The challenge of mastering practical but gorgeous-looking shelving is something we all, Gwyneth Paltrow included, face in our homes. And she may have just set a new bar with her beautiful yet functional book storage system.
The actress-turned-businesswoman shared a look inside her famously chic Montecito residence, created by celebrated designer Brigette Romanek. Her 'forever home' is stylish but holistic – comprising a white marble kitchen, a neutral living room, and a zen backyard – so, of course, something as mundane as her storage was going to be just as effortlessly good-looking.
'Earlier today, I talked with my dear friend Brigette Romanek and [designer] Richard T. Anuszkiewicz about how we incorporate wellness into design and the inspiration for my new home,' Gwyneth says while sitting in a book-filled corner. 'We touched on my design journey – all the way down to the Monogram Appliances [Gwyneth's favorite kitchen range] I chose for my kitchen. Where do you all find inspiration when starting a new home project?'
When it comes to living room book shelf ideas, Gwyneth's solution is simple but effective. She has opted for white floor-to-ceiling shelves that allow the book jackets to bring just the right amount of color to the space. The shelves strike a balance between a relaxed yet organized aesthetic – something that hasn't gone unnoticed by H&G's Interiors Therapist Suzanne Roynon.
'I admire the curated organization of Gwyneth’s shelving,' she comments. 'The actress has an eclectic range of interests which are reflected in her reading choices, and she has created a space that is beautiful, relaxing, and composed.'
So, how can we recreate this look in our own homes? Even when working with small space storage, Suzanne says this look is 'eminently straightforward' to replicate.
'The secret is to treat the shelving as a display space for items you love, rather than viewing storage as something you should cram everything into,' she explains. 'It’s a change of perspective which comes with interiors therapy, and it elevates the energy within a home to support and uplift the occupants.'
And one other key thing to remember? Think about the placement of the lower shelf. 'My one suggestion, offered from painful personal experience, is to be sure the lower shelf will not collide with the back of your head when you flop into your chair or sofa.'
Whether used for books, vases, or accessories, this is our reminder to keep our shelves curated – and think about their all-important placement. And for a failsafe starting point, we're bringing Gwyneth's post to the very top of our bookmarks. We're also creating the look with these Paltrow-inspired buys below.
This beautiful pillow cover showcases Kerry Joyce's 'Petite Fleur' print. It's similar to that seen on Gwyneth's white sofa – adding a hint of modern comfort to the space.
