The shelf styling trend is one interior design concept that involves displaying fewer objects, but arranging them in a more aesthetically pleasing way. It cuts down on colors, but makes careful, considered choices about the chromatic palette.

In short, it’s a more minimalist approach that brings an air of calm and serenity to home interiors. In fact, queen of tidy Marie Kondo says that if you surround yourself with things that bring joy, you will create a home and a life that you love.

The first thing to bear in mind is that it’s almost impossible to make a mistake in the shelf styling process, according to Gillian Segal, a Vancouver-based interior designer, who has been featured in Vogue magazine.

However, a few tips can help you in the process.

Create space

It seems obvious, but the first thing to do is to clear out your shelves by giving away or throwing out anything you don’t want anymore, while thanking those items for their good and loyal service, according to Marie Kondo’s advice.

Second, while many people tend to fill up every inch of space, shelves look more stylish when objects have room to breathe. It’s also a good idea to start with white and then expand your color palette accordingly.

Create balance

Start by balancing out the items on your shelves. To do this, place your heavy or bulky items towards the bottom, like large books or baskets. Then, when it comes to other decorative items, the choice is yours.

Frames for family photos are a clever starting point, around which you can lay out the rest. Plants and flowers are also a great decorative choice. They add life and freshness to inanimate objects.

Create order

Are you a fan of books, comics or vinyl? Gather them in one place and arrange them by size or color. Another great option is to store them in decorative boxes that will add elegance and texture to your living room. If you have a collection of items such as perfume, books or pottery, put them together in odd numbers — three, five, seven or more.

Three is a great number, but it depends on how many items you have. Repeating decorative elements or arrangements helps create a flow. Just remember to vary their position on the shelves, so that they aren’t lined up directly under each other. Instead, let the eye zigzag across the shelves.

Play with shapes and sizes

Finally, bring variety to your shelves by playing with size and shape. Think, for example, of using framed art prints, original photo prints. For a more budget-friendly option, try stylish posters or postcards with a sleek, minimalist look. Even so, how do you check the results of your hard work?

According to interior expert Gillian Segal, you need to take a step back and not hesitate about making changes. In contrast, sometimes, the ideas you have in your head might not look as good as you think in real life. Nonetheless, you’ll only find out once you get started.