Christine Schwalm Design

As promised, here's some more information about the project I posted last week.  If you look through the before and after shots, you'll see two different issues in place.  The first set of built-ins (living room) is clearly a case of not enough accessories to adequately dress the space.  It is a formal room, so leather bound books, family photos and decorative boxes are appropriate.  But I also added some shine and sparkle to  keep it from feeling to heavy.  You'll note the crystal spheres and the peacocks (aren't they awesome?!) 

The family room had the opposite problem--too much stuff!  The basic idea, however, is still the same.  Here are some things to keep in mind:
     *Make the items appropriate to the space
     *Keep heavy items (visually and literally) on the lower shelves
     *Use a variety of shapes and textures to create interest
     *Repeat certain elements to create some unity