Nicole Richie's organization technique celebrates the 'bookshelf wealth' trend with a calming, luxury design scheme

Leave it to Nichole Richie to turn storage chic. The actress and fashion designer took to Instagram to share what she's been reading, and we couldn't help but notice that her organizational technique celebrates not one but two 2024 interior design trends. 

Richie's space is an ode to both the bookshelf wealth style and the rustic modern look that has been taking over our social media feeds over the past four months. Even better, she approaches each trend in a uniquely stylish way.

First, let's unpack Richie's colorful take on bookshelf wealth. 'The 'Bookshelf Wealth' trend has overtaken paint and wallpaper to emerge as the best way to decorate and personalize the home,' says Shelley Cochrane, interior design expert at Furniture Village.

She continues: 'Of course, there's no single 'right' way to organize your bookshelf, so whether you lead with aesthetics and organize your curated selection of books in rainbow order or opt for a practical A-Z-themed approach, the key is keeping it authentic.' This idea is definitely reflected in Richie's home, where books are the beloved objects that add color to her space.

However, it's not just the books that make Richie's book storage special. She has filled the top row of her built-in shelves with bronze sculptures for a stylish and original look. Cochrane advises this, telling H&G: 'I also recommend filling your bookshelves with more than just books. This way your bookshelf will serve as a decorative and expressive style statement, rather than a perfunctory piece of furniture.'

The second trend mastered by Richie is the modern rustic look. This trend revels in the blend of natural materials with contemporary fabrics and silhouettes. In the House of Harlow 1960 mogul's home, this idea comes through an artful combination of natural wood built-ins with the sumptuous blue velvet sofa.

Jennifer Ebert, color expert and digital editor at H&G, states: 'Nichole Richie's space has the perfect combination of earthiness and glamor. The mix of textures and deep, rich, inviting colors would make anyone feel instantly at home in this room. I especially love her choice of sofa. Navy and brown from the natural wood shelves is a classic combination that will never date, and the velvet material evokes timeless luxury.'

Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.

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Natural wood bookshelves, a navy velvet sofa, and a bronze sculpture are all the pieces you need to get started on builidng a space just as warm and inviting as Nicole Richie's. Just add books.

If you can't choose a design trend to follow, why pick? Nichole Richie's home shows how the mix of more than one trend can create a beautiful, stylish, and unique space.