Shelf Life

design dilemma: shelves

What to do with those shelves? Fill em up? Paint the backs? Panic and do nothing? Well executed, shelves may be great place to display your collected treasures and potentially create a big "wow factor" in a space. However, they may quickly turn into a haven of dust-collecting tchotkes, re-gifted picture frames, and unread novels. Here are some quick tips to transform your shelves from a place of haphazard clutter to thoughtfully arranged objects.

1. Less is more

Resist the temptation to shove everything on your shelves that hasn't found a home elsewhere. a few, carefully displayed objects have far more visual impact. Extra tip: choose objects with an interesting shape to add dimension. We especially love white, glazed ceramic figures.

2. Make it personal

Purchased at David Hicks on a trip to Paris

Choose objects that tell a story or signify a special moment in your life. It will add an extra layer of history and make your room feel like an authentic representation of yourself. 

3. Books

Go Home Ltd. Books.
contact Ramey to purchase

Add refinement by removing covers off books and exposing the binding. You may even color-code books for different sections of your shelves. We are huge fans of  vellum books in aqua, ivory, and silver. 

4. A new spin on the original

Penguin Hardcover Classics, $20 each; penguin.com

From Dickens to Shakespeare and Austen, Penguin has taken some of the most beloved literary works and reprinted them in a graphic hardcover series that will complete any empty shelf.

new york gift show: take two

we left the gift show with lots of new and exciting finds. from hundreds of booths, we've narrowed it down to the best of the best. check out our top shelter standouts!

pheromone by christopher marley

from $240; available in: 8x10, 11x14, and 16x20
photos courtesy of pheromone

christopher marley turned his love for nature into art, initially by creating vibrantly colored mosaics from insects. his framed kaleidoscopes of butterflies and beetles soon expanded into other natural forms such as urchins and shells. but this year, we were particularly taken with his crystal collection. they are the perfect juxtaposition of glamour and grit. 

holly stuart designs

from top left, modern square, ikat, and dot fan in saxon green.
sayagata, artichoke, ikat,  florentina, and santorini in latte.
$30 each; 15 in. round

holly stuart designs debuted her collection of block print-inspired placemats. each pattern is custom designed in her studio and hand-applied. most prints are available in six farrow & ball colorways. bonus: the dot fan pattern, which resembles shagreen, can be special ordered in any farrow & ball paint color. sold! these are perfect for dressing up any dining area, from the weeknight family meal to an al fresco dinner party.

julian chichester

blanchard chair; $3,150

julian chichester never disappoints and this year they proved why they're always at the top of our list with this amazing spool chair. the details in the arm rest and head roll make it extra special... and comfy! we're also swooning over their consoles. classic shapes get an update with faux stingray skin. the rene console can also double as a lovely desk.  

rene console in chocolate and ivory; $3,235 each

large frank console with drawers,
available in chocolate and ivory; $3,726

contact ramey to purchase any of these items

Ramey's Raves

our very own, relentlessly chic, ramey caulkins has shared with us five things no one should live without. from jelly to face serums, see what makes her "it" list:

one. capitol clothing

photo courtesy of Garden & Gun
laura lounges by her boutique's vertical garden,
 designed by famed french botanist patrick blanc. 

style-maker and lady of all things elegant, laura vinroot-poole has curated a shop of best-in-class designer rtw, jewelry, and accessories. "i don't live in charlotte, north carolina, but that doesn't stop me from being a frequent customer of capitol. my fave brads are alaia, nina ricci, ysl, and lanvin. jody candrian and gem palace make exquisite baubles."

two. stonewall kitchen blueberry jam

photo courtesy of stonewall kitchen

"i have a weakness for white toast with butter and jam. my absolute favorite is from stonewall kitchen in maine. pair it with a buttered bay's english muffin, popovers, or even over cream cheese with crackers for a quick appetizer. it's divino."

three. tata harper skincare

photo courtesy of tata harper skincare

"let's face it. it's dry here in colorado, especially in the winter. i need my hydration. tata harper skincare is an organically produced skincare line hand-made in vermont with products containing over 29 active ingredients. my must haves are the rejuvenating serum and resurfacing mask."

four. soul cycle

photo courtesy of soul cycle

"oh how i wish we had a soul cycle in denver. this may be the new best workout- 45 minutes of high-energy body blasting. spinning away to great songs and dance club favorites, you burn more than 600 cals a class. sign me up! email soul cycle here and tell them you want one in denver! your body will thank you. next time you're in nyc or la, treat yourself to a class at soul cycle. you won't be disappointed."

five. buffalo china co.

photo courtesy of williams-sonoma

"made in buffalo, new york, since 1901. buffalo china was the industry standard. total americana."

bonus. my family 

photography by Tria Giovan

"i couldn't live without my incredibly funny husband and my two children who make me laugh every day. thank you hayden for always coming to visit me in my office and to lisey for agreeing to be my junior decorator!"