Looking at celebrity homes every day, I have a good sense of what's trending in the world of luxury properties. While glamorous amenities and accessories are indisputably exciting to look at, one of my favorite aspects of observing these homes is discovering innovative or practical ways to maximize storage.
You can imagine my delight when I laid eyes on Mandy Moore's Pasadena home, which was recently listed for $6,000,000 – while the entire property is elegant and timeless, one of my favorite aspects of the house is an all-white entryway, which, in an unexpected move, utilizes open shelving for decor.
The property was designed by Albert Frey, a student of famed architect Harold B. Zook. The California-cool comes in with renovations by Los Angeles-based architect Emily Farnham, interior designer Sarah Sherman Samuel, and landscape architect Terremoto. The combination of heritage design with a modern flair is what makes these vertical shelves stand out.
Open, vertical shelving is a fantastic way to achieve aesthetically pleasing organization – since all display items are out in the open, creativity can flourish with styling objects and mementos.
In the above image of Moore's space, we can see that she has arranged each shelf with a selection of ceramics, coffee table books, and candles. Each item is carefully curated; none of the shelves look overly crowded or busy. I love seeing someone's cherished belongings arranged neatly in a space – it gives rooms a gallery-like appearance that instantly elevates any area.
It is easy to get caught up in which objects should be placed in open shelves. In a nook like Moore's, it is natural to include some beautiful coffee table books on display for some visual material. However, I believe that there is no real right or wrong way to approach display item selection, and that is the beauty of open shelves: they're completely customizable.
I would recommend bringing in a mix of neutral, calming pieces, such as terracotta ceramics or a stone bookend, along with any sentimental items that will bring joy to a room, such as a cherished vase or beloved book.
Maintaining visual interest is also key with open, vertical shelves. We can see that Moore's arrangement of objects is varied, with some shelves containing a single object, such as a bowl, while others feature a couple stacked books, with a candle on top.
Just as layering textures is a tried and true way to create depth in a monochromatic space, so is layering items on an open, vertical shelf. Objects can be as artistic as you make them, so get experimental with the positioning of items.
La DoubleJ enlisted the help of historic Verona-based porcelain maker Ancap to craft this statement pineapple-patterned vase.
Sized to hold our most beloved jewels, this lightweight, hard-wearing, and artfully folded tray is almost as beautiful as the items it holds.
These candle holders will bring a boutique ambiance to any shelf. They're handmade from dark-brown ceramic with a unique finish.
If you want to infuse your space with a selection of personalized decor, all without the clutter of table and countertop surfaces, than I recommend open, vertical shelves anywhere from a living room to a kitchen.
Mandy Moore's home is listed with Teresa Fuller at Compass.
