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In the studio with Ab Rogers Design
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How to style your shelves like a pro
The British playwright Alan Bennett once observed that “a bookshelf is as particular to its owner as are his or her clothes.”
and there’s no doubt that our shelves, and the items we choose to adorn them with, offer the ideal platform for self-expression within our living spaces. Artfully arranging one’s shelves is, however, a practice it takes time to perfect. As such, we’ve called upon the talents of Alexander Phan, interior designer at British design practice Nicola Harding & Co. and a frequent Scape collaborator, to discover some of his top tips for styling your shelves, from where to shop to the all-important process of mixing and matching because, as Phan says, “there’s nothing more uninspiring than a one-note shelf."
Where to source
Naturally, the shelf-styling journey begins with choosing what to display. Books form the obvious starting point, but there are plenty of other items – from antique curios to objects d’art – that are required to bring a bookshelf or mantelpiece to life. Phan suggests striking a balance between old and new. “The reality is that the most beautiful objects are often the ones that are a little bit damaged, worn, or weathered,” he says. “They’re the things you find in a charity shop for £2; they have sentimental value to you. But you can mix these with a few select pieces from highstreet stores like H&M Home, too, to keep it contemporar."
So, where would Phan recommend scouring for the best vintage and antique finds? “Etsy is fantastic,” he reveals. “You need to trawl for the really good pieces, but it’s a treasure trove once you find some good sellers.” The designer suggests bookmarking sellers with interesting pieces who regularly refresh their online stores. He also encourages visiting antique and flea markets – Kempton and Beckenham Place Mansion are particular favourites – and keeping your eyes peeled while travelling overseas. “You’ll find pieces that you wouldn’t necessarily find in the UK at great prices. I recently bought an old onyx and marble stamp press in a shop in Poland that is so unusual."
Objects and books are always an extension of yourself and your personality so if you’re particularly drawn to a piece, don’t hold back on it.
How to find items that reflect who you are
When it comes to identifying pieces you’ll truly cherish, Phan says, it’s important to follow your instinct. “Objects and books are always an extension of yourself and your personality, so if you’re particularly drawn to a piece, don’t hold back on it’,” he enthuses, adding that “even the most horrific-looking thing on your shelf can make for a good conversation starter!” This doesn’t mean making a rushed purchase, however – “things bought on impulse generally don’t stick around,” he observes. Instead, it’s about taking time to reflect on what you feel attracted to and why, be that an object’s backstory, its appearance, or its associations (Phan himself collects and frames postcards from every trip he goes on). And once you’ve chosen your selection of shelf ornaments, commit to them: “Your space is your space!” Phan stresses. “Pick out the things that you love, bearing in mind that you can mix in something a little more neutral to offset the bolder objects".
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How to use colour and texture to your advantage
This brings us to the styling process itself, which, Phan explains, is all about taking a mix-and-match approach and being willing to experiment. “Palette-wise, you’ll find that you’re drawn to certain things,” he says of choosing colours. “But variety is key when you’re styling shelves – variety of texture, finish, pattern, scale, and of colour. So if I find I’ve got too many of the same tones on my shelf, I’ll add in a pop of something I wouldn’t usually go for. You’d be surprised how well things go with each other, like navy blues with a pop of acid green.”
When it comes to textures, he advises adopting a similarly eclectic strategy to avoid creating an ensemble that appears flat and drab. “You might be tempted to go for a plain column vase, for example, but I’d go for something with some sort of variation in colour or pattern. A lot of hand-thrown ceramics have imperfections and interesting glazes that add layers and texture,” he says, noting that finishes are a good way of experimenting with depth. “Don’t be afraid of mixing matte finishes with glossier ones, because when the light hits, these shiny finishes will create a nice little spark that catches your eye.”
How to play with pattern and scale
Phan admits that he’s not “a huge pattern person” himself, but, since joining Nicola Harding & Co. three years ago, he says, he’s come to recognise it as a powerful tool. “It’s all about mixing scales of patterns, because if you have the same scale of pattern throughout, things tend to look a bit fuzzy and one-dimensional,” he expands. “So if you’ve got a wallpaper with a larger-scale pattern, use smaller-scale patterns for cushions or objects.”
For those who find patterns daunting, Phan recommends taking advantage of smaller patterned pieces. “A lampshade, for example, is a fantastic way to commit because you can go quite bold and full on, but you’ll find the effect charming rather than overwhelming.” He also advocates experimenting with the scale of the objects on your shelves: juxtaposing a large statement vase with something smaller and more earthy, like a small ceramic vessel, he posits, is an ideal means of creating definition and depth.
How to harness the beauty of nature
There are many ways of integrating natural elements into your shelving arrangements, and Phan actively encourages us to do so. “It’s really important! It adds that extra layer we’re looking for when styling.” He advises seeking out timber shelving, and employing greenery, like pot plants, to add an extra layer of life. “I would definitely try to avoid artificial plants, though!” he warns. Phan himself collects stones from pebble beaches: "There’s so much beauty in these things that have been rolled and tossed around for centuries, and the shapes and patterns this produces.”
How to light your shelves for maximum effect
There’s one final element of shelf styling that Phan says often gets overlooked, and that is lighting. “People often feel restricted to built-in, linear strip lighting that is very even and highlights every single thing underneath it, but that can feel a bit stagnant,” he says. The solution? Very small table lamps, which Phan notes are some of the Nicola Harding & Co. team’s most-purchased finds. “We look for ones we can add to bookshelves to add a pop so that it’s not just books and objects; it adds another layer of personality.”
In general, Phan notes, the studio tries to avoid the “jarring” effects of LED downlighting, using table lamps, floor lamps and wall lamps instead to create “little pockets of light that result in a much more comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere." And, in the case of your newly arranged shelves, the softening effect of such lighting is just what’s needed to lend a gentle coherence to the display.
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