Stylish bookshelves

Bookshelves...they're not just for books!  Take a look at these stylish shelves featured at Coastal Living and get inspired to restyle yours!

On Display
 
Coastal Cool
 
Highlight a few special items by keeping it simple and painting the back of
the bookcase a contrasting color.
 
Chic Chinoiserie
 
 
Colorful Craze



Living Large
 
Floor-to-ceiling built-in cases provide sizeable storage space.  Vary the shelf height and reserve a few shelves for vases, bowls or other other decorative to avoid an overly-cluttered appearance.
 
Show Stopper
 
Don't think you have room for a bookcase?  How about up the stairs?
 
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If built-in bookcases flank a fireplace or doorway, outfitting them in the same way will bring a clean, cohesive feel to the room.
 
 
Here are a few more photos to inspire you (from my Pinterest boards)
 

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Wrap the couch in bookcases instead of using end tables.
 
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Here a low bookcase divides a room without closing off the space.
 
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For more ideas on how to achieve a well styled bookcase, click Here.
 

A trip to France


Hello friends!  Sorry for the absence last week…it was crazy busy!  End-of-the-school-year madness hit, I’m working on several clients’ projects, my piano recital was Saturday night (I’m also the owner & teacher of Little Bird Piano Studio and currently have 20 students) and I’m leaving in 9 days for France & Italy!  I can’t believe our trip is almost here!  So much to do before we leave! 
 
Two years ago I took a nine day trip to the southern coast of France to visit my cousin Sarah.  It was wonderful!  Here are some photos from that trip…and hopefully I can post some pics while I’m in France this time.  Stay tuned!
 
Sarah was living in Antibes, a coastal town between Nice and Cannes. 
 
 
The rocky coastline in Antibes

 
 

 
Quaint streets in Antibes



 



 
I had a balcony off my bedroom...this was the view each night.
 
Each day we'd set off to explore a different town.
Here are some photos from Eze, a medieval town built into the mountainside.


 
 
Spices at an outdoor market.
 
St. Paul de Vence.
Love the boxwoods in the clay pots!
 

 

 
 
 

 
The beaches at Cannes.
 
 
 
A cloudy, cool day in Cannes, but a good day for shopping!
 
 
 
I will try to post a few more times before I leave...
 

Designer Barclay Butera



West Coast designer Barclay Butera is known for his classic and timeless interiors.  His book “Barclay Butera Living on the Coast” features a collection of inspiring and inviting waterside homes.  His homes are casually elegant and suited for beach living. 
 
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White walls+ natural rug+blue & white+nautical artwork = perfect!
 
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Shells in glass containers and framed sailboat photos bring the waterfront
inside without going overboard.
 
 
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All American red, white & blue
 
 
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Another one of my favorites!
 
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Love the unexpected touch of zebra!
 
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What a soothing, restful retreat!
 
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Even the laundry space gets a touch of the coast.
 
And a few more inspiring spaces...
 
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Hope you were inspired!