Laura Ashley Home Decorating Bookshelves Ideas For Living Room

Laura Ashley Home: Decorating Bookshelves Ideas for the Living Room

Bookshelves in the living room serve a dual purpose: functional storage and decorative enhancement. Implementing thoughtful design principles can transform these often-overlooked fixtures into captivating focal points. Drawing inspiration from the classic elegance of Laura Ashley Home's aesthetic, this article explores various ideas for decorating bookshelves to create a stylish and inviting living room.

One of the fundamental principles of attractive bookshelf styling is achieving visual balance. This involves distributing visual weight evenly across the shelves. Avoid overcrowding shelves, leaving some spaces empty to allow the eye to rest. Balance can be achieved through the strategic placement of larger, heavier items like decorative boxes or sculptures interspersed with smaller items such as books and framed photographs.

Introducing color cohesively adds personality and vibrancy to bookshelves. Consider incorporating a color scheme that complements the existing living room décor, drawing from Laura Ashley Home’s signature pastel palettes or floral prints. This can be achieved by arranging books by color, incorporating decorative objects in coordinating hues, or adding a backdrop of wallpaper within the bookshelf itself.

Texture plays a significant role in creating visual interest. Incorporate items with varying textures such as woven baskets, ceramic vases, or metallic picture frames. A mix of textures adds depth and dimension, preventing the display from appearing flat or monotonous. Consider incorporating natural elements such as wood or wicker to create a sense of warmth and organic appeal, aligning with Laura Ashley Home’s emphasis on natural beauty.

Books, while functional, also serve as decorative elements. Arrange them in various ways: vertically, horizontally, and even stacked to create visual variety. Bookends can provide support and add a decorative touch. Consider using bookends that reflect the overall aesthetic of the room, such as vintage brass bookends for a classic touch or ceramic bookends with floral motifs for a more romantic feel, echoing the Laura Ashley style.

Incorporating decorative objects adds personality and complements the books on display. These can include framed photographs, small sculptures, vases, decorative boxes, or candles. Choose items that reflect personal interests and complement the overall style of the living room. Items inspired by nature, such as botanical prints or ceramic birds, can further enhance the Laura Ashley inspired aesthetic.

Plants introduce a touch of life and freshness to bookshelves. Small potted plants, trailing vines, or even dried floral arrangements add a natural element and contribute to a calming and inviting atmosphere. Choose plants that thrive in indoor environments and complement the existing color scheme. Plants with soft, flowing foliage can enhance the romantic feel often associated with the Laura Ashley brand.

Lighting plays a vital role in showcasing the styled bookshelves. Incorporate small LED lights within or behind the shelves to highlight specific objects and create a warm and inviting ambiance. Uplighting placed on top of the bookshelf can draw the eye upward and add a dramatic effect. The lighting choices should complement the overall lighting scheme of the living room.

Mirrors can be strategically placed within the bookshelf to create an illusion of depth and expand the perceived space of the room. A mirrored back panel can reflect light and add a touch of glamour. Choose mirror frames that complement the overall style of the bookshelf and the living room décor. Ornate frames can enhance the classic elegance of a Laura Ashley inspired room.

Regular editing and rearranging of items on the bookshelves is essential to maintain a fresh and appealing look. As tastes and interests evolve, the bookshelf décor should also adapt. Seasonal updates can incorporate festive decorations or color palettes that reflect the time of year. This ensures the bookshelves remain a dynamic and engaging element of the living room design.

Creating a cohesive look that aligns with the Laura Ashley Home aesthetic involves incorporating key elements such as floral patterns, soft color palettes, and natural materials. These elements can be incorporated through the choice of books, decorative objects, textiles, and even the paint color or wallpaper used on the back of the bookshelf. Consider using fabrics with floral prints or subtle textures to line the back of the shelves for a more pronounced Laura Ashley touch.

The use of baskets provides practical storage solutions while also contributing to the overall aesthetic. Wicker baskets or fabric-covered boxes can be used to store items that are not intended for display, maintaining a clutter-free appearance. Choose baskets in colors and textures that complement the overall design scheme. Wicker baskets, in particular, resonate with the natural and romantic elements of Laura Ashley Home.

Artwork can be incorporated onto the shelves to add another layer of visual interest. Small framed prints, botanical illustrations, or even framed fabric swatches can complement the existing décor. Consider using artwork that reflects the signature floral motifs or color palettes associated with Laura Ashley Home to create a cohesive and harmonious display. Framing these pieces in ornate frames can further enhance the classic aesthetic.

By implementing these ideas, one can transform ordinary bookshelves into stylish and captivating displays that reflect the timeless elegance of Laura Ashley Home while enhancing the overall aesthetic of the living room. The key is to create a balanced and cohesive look that incorporates color, texture, and personal touches, resulting in a space that is both beautiful and functional.