If Books Are Your Style Read This
Marie Kondo has a unique interpretation of design. For the most part, I’m completely on board with her minimal style. The idea of incorporating only those things you love and donating the things that don’t bring you joy is very appealing.
That being said, there is one point where I disagree: Books. She says “ideally keep fewer than 30 books.”
30 books? 30 BOOKS!!!
As an avid reader and someone who loves libraries, books and all things text—this is an impossible task. Especially when it comes to beautiful coffee table books. Those colorful titles with lovely images that I revisit over and over for inspiration and armchair travel. How can you put a limit on something so beautiful as well as educational?
#DesignLife Book Lovers Edition: Bookshelf Design and More
Although I don’t subscribe to the “no more than 30 books” philosophy, you don’t need to own hundreds of titles in order to start styling with books. Just a few books can express your interests and add warmth to a home. In fact, you can begin with a single book.
Open up a book to a page with colorful pictures and display it as art. You’ll need an easel, coffee table, or other small table to begin. You can change the pages periodically to display different images depending on your mood.
Add a few more books and create a display stack in order to show off your literary style. For that purpose, it’s important to choose books that reflect your interests and create personal joy. On joy, Kondo and I definitely agree.
Do you love architecture, baseball or history? There is no shortage in options to show off any of those passions.
Choose books based on your interests. Don’t worry about the colors or sizes. Just pick books that make you happy.
Are you a fan of color blocking? Maybe you want to create an ombre illusion with your titles? Choose coffee table books based on interest and COLOR. For example, if you love travel, and you love the color pink, then look for books related to places you have visited or want to visit and be strict in your pursuit of only acquiring books in variations of pink.
Want to capture the nostalgia of childhood? Add a set of Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew Mysteries to your shelves. Or maybe Little House on the Prairie, Harry Potter is more your speed. What about Dr. Seuss or a collection of children’s stories? These books all have interesting colors and lend a sense of whimsy to an otherwise serious book collection.
Is fashion your muse? How about some books by famous designers? There’s jewelry design, clothing, shoes, lighting, furniture, scarves…if you can imagine it, there is likely a book out there documenting your interests.
What is your passion and which are your favorite books to own and which books are on your ultimate wish list?
Here are a few of mine: