Bookcase
Living Room | 2 Pops

The Solution

A clean, comfortable look emphasizing a contemporary style and a cool color scheme. Neutral artwork keeps the space from feeling too heavy or overloaded with accessories and pops of blue throughout ties the space together.

left

Dot artwork paired with the cobalt vases adds a fun pop of contrast in color and shape. Variety in the decor's texture and finishes adds a collectors feel to the space. Photo frames add a personal touch and plants add a dash of freshness.

Placement: Start with the large piece of artwork, lean it against the wall and secure to the wall with a hook (still leaning) to be safe. Add the vases to the left side, with the smaller on the inner front side. For the cubby shelves, start with the book placement, then add the decor pieces. Layer the blue and white ginger jar in front of the photo and the smaller orb in the front.
Pair the faux plant and 4x6 photo frame together, with even negative spacing on either side. Place the marble stand atop the stacked books.

right

Circular patterned art adds variety in shape to the rectilinear space. Pops of blue, gray and silver keep the decor feeling calm and clean. Contemporary decor pieces keep the space feeling fresh with a touch of glamour.

Placement: Start with the large piece of artwork, lean it against the wall and secure to the wall with a hook (still leaning) to be safe. Layer the 8x10 print in front on the right side. For the cubby shelves, start with the book placement, then add the decor pieces. Layer the blue hourglass vase in front of the photo frame as well as the faux plant in front of the tall blue, herringbone vase. Make sure that the negative space on the outer sides is even and that the decor is pulled to about 2" from the front edge of the shelving.

Notes

As for artwork, you asked that it not be abstract artwork. Yet, it could not be too traditional or too farmhouse either.
So, the artwork I chose (while maintaining a neutral palette to prevent the space from feeling too contrived and overloaded with decor) is more of a collection of geometric patterns rather than abstract splashes of paint.


Get The Look

chelsea 03

minted.com

$170.00

Buy
30x40, white wood frame
dance

minted.com

$150.00

Buy
30x30, white wood frame
surround me

minted.com

$150.00

Buy
30x30, white wood frame
Elephant Figure Silver

target.com

$16.99

Buy
6.6 inches (H) x 3.4 inches (W) x 8.1 inches (D)
Faux Jade Plant in White Pot

target.com

$14.99

Buy
10 inches (H) x 7 inches (W) x 7 inches (D)
wood gallery frame set of 3

potterybarn.com

$81.60

Buy
One of each size: 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10 photos. 4x6: 9" wide x 11" long x 1" thick 5x7: 11" wide x 13" long x 1" thick 8x10: 14" wide x 17" long x 1" thick
Sculpture Spheres

westelm.com

$53.99

Buy
One small and one large size. Small: 8"diam. Large: 9.25"diam. Silver. (look for bundle deal below "add to cart")
Artificial Plant with Black Pot

target.com

$7.99

Buy
6 inches (H) x 7 inches (W) x 7 inches (D)
White Marble Circle on Stand

crateandbarrel.com

$49.95

Buy
Width: 8" Depth: 3" Height: 10"
Midnight boxes

burkedecor.com

$132.00

Buy
Set of 2. 12" W x 6" D x 4" H, 14" W x 8" D x 5" H.
Blue Books for Shelf Decor / Blue Decor / Modern Decor / Book Bundle

etsy.com

$27.50

Buy
set of 5
Medium Square Decorative Ceramic Ginger Jar with Lid

macys.com

$35.99

Buy
5.31''L x 5.3''W x 7.5''H
Stoneware Vase Short - Blue

target.com

$9.99

Buy
6 inches (H) x 5.5 inches (W) x 5.5 inches (D)
Clay Stripe Vase - Blue

target.com

$16.99

Buy
8.75 inches (H) x 5.25 inches (W) x 5.25 inches (D)
French Kitchen Marble Fruit Bowl

crateandbarrel.com

$49.95

Buy
Height: 4.75" Diameter: 10"
Books Covered in White Fabric

etsy.com

$59.99

Buy
set of 5
gray books

etsy.com

$59.99

Buy
set of 5
Vintage book set, blue and gold book stack, 1950's-1970's

etsy.com

$30.00

Buy
set of 5
Spring Decor, Blue Books, Light Blue Books

etsy.com

$95.00

Buy
blue, set of 5
wood gallery frame

potterybarn.com

$24.00

Buy
5x5 frame, black 5x5: 10" square
Blue Painting Abstract Watercolor Print

etsy.com

$19.00

Buy
8x10 print
Howard Elliott Cobalt Blue Glaze Ceramic Vases

houzz.com

$49.90

Buy
Set of 2. W 7" / D 7" / H 12"
chelsea 01

minted.com

$170.00

Buy
30x40, white wood frame
Ceramic Herringbone Vase

williams-sonoma.com

$69.00

Buy
4 1/4" diam., 10" high.

(note: some links are affiliate links)