The best interiors feel true to the person who lives there. One of the easiest ways to personlize your home is by using shelving to showcase your favorite books, art pieces, and knick knacks. In Grammy-nominated musician Janelle Monáe’s home, her open shelves are designed to display her love of music.
A recent Instagram reel posted by the musician shows that her living room storage is defined by floor-to-ceiling shelves. In each vignette of the square, wooden, built-ins, Monáe has stacked a number of vinyl records that would make any collector jealout. She has stacked books and small statues among the vinyl to break it up. The bright colors of the records are the perfect accent against her neutral leather sofa.
The impact of the living room shelving is striking. Soledad Alzaga, San-Francisco-based interior designer states: 'Janelle Monáe’s floor-to-ceiling record storage shelves create a focal point in the room, adding both style and functionality. The shelves not only showcase her vinyl collection but also become a part of the room’s design and decor. Displaying vinyl in this way shows her passion for music while keeping everything neat and organized with easy access. It’s a great way to combine storage and style, showcasing her cool personal aesthetic.'
The choice of natural materials for the shelving brings an innate warmth to the design. 'Built from warm wood and spanning at least two walls, the shelving creates a unified yet dynamic backdrop that feels expansive and architectural,' says Westchester-based interior designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'It emphasizes the height and scale of the room, establishing a sense of order and organization while filling the space with character.'
If you are a music-lover considering recreating this scheme, why not try something unconventional? While records are traditionally displayed artwork out, Monáe shirks this tactic. 'By displaying the records with spines facing out, Monáe’s approach veers from the typical gallery-style presentation of album covers. This spine-out method provides a more minimalist, library-like look that feels refined and curated,' states Lichtenstein. 'Without the colorful artwork front and center, the arrangement becomes more subtle, letting the textures and tones of the spines add depth and visual intrigue without overwhelming the space. It complements the cozy, slightly lighter leather L-shaped couch positioned against the shelves, creating a harmonious balance between functionality and aesthetic restraint.'
She continues, 'This approach not only highlights Monae’s impressive collection but also invites a closer, more intimate engagement with it. The setup hints at the rich variety within her collection while preserving a calm, sophisticated ambiance.' It's a new take on the gallery wall.
Shop The Living Room Shelving Edit
Even if you don't have vertical built-in shelving in your living room, you can use open shelving to show off your books, music, or other collections. Here are a few of our top picks for durability, versatility, and affordability.
If you're considering replicating the look in your own home, now is a good time. Lichtenstein advises: 'It’s a design choice that reflects a modern interior design trend of using personal items as decor, blending function with a refined expression of individuality. By merging storage with artistic intent, Monáe has crafted a space that is as thoughtfully curated as it is personal, offering a glimpse into her passions in a way that feels both stylish and genuine.'
Whatever your passion, displaying it with clever shelving will instantly make your interiors feel more personal and intentional.
