I usually write at least one post on shelf styling every year because it’s my favorite way to add seasonal decor and rotate all the things I love. It really is an easy way to change things out, plus I love to play with different combinations.
While I approach everything seasonally, I use the same principle in styling my shelves each season by using the same elements: dinnerware in different colors, plants, glassware, cutting boards, etc., but always things I would actually use.
After a more neutral winter palette, I was ready to add some color, so I changed out some of the white dinnerware for blue. I love the Currier and Ives pattern by Royal China for winter, and added those coffee cups, a platter and the salt and pepper shakers. An enamel blue coffee pot paired with an antique coffee grinder are useable when needed and easy to reach, plus the coffee pot adds some solid blue to help ground the blue and white pattern. Not wanting anything too “matchy” I also used the McCoy pine cone creamer to include the green and brown shades. I feel this keeps it from looking boring, too deliberate or too much like store styling.
The antique print granddaddy framed is rustic and has the browns, greens and blues as well – again, tying everything together.
I also changed out the curtains for these lace ones and hung them as they would have been hung in an old cabin from a simple length of jute. Several have asked about the hanging lamp, and it was actually an eBay find a few years ago, but I hardwired it where a recessed light was and changed the amber shade for this white one found on the property that actually went on a Coleman gas lantern. I love how it looks so much here.
Here’s how the shelves looked earlier this winter, so you can compare and see what I changed. I loved both looks, but also love change and will add more color as the seasons change.
Last spring, I really used lots of color as you can see here with the floral curtains and colorful china.
Here’s another version using vintage Pyrex, brass and grandmother’s Chinese tea set.
I mixed pink Pyrex and Hazel Atlas pink crinoline with McCoy and Hull Brown Drip for a more casual look.
In the fall, I always use Brown Drip with orange/iridescent depression glass. Of course, home-canned goods and Native art – Cherokee woven mats and a cutting board, bring more texture and interest. Also, these are all useable items – not just for decor.
Last fall, I added more of the aqua blue color with the vintage Mason jars, an old sifter then tied it all together with the inherited needlepoint.
These are just a few of the many combinations I’m always experimenting with. I really do love changing these shelves up, and as I mentioned, it’s such a great way to rotate things in and out and use the things stored away in closets and cupboards.
For me, it comes down to wanting to create a certain color palette, then bringing out whatever china and accessories that fit into that as well as a few other accessories. I don’t really have a formula other than that and making sure the things I choose make sense – being useable. I love to just reach up and grab a mixing bowl when I need one, or a cup for coffee, etc.
I hope seeing a bit of my process helps if you’re unsure how to style open shelves. They really can add interest in a room like a kitchen that has mostly hard surfaces, and be functional as well. Let me know in the comments below how you approach shelf styling, and leave any tips you have as well!!
Incredibly beautiful! In my house we have a saying–There’s no such thing as temporary! If it gets set down somewhere it will be there for the next 20 years. I justify that by saying I have absolutely no room to store enough stuff to change around, but it’s probably because I’m just lazy! Your house is always lovely and inviting, and the subtle changes in your kitchen are just part of it. That’s how I found you to begin with–I saw a picture of your kitchen on Pinterest and fell in love with it because it looks like real people live there and that I would be happy living there. Thank you for a haven of sanity in all the over-the-top stuff that abounds.
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Thank you so much Joy! And I also genuinely appreciate you being here and your kind comments – even if you don’t like dark gray friend😉😉😉☺️
I just can’t pick a favorite! I love them all. I love what Joy said about real people living here. I think that is why I was drawn to your home. Beauty paired with functionality using what you have. Keep sharing!
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Oh Carolyn, thank you so much☺️☺️☺️
Hi Anita, I’m with Carolyn, can’t hardly pick a favorite! You do style some beautiful shelves! And you know those lace curtains are a favorite of mine. I have lace in every room. I tend to be more matchy, but I’m trying desperately to break away from that. It’s a hard habit to break. I do enjoy cohesiveness though. As always, your home is gorgeous!!
@sunnydaycabin
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Thank you Carol!! Yes, that’s why I force myself to do things like adding the green and brown McCoy, because I tend to start out matchy then add to that. And there are times, like with all the creamy China, I want it to match☺️☺️
enjoyed looking at them all, I love to see different ideas. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you so much Connie!!
They ALL look great and add such personality to your cozy home!! Love the Hull, I collect it too. Such a shiny beautiful rich brown finish and coupled with the pink might be my favorite. But tough to choose! Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you Linda! There’s something I love so much about the brown with the pink as well☺️ I always end up getting that brown back out earlier every year. I’ve always used it for fall, but it’s so earthy I love it all year long☺️
I love them
All!!!!!!
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Thank you so much!!
They are all beautiful. But…. so much work! When it gets put in place here it’s there to stay and I’m lucky if I can just keep the dust off. But yours is always so beautiful I just love to go and sit and look at it!
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I use the dishes, etc., so they don’t get a chance to get dusty:-)
Good morning, Anita!
This is a fabulous post! Thank you for the year long inspiration. These displays no matter which season attest to your love of home ~ and they are cozy, and welcoming!
Warmly,
Rachel
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Thank you so much Rachel!!
Hi Anita! You have such an eye for styling. If I was your neighbor, I’d be knocking on your door to share a cup of coffee and ideas. I love the colorful dishes, Currier and Ives and the brown stoneware. Stay warm and healthy!
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Aww that would be wonderful, Laura! Thank you:-)
I LOVE them all! I too like to change out items for the different seasons and holidays. It’s fun to get creative and use what I have and see what different combinations I can come up with. And I agree with you that the items should be functional. My daughter will ask me, “Mom, who changes out their artwork, dishes, etc… for every season?” I always tell her and friends I know decorating bloggers who do this too! 😉
Thanks for sharing and thanks for the great inspiration you always provide.
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I love that you do that as well! Things should be used, and it’s like getting something new to change a few things around:-)
well…..now I have pinned everyone. No one does styling like YOU! I really connect with using family heirlooms and dishes. But the radio on the shelf always makes me smile, for my mother had her radio in the kitchen too. The needlepoint, the pyrex, the vintage art…you pull it together so successfully and make it all work beautifully. So much love on those shelves…your inspiration is beyond words and certainly pulls my heartstrings.
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I appreciate that Alda!! Thank you:-) My grandmother always had a radio in the kitchen, and I remember spending the night and her up early making breakfast for my pappaw, listening to sermons on the radio. Such amazing memories:-)
I just love each and every one of your posts! They have become my morning coffee companion. Lol I collect the Hull Parchment and Pine and was so excited to see how you used it with the beautiful green and white winter arrangement! Thank you for such beautiful inspiration!
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Oh is that what it’s called?? I had no idea, and love that pattern sooooo much!! I’d love to find some other pieces to go with those candle holders☺️☺️ Thank you so much Scelinda, it means a lot to me!!
These are all just gorgeous. I hadn’t realised that you used the items while they’re out.
I can’t do this with my shelves because they’re blue … all things pink and rosy stand out well against that colour, which I love in early summer, but then I have less scope for change. I’m admiring the warmth and versatility of the wood in your kitchen. And thinking perhaps I should strip the paint off my shelves!
Thanks for the tip about how to avoid matchy matchy. I love the way individual items can have their moment to shine on your shelves, and that you appreciate the things you have had handed down to you.
You have so many different types of beautiful china … where do you store it all when it’s not in use?!
Thankyou as always and many blessings to you.
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Thank you so very much Vicky!! I think wood is such a great way to add warmth especially when using whites or neutrals as well☺️ The dishes I have stored in every nook and cranny, but am trying to go through and consign or sell the ones that have no family connection☺️
Bello, ma poi diventa un problema perchè poi bisogna togliere la polvere tutti i giorni !
Hi there, Anita! I love your posts, always special and unique. Thank-you for all the styling ideas. There is so much beautiful decor in these photos and I love how there are so many wonderful stories and history behind each of the items.
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Thank you so much Sally!!