trail they will develop 
• You can use plants to place inside your pottery/ceramics as a stand alone 
• Greenery is something you can change with the seasons 
• Smaller plants are great to stack on your horizontal book piles or to cover an outlet 

Using these 5 categories will be a great way to get your creative juices flowing and keep you on track for styling the built-in you have been dreaming of! 

Thank you for reading along and joining us on this amazing journey at Clark + Aldine!

Keep On Doing You-

LESLIE | DESIGNER