Friday, March 13, 2009

Shelving Memories

I finished decorating my bookshelves. I did use a few books, mostly vintage ones that I've collected with wonderful titles like How To Be Happy Though Human, Rest And Be Thankful, How To Live. And books with foreign titles that I would love to be able to pronounce.I packed the shelves full of mementos from foreign places; places where family and friends have been, places I hope to one day visit. I wanted each shelf to tell a story. This may be too much visual clutter for some, but I love it!
There are remembrances of Germany, where my husband spent two years on a mission for our church, and of Russia, where my middle son served. There are souvenirs that my daughter brought back from Africa, where she volunteered at a school for the deaf.
Tokens from Holland, Denmark and England are under a cloche, safe from toddler hands.There's keepsakes from the time my daughter spent serving the people in Argentina. One shelf has things from France. When I was in junior high I took French for two years and dreamed of touring Paris. This shelf keeps the dream alive.
I added in photographs and paintings and even old silver trays. The silver trays reflect light back into the room and are a great place to add more personal photos and postcards held on with pretty magnets (the next thing for me to do).
I thought about adding small lamps, but since my boys and their friends spend a lot time in this room, I knew it wasn't practical. That's why there's no pillows on the love seat. The pillows just got their way and ended up on the floor. Instead of letting it make me crazy, I just removed the pillows.
Decorating should include your family's lifestyle. It should be comfortable, inviting, inspiring, stir positive emotions, and create wonderful memories. That's my goal when I decorate. I think I achieved it in this room.

22 comments:

Mitten from Smitten said...

I love it when people use bookshelves for their collections as well as books. Bookshelves with JUST books are boring. Yours look fantastic!

Candice said...

It's sooo pretty! I love the traveling theme you have. You have such a knack for decorating! Thanks for the inspiration!

Staci @ Designing and Motherhood said...

I think that is amazing. I agree a home is the reflection of you. You are talented. Keep sharing please. Staci

Unknown said...

It looks gorgeous!

Tiffany said...

Very nicely done! I love that each shelf has a theme and that everything goes together perfectly.

Darlene said...

I absolutely LOVE how you have decorated those shelves. I think it is fabulous that you have foreign themes on each shelf. BEAUTIFUL and every time you look at it brings back wonderful memories. LOVE it!♥

The Soladay Family said...

I looks beautiful! I love black furniture because it makes everything on/it it pop!

Valarie Lea said...

I love that! It looks really great!

Georgia Girl said...

Loving the country theme! I have several pieces from different countries also...I need to do something like that.

Oh for the giveaway...I have two that I love of yours...well I love all the tutorial you have shared. However, these are the two that could be done and anyone would love. grain sack reproduction of monogram or the wedded bliss....I would love anyone of those.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Oh your shelves turned out so lovely. I like how you mixed the shelves up with items.

Lex said...

I absolutely LOVE your blog and the green door coffee table you have in the living room is divine!!!!

Lex said...

p.s. this is "Hermana Roussel" if that helps :)

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

I love your international themed shelves, they look great! You gave me an idea. I saw your windmill under a cloche. I'm going to do the same thing with some little wooden shoes my friend brought back for me from The Netherlands.

For the give away: I love your reproduction grain sack in a frame.

Rich Angie said...

So cute! I seriously try to make my shelves cute like that and it just doesn't work out :(

Your daughter served in Argentina? My bro is in Salta right now...did you say where she served in Arg? I'm thinking I may have asked you this already...

Cindy said...

How fitting in that room with the map and the wall of clocks!! Beautiful!

K said...

Your shelves look awesome! I always get such great ideas from "visiting" your place.

Kirsten

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

They look lovely.

Kendra said...

can I say you are amazing? Thank you for your cool blog.

Christine said...

We are a kin... Paris.
I decorated one whole room in our home with Paris artifacts.

Nicley done.

Amy said...

You have so many great ideas here! I especially like the framed map and clocks and the silver trays. My bookcases are kind of dark, and this might be just the hint of sparkle they need.

Rainy Day Farm said...

I love this project, I think I even have my husband talked in to making me some. What size of wood did you use for the selves? They are so unique and fun. Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us!

Meg said...

I love bookshelves! I am currently collecting ideas for some shelves I got. Yours were good inspiration. I really like how you lined up the clocks too. I don't think I've ever seen that in a home before, it looks really good.

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