Pressing On: Ladder Bookcase Styling

I'm in cleaning and redecorating mode around here, so things have been pretty busy. My kids managed to come down with some sort of 24 hour flu, so that's hindered my progress mightily. Hopefully my Elderberry Syrup will prevent the rest of us from getting it.

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Anyways, this bookcase is one that I got for Christmas. I've been wanting somewhere to display things for a while and this space saver fit the bill (and our budget).

When styling a bookcase, look beyond books and into other items that might be special. I love to see a bookcase that has lots of books with a few items here and there for a fun aesthetic.

For my purposes though, since I don't have many books, I went the other direction...a few books with lots of decorative items. Most shelves have their own special style and theme with the turquoise and glass being a unifying color throughout.

I had to prop it up on cement block so the bottom shelf would clear the baseboard heaters, but it's seriously less noticeable than you might think in person!

Let's start with the bottom shelf. This sweet basket holds magazines I need to read or have decided to keep. The fabric is a tablecloth readily available for meals.

Here I have a few books and a couple of decorative items. My homemade moss ball is tucked under a chicken wire cloche. The little cement chicken was a gift a few years ago from my sister.

I just love the saying to the right ("Remember the tea kettle. It's always up to it's neck in hot water, yet it still sings")

This shelf holds a cute photo of Lydia at 4 months and my parents with their grandkids. The gorgeous birdhouse was another gift from my sister last year (the clay tag is from Freckled Laundry). The cool bovine is paper mache from Michaels...the intention was to paint him, but his original charm was too much to consider alteration.

I call this one my bird shelf. I keep my pretty decorating books on this shelf along with some darling and colorful birds that I've picked up over the last year.

This sweet twine holder came from "Cradle N All" in Vancouver, WA

I purchased this glass bird for just $6 at "The Enchanted Door" in Altus, OK (forgive the dust, please!).

On the top shelf there is a framed print from last years calender, a vintage stroller and a mini crate with bud vases. You might also notice my partially done book page wreath...I started it, using my baby name book for sentimental reasons, and it took so long I took a break and haven't picked it back up. I call it my Cyndi Lauper wreath and for now, I'm just pretending it's cool just as it is.

Thanks for stopping by.
When styling your own bookcases, look beyond books and see what else could refresh your space!

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As a little nod to our families, I just had to include this video of 11 month old Lydia. Being the 5th child apparently means she has lots to say, and she doesn't let us forget it!