Color-blocking has been popping up all over the fashion world. I love this playful trend, and there’s no reason why we should limit it to our wardrobes. If stacking an outfit with bold hues makes a fashion-forward statement, why not try it in our homes as well?

Color-blocking a bookshelf is a quick and easy way to update your living space. Pairing together blocks of colorful books with neutral furniture can make a huge visual impact in any room. Take our living room for example…

Before the switch, our bookshelves were a tad chaotic but full of hidden potential. Grouping the books by color livened up the space and brightened up our simple white walls. I love the fact that these everyday items are now a vibrant part of our decor.

Want to give it a try?

Here are a few tips on color-blocking your shelves…

• Make sure your furniture and surrounding decor is simple and neutral so that you don’t overdo it. Neutrals like white, grey, brown or black will help tie your ‘ensemble’ together.
• A rainbow of colors simply doesn’t work in every space. Be selective in choosing which books (and colors) you’ll display; edit your shelves just as you’d edit an outfit.
• Bright-colored books contrasted against neutral shelves will add a vibrant pop to your décor.
• If you’d like a more low-key look, try mixing different hues of the same color. For example, group together sky blue, royal blue and navy colored books in a room with blue decor.
• Opposites attract. Don’t be afraid to mix bold colors! (See the pink and red books in Candace Bushnell’s apartment below…)

And a few beautiful examples for inspiration…

Modern pops of color mixed with antiques in Annabelle Kerslake’s charming Australian home {sneak peek via Design Sponge}.

Books transform this wall into a dynamic focal point {Jon & Tyke’s Modern Cabin via Apartment Therapy}.

Designer Susan Forristal styled this simple shelf into a playful masterpiece in Candace Busnell’s Manhattan apartment {via Elle Decor}.

Will you be trying this trend in your home?

Love it or leave it – let me know below! XO, Mariel