shelf styling

I've had to learn over the years how to make shelves not just a place for storing, but a place for styling. I definitely don't have it down pat, but I dream of one day having a wall of built-in's to craft and decorate within. But for now, I'll settle for the poor-girl's version: a ladder shelf.

This ladder shelf was one of my cheap, filler buys last year in my Tennessee apartment. It's not perfect, but it's certainly practical. Maybe some day I can trade up for a lucite shelf which would be a dream! Or this one would be a fun variation. Or maybe this ikea shelf? I do love the functionality of it - lots of shelving in a fairly compact space, making it particularly good for displays.

As you've heard from me before, one of my favorite elements of decorating is the stories you can have behind pieces in your home. Because of it's solid space and decorate-ability (can we make that a word?) this shelf is the hub for several of my "story pieces".

One of my go-to traditions for finding new design pieces is the local Christmas market, Chi Omega Christmas here in Dallas. It's one of my favorite activities in the holiday season - wandering the stalls with Christmas music playing overhead, searching for last minute Christmas gifts and new pieces for my home. Lately, I'd had my eye out for a way to incorporate some agate into my space, when I came across this remarkably affordably priced gem (catch that pun?) It is light and airy but still has some touch of luxury and a dusting of color to it. And that peony? Let's just say a fake flower never hurt anyone! It helps me maintain my peony addiction even when they're not in season - which is more often than I'd like.

The picture of my dad, my sister, and myself is in Venice, from when I lived in Italy for a semester back in 2012 - hands down the best 6 months of my life. The little Trevi fountain trinket is from my time there too - I can still remember the exact spot where I bought it. Sprinkling trinkets like this around my space lets me be washed in sweet, fond memories just by walking through a room, and I highly recommend it!

And you see those jars? My roommate has encouraged me to start a memory jar for the year. I'm looking forward to the end of 2016 when I get to open it up and go through all the stories that I've collected in there. But I'm also enjoying just as much coming up with creative things to put into it to remind me of special moments.

The cork from the champagne of the first dinner party I hosted, a flower from my bridesmaid bouquet in my friends wedding, 1/2 of the powerball ticket I split with my roommate (no, we didn't win), and countless receipts from dinners and brunches surrounded by my community.

I love the stories behind all the pieces in my home, but a space can only be so big and you can only collect so many pieces of furniture (as much as I would like to continue pushing those limits!) But this little jar helps me hold on to all the stories that I collect throughout the year just as well as a room full of furniture finds. Yes it may be cheesy, but it sure is effective and I'm open to any way of holding onto details of these sweet memories!

amazon ladder shelf

pallet clock (see my previous post)