Tip #1: Draw it out
Dalia Tabbaa Freitekh informed me a pro tip when I first told her about my bookshelf dilemma. “So here is what I usually do when I do interior design. When I have built-ins like this, I take a photograph and draw what I envision the bookshelves to look like,” she says. In the absence of a printer, I drew a few pictures on Post-it Notes. I can’t believe how accurate my sketch was to what I created. When getting organized for this project and finding out what I needed to order, that was the best first step I could’ve taken.
Tip #2: Asymmetry and Balance Are Your Friends
In the beginning, I was not sure where to begin conceptualizing a strategy for implementing this project. I quickly realized that all I needed to do was focus on balance and asymmetry. For my bookshelves, dalia suggested that I have the books taking up three quarters of the top two shelves, with the bottom row lying flat. He also gave specific locations in my home base where I could find the items I need, which was super helpful. I plan on continuing to add more books over time, but we’re off to a good start.
Tip #3: Choose Items That Have Meaning to You
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it can really make all the difference. If you’re like me, you probably attach meaning to everything you see, and all the items I chose for this space seem to do that for me. In light of my plans to visit Tulum and Italy this year, these books seem appropriate. As part of my career path and future aspirations, I displayed fashion books. The ability to swap out photos with my besties or family members as I find new favorites is a plus. A replica of my first ever diptyque candle stands in jumbo size which I feel marks my personal growth since I got my first one. Whatever means something to you will look so good on whichever part of your home that you are decorating.
