When we moved into this house two years ago this was essentially a blank wall. There was a fireplace, but no builtin’s or windows on either side of the fireplace. While I didn’t want to spend the money, I could not envision decorating the wall with anything other than built-ins! So while it was a nightmare of a project (read about that HERE) I’m so glad we did it! So today I want you to decorate my built-ins with me!
Built-In Decor Refresh
My built-ins have been one of the most fun things to decorate! With adjustable shelving and so much room, it’s great getting the chance to be creative! As a reseller I am constantly buying and selling vintage and antiques. Frequent sourcing trips and a constant rotation of inventory makes it extra fun!
While some sections haven’t changed much over the past years, others get completely new looks. Sometimes the new look comes from simply rearranging the same pieces, while other times the new look comes from new pieces!!
I have really been leaning into filling the built-ins with neutral decor. Curating lots of textures and earthy elements. You can watch me decorate it’s current look in the video below!
I Have It ALL On Video – WATCH
Original Art
When I went on a little sourcing trip I seemed to gravitate towards art. Like, most of what I brought home was art! So while I don’t really want to put any nail holes in the built-ins, I wanted to incorporate some of the art that I found. While most of the wall art I use is just leaning, I did allow myself one hole this time!! And, I’m still not sure how I feel about it!!
If you are okay with nail holes or have a finished surface where THESE would work, then I suggest hanging some art on the fronts of your built-ins! Because mine are raw wood, sadly things won’t stick!
This original canvas of a windmill and body of water just has the perfect muted blues and greens to tie in with my neutral decor. As a fun touch, I paired it with a vase of old used paintbrushes!
Something Unexpected
One of the reasons I love going to flea markets, thrift stores and antique shops is finding pieces that no one else will have. When I scored these birds made from cow horns I just had to have them! For whatever reason they were calling my name! They are weird and different and definitely something everyone else doesn’t have!
I’ll also point out in this picture that I took a bundle of unused candles and put them under a cloche. I used a little raffia under the cloche as a filler and to add another layer. If you are looking for more ideas for decorating with a cloche, check out THIS blog post.
In this section of the built-ins I used an old empty clock case. Because it is empty you have a lot of options on what to put inside it! This time I opted for some Spanish moss and other little sponge pieces. The buffalo statue might seem very unique to you, but the male bronze gymnast in the splits that I have sitting on top of the clock seems even more unexpected to me!
Layering
I didn’t really need to put this old shade on top of the wooden shoe, but I did it anyway!! It gives me some height, which I thought I needed, yet it doesn’t obstruct the view to my great grandpa’s old sale sign! It’s different and unexpected and I love the “extra” it brings!
Layering just comes naturally to me, for better or worse. Even if I became a minimalist, the decor I did have would be stacked!! 😂
Textures
This photo is another good example of layering, but it is also a great example of textures in your decor! I know some people find neutral decor to be “boring” but I don’t understand how! Checkout all of these different brown tones and tell me it’s boring! There are so many variations in textures with with fabrics, the metal hook, the cracks and wood details, etc. To me this isn’t boring, it is art!
Decorate For Free
You can’t get a better deal than free decor! Nature provides us so much beauty and I love incorporating it into my home!
So many studies encourage you to get outside to improve your mental and physical well-being! If you are a dog owner than you probably get outside more than most, but even if you aren’t I encourage you to get outside for a walk as often as you can!! This summer, hubby and I have been walking 3 miles most evenings. Sometimes we talk a lot and sometimes we don’t, but we both feel better getting outside!
Even when you aren’t walking, but driving, look around outside for beauty. You can always cut nature out of the ditch or pick up a feather on your walk! Bring those beauties home and incorporate them into your home!
Tips for Decorating
No matter if you are decorating your built-ins, open shelving, a bookcase or even your dresser, remember to incorporate these touches to make your home unique and one of a kind!
- Original Art
- Something Unexpected
- Layering
- Textures
- Free Decor
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