Amber Lewis shares her three simple steps for effortlessly stylish shelving

One of the most classic ways to make a home feel eclectic is by showcasing a curated collection of pieces. Whether it's a spread of meaningful ornaments, a stack of books, or a group of old paintings, displaying prized pieces is a fail-safe way of making a space feel charming and unique.

Shelves are the best way to showcase your favorite pieces as they're conveniently out of the way. While there are plenty of ways to decorate shelves, figuring out where to start isn't always easy. Luckily for us, interior designer Amber Lewis recently shared her go-to method for creating a beautiful shelf display which she dubs 'taking a shelfie'.

Revealing her three steps, Amber makes shelf styling look both easy and fun, saying 'I’m breaking down some quick tips and tricks on how we like to make a shelf happen.'

1. Create a foundation with bigger pieces

To create a cohesive yet considered shelf, it's important to group your pieces into layers, adding them step-by-step. Amber starts her shelf styling by opting for the bigger objects first, creating a 'foundational' layer for the later smaller decor.

It's important to start with bigger pieces first so you don't need to worry about there being enough room for them later. It'll be much easier to add in your ornaments once this step has been achieved. 'We usually like to start by placing bigger book stacks and artworks as the first and most important foundational step', says Amber.

Placing framed paintings at the back of the shelves, Amber creates a backdrop that will stand behind the smaller pieces. She spreads her pictures around, adding one to each individual shelf. She then places a stack of books at the end of one of the rows, which will pair well next to a small ornament.

2. Create layers with smaller pieces

'Next, I layer it up', says Amber. 'I like to go in with smaller, more unique pieces. I pay attention to using items of different shapes, heights, and textures that give the eye focal points to bounce between, or as I have coined it, the eye can ping pong around the shelves and find harmony throughout.'

This step is where you'll have the most fun as it's when most of the styling will happen. Amber goes in with all types of decor, such as a ceramic vase, a rattan basket, and a trinket box to fill in the gaps of her shelves and bring some warmth and interest. Here's where to try decorating with vintage as it's all about slotting in meaningful trinkets with character and individuality. 'Adding in vintage vessels, stools, or larger decor objects that add depth and dimension is how we get the wow in our shelves', explains Amber.

Amber uses coordination to make styling easier, adding her decor by group. 'I tend to try and create smaller groupings in this layering stage. I group items of similar colors, textures, or shapes together for added visual interest and impact', she says.

3. Fill in the gaps

To finish the look, add smaller pieces in the spaces left. These little items will fill the empty areas and accessorize the shelves, uniting all of the other layers.

'Lastly, I fill in the gaps with those finishing touches like florals and little trinkets', says Amber. If you're going for a warm, rustic look like Amber's, she says to 'try to remember to keep color palettes neutral' as this will ensure the look is cohesive.

Whether you're working with alcove shelving or kitchen shelving, no matter your style, Amber says it's important to 'use interesting items that help tell a story, and when in doubt, take it out. Generally, if something feels off, it probably is. Remember to stop and step back now and again and admire your work.'

The key to Amber's chic shelves is her three-step method that centers around layering. To create a considered yet interesting shelf, group your decor into sections and add them according to size and type.