simple style: the parsons bookcase

it's always fun when a decorating client has more interesting things than places to put them. what's more often the case is having too many built-ins to fill, and nowhere near the amount of stuff you need to fill them. don't get me wrong, i do enjoy helping a client start a collection. believe me, i have many long and windy roads my brain can go down when challenged to group kooky things together, but, i must say, someone with a stockpile of pretty little bits prêt-à-porter is a decorator's dream.

a favorite client i'm working with in dallas has just that issue - a bounty of good taste resulting in a hoard of flea market finds, vacation memorabilia, good looking books, family heirlooms, and bright quirky collectibles. for her tv room, i suggested we add some shelving to display her objects. we quickly agreed a classic parsons bookcase from west elm would be just the thing. we're going to flank it on one side with a simple tortoise folding chair that can be pulled up in a pinch, and a stack of vertically hung artwork on the other to balance it out. it's a small room, and the bookcase centered on the wall showcasing all of her treasures will make the room feel like an exquisite box you've pried the lid off of.

until i get back down to texas to snap some shots, here are a few instances of a parsons bookcase looking it's very best.

home decorators also has a perfectly nice budget option (i have two blue ones in my office).
images from: ashley whittaker, emily henderson, nick olsen, lonny and west elm.