Styling a Bookcase

So many times we go into homes where the bookcase is an eye sore, when it should be a beautiful showcase of beloved items and treasures. Many people collect books, which is wonderful, but overcrowd their shelves. A bookcase is a fantastic place to create a focal point in a room and show off beautiful accessories, photos as well as of course, books. Here are some tips on how to create a stylish bookcase.

1. Don’t overcrowd the shelves.
In some instances, floor to ceiling shelves covered in books can be a really nice a look, if the books are arranged in an orderly fashion. Most people don’t take the time to organize the books in a visually interesting way and over the years it just becomes a whole bunch of add-ons. Try de-cluttering some of the books that aren’t in great shape and tuck those away.

2. Add accessories.
Adding accessories to your bookcase is a fantastic way to add pops of colour or items you love. There are so many great accessories for bookcases: picture frames, interesting bookends, candles, decorative objects, beautiful storage boxes.. anything you want to have on display! You don’t need to add accessories to every shelf, but every other one is a nice look. Put your additional items in different spots on the shelf for a “designer look”.

3. Arrange books in a variety of patterns
Instead of just having them standing left to right on every shelf, try stacking some on top of each other with an accessory next to it. Rotate every other shelf having them standing and stacked. The variety of the arrangement will give the bookcase more visual interest and make your accessories and beautiful books pop, where they all may have just blended together. Arranging your books by height or colour is a great organizational tool.

One man's trash is another man's treasure...

The spring is a perfect time to reflect and rejuvenate on one's life. The spring should be a lead up to a fun filled summer, so why not eliminate sources of stress during those grey and rainy spring days. Disorganization can be a huge cause of stress in any one's life. By getting organized you can do a lot of good for yourself and believe it or not others. Here's how...

Tackle the areas where clutter seems to gravitate to - the home office, junk drawer, spare bedroom and the garage. Start with one space at a time. Start small if you have to, the junk drawer is a good jumping off point.

With the larger spaces you need to organize your stuff. Make 5 piles or areas and sort them like this - keep, trash, donate, sell and swap. Go through the space and put each item into a category, it's a good idea to do this with your husband/wife, communication is important when tackling a huge task.

The items you keep will go back in your home but they must serve a purpose and have a place in the home.

The items you trash go in the garbage, if collection day is too far away call a junk removal service such as 1-800-GOT-JUNK. They will come to your home, remove the items and bring them to the dump for you.

The items you donate could go to various charities. Cocktail and prom dresses to Fairy Godmother Ottawa, you can drop off donations to any Browns Cleaners in the city. These dresses go to girls who could not afford a prom dress on their own. Any toys (in good condition)could be donated to CHEO or Women's shelters, many women who leave abusive situations have their children with them and very few personal belongings. First Rate Movers is a local Ottawa moving company that offers a service to their customers to bring items to local Women's shelters. Many school libraries are looking for books, appropriate for children.

The items that you sell can be sold in many different venues such as craigslist, kijiji or ebay. Selling online gives your item(s) more exposure and you are likely to receive 4 to 5 times more than if you sold the item at a yard sale. Items that are worth selling online are designer clothes/shoes, collectibles, electronics and sporting goods. Other options are consignments stores such as Hush located in Westboro, Boomerang Kids in Old Ottawa South, Clothes encounters in New Edinburgh, and Total Home Consignment on Bank St. There is also the good old fashion yard sale but if you want to increase your exposure, take a look in your personal address book and see if you know anyone in the Glebe or Old Ottawa South and see if that friend would be willing to have you bring you items to their community yard sale. The Great Glebe Garage Sale is a huge event and takes place in the month of May. The Old Ottawa South Porch Sale takes place on the first Saturday in September.

The items in the swap pile will take some planning but it could be a fun community event but for the first time maybe just start with a few neighbours, it will catch on. Ask your neighbours if they would like to have a swap meet one Saturday or Sunday. The way it works is items you are willing to part with should be placed on your drive way and you will all scope out each other's stuff and take what you like. For the first time a smaller meet is best and a theme is a good idea too. For example say the theme is home funishings and decor - that way everyone will be more or less swaping similar things. This is a great way to get to know your neighbours better and is an inexpensive way to re-decorate your space.

Once you remove the junk and stress form your life you will feel better, your space will look better and hopefully you have been able to do some good for others.