Yolanda Hadid's vertical living room shelving transforms a functional element into a striking focal point – experts say it's easy to recreate

Everyone wants their home to feel personalized and have ample room for storage. Why not combine the two necessities? Yolanda Hadid's space is a stunning example of how shelving can function as both decor and storage.

The former model's living room shelving stretches an entire wall in her Texas home. Warm backlighting turns it into a personal museum, and a gorgeous combination of crystals, sculptures, and clay pots creates an incredibly striking effect. It pairs gorgeously with the rest of her neutral room.

'Yolanda Hadid’s stunning vertical storage wall, featuring built-in shelving, is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can transform functional elements into striking focal points,' says Nina Lichtenstein, Westchester-based interior designer. 'Flanking a large black fireplace, the shelving units themselves are black, offering a striking contrast against the reclaimed wood wall. Illuminated by accent lighting, the shelves draw the eye upward to the rustic wood ceiling, creating a sense of height and cohesion throughout the space. The lighting highlights not only the beauty and texture of the wood but also the carefully curated objects on the shelves, many of which are crafted from natural materials, further enhancing the organic, earthy vibe of the room.'

Hadid's shelving is reminiscent of this year's highly personalized bookshelf wealth trend. Lichtenstein states: 'The shelving serves as both a practical storage solution and a showcase for personal artifacts—whether it's books, ceramics, or cherished family heirlooms. The warmth and personality exuding from this wall create a sense of authenticity, as each item tells its own story, contributing to the space's lived-in, curated feel. Below the shelves, a storage area for firewood adds a rustic, yet functional, element, making the room feel even more grounded and connected to nature. The combination of raw wood, subtle lighting, and the organic materials on display gives the space an inviting, cozy atmosphere while maintaining a chic, modern edge.'

Further, experts recommend this storage idea for any home. Melissa Read, Principal Designer at Studio Burntwood tells H&G: 'Vertical storage can dramatically elevate a space by emphasizing the ceiling height, whilst maximizing space. To achieve a similar effect in your home, thoughtful planning is needed to decide what you plan to display versus what you wish to conceal, it's important to have a balance of open shelving to style, whilst also having hidden storage for everyday items. Incorporating a ladder, space permitting, can be a beautiful feature, whilst also being highly functional.'

'To bring this look into your own home, start by selecting reclaimed wood or another natural reclaimed material for the backdrop of your shelving,' adds Lichtenstein. 'The natural texture will not only add warmth but also create an eye-catching foundation for your personal collections. Incorporating built-in shelves ensures a seamless look, while vertical storage maximizes space and adds architectural interest. Accent lighting is key to elevating the aesthetic—installing soft, directional lights along the top and bottom of the shelving will illuminate both the textures of the wood and the objects on display, making them stand out beautifully.'

She continues, ' If you want to add an additional rustic feel, consider integrating a firewood storage area below, much like Hadid’s design, which not only provides a functional element but also deepens the sense of coziness and connection to nature. The combination of black shelving, wood accents, and thoughtful lighting will create a warm, personalized, and visually striking feature wall in your home.'

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However, the most important part of recreating the look is decorating the shelves. Read states: 'The styling process is where your personality can truly shine. The real joy of vertical storage lies in curating and arranging items to achieve a harmonious look.' Lichtenstein suggests: ' For a personal touch, choose a mix of natural and sentimental items to display on your shelves. This could include handmade pottery, woven baskets, or books with beautiful covers, alongside personal mementos that reflect your personality and experiences.'