Photo: Courtesy of Homepolish.
It only took one (sneak) peek at this Brooklyn Heights office space for us to see that the folks at Homepolish — the interior geniuses responsible for the streamlined makeover — know what they're doing. Whether it's a total renovation or culling the perfect finishing touches, designer work by the hour to create a balanced space that just works.
While we love our Kindle as much as the next person, there’s no denying the show-stopping beauty of a room filled with books. Not to mention, there’s something about turning the page that’s unmatched by the blue glow of an e-reader.
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So, with the temperatures dipping below freezing, we thought this was the perfect time to hit the books. If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate those perfectly-styled bookcases you see all Pinterest, read on. Spoiler alert: It’s not as hard as you think.
Photo: Chellise Michael/Courtesy of Homepolish.Color-coded, ombre, or monochromatic bookcases
One part library and one part art installation, this look creates a dramatic statement with books and other decorative objects. There are a few ways to accomplish this: First, simply organize the books you currently own by color. Mix it up by turning large coffee table books on their side, or add in decorative accessories (we love all-white or metallics, which really pop) to create depth and visual interest.
Want to take it to the next level? Borrow a trick from interior designers: At Books By The Foot, you can order books for as little as $10 per linear foot, in almost any color and texture imaginable.
Photo: Chellise Michael/Courtesy of Homepolish.Go Minimal
Ombre not your thing? Go minimal and streamlined with all-white or monochromatic shelves, as seen here in the Soho loft of Marissa Vosper, designer of Negative Underwear.
Photo: Courtesy of Homepolish.Read by candlelight (without burning the house down)
If you want to duplicate the warm glow of candlelight sans the safety hazard, you can purchase an electronic candle. Some of these even include timers so you can set them to automatically turn off at four, six, or eight-hour intervals.
Ballard Designs Flameless Candle, $20-65, available at Ballard Designs.
Photo: Courtesy of Homepolish.Paint the inside of bookshelves
Another key trick of the trade is to paint or wallpaper the inside of your bookcase which will really make your library pop. Pick a color or pattern a few shades darker than the bookcase.
NEXT: Step Inside Homepolish's NYC Headquarters!