A design for the books!

A design for the books! In this edition of The Design Edit, our monthly newsletter, we celebrate a design feature and show you how to style your shelves!

If you haven’t heard the news, Amy Rebekah Interiors was featured in their first ever magazine publication… and we’re so excited for the first of many to come! Click here to read the full article.

This was a really fun international project that we did in Medellin, Colombia. Inspired by the local street art, we transformed this cold concrete and glass space into a vibrant abode.

Have you seen the viral TikTok trend dubbed the first big trend in home design for 2024? It’s called “Bookshelf Wealth” and it’s all about the idea that styling your shelves with things you love and have collected adds "wealth" or character to your home. While some folks take on bookshelf styling might feel chaotic to you, the idea that the shelves tell the story of your life, like each item is a chapter in your book, is what makes this “trend” a timeless treasure for you to enjoy. So dust off those books you’ve read and treasures you’ve been collecting and put them on display. 

What’s the best about this trend? There’s only few rules:

• Quality over quantity. Remember, you don't need a lot of books, you only need the right ones. Don’t just run out to buy more books or things to fill your shelves, rather wait until you find the right pieces to display. 

• Meaning over aesthetic. It’s not about shiny and new. The vibe of bookshelf wealth is all about collections, books that look read, stories to be told. 

• Think out of the box. Creativity is the key. You can mix and match colors, display your books in unexpected ways, even on the floor, and add interest using plants, objects and art.

Styling shelves can be challenging and easily become overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! Here are some designer tips for you:

Start with books and art: I make sure to add these two elements on every shelf I style. This is one of the best ways to add height, color, and fill the space. It also infuses a lot of character. Choose books that get you excited, match your decor and are interesting topics that relate to you!

Layer accessories: Layering is an excellent way to create depth on any shelf. Don’t be afraid of stacking items on top of each other and in front of one another. Layers are what give your shelves added personality, and a little mystery is what’s draws your eye in to want to explore more.  

Use large items: Larger items are great to help create a sense of balance on shelves, offering places for your eyes to rest. The key is to spread out large items while maintaining varying heights, which helps distinguish each item and ensures nothing gets lost among items of the same height. 

And if you don’t have large items…add more books! Books can help you create height when you have two items of the same height or if you want an item to appear slightly taller than it actually is. 

Variety is key: Ensure that the items on the shelf above do not align perfectly with the shelf below. Once again, you’re aiming to provide visual interest and spaces for your eyes to appreciate all the beautiful items you’ve curated for your shelves.