Decorating Our Bookshelves TWO WAYS *Minimalist vs Maximalist* | GUIDE TO DECORATING BOOKSHELVES

We are getting back to renovations at the cottage this week, but first I wanted to decorate our bookshelves in the Living room TWO WAYS - Minimalist & Maximalist style to see which one I would like more.
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[@bthompson95]

You should make a library ladder. Add a railing for both sides and a ladder that you can hook on and move. It could stay stationary on the right side for aesthetic purposes but be practical for when you want to switch up your shelves.

[@annehelenegroven]

Yesss that's such a great idea 😁😁. I think that would look amazing. MaCenna is just such an amazing person ❤️🥰❤️

[@Edu_Kate]

DIY Wife made one a couple months ago. Check out her kids' playroom makeover video.

[@jemma50]

I love the idea of a library ladder; however, I don't think there is enough space for one here. You really need a whole solid wall of bookshelves for a ladder not to intrude on the shelf decor. Or if the shelves were filled with just books, it could work.

[@blahblah123436]

I wonder if there would be a way to make one that would function in the kitchen for the higher cabinets too. One ladder for both rooms

[@sherylbentley3724]

Wonderful Ideal 💜

[@LindaKayHolevas]

This episode MaCenna- “I can’t find the perfect coffee table. I want it wood & brass, etc” Next Episode MaCenna- “since I couldn’t find the perfect coffee table, I am going to build one” 😊 Edit- I am definitely more of a maximalist, so that is the bookshelf I like the most, but both are beautiful.

[@RaeC5280]

That's exactly what I was thinking! "... She's just going to build it herself" if anyone could, it's MaCenna!

[@walkwithMilo]

I swear she got some sort of brass inlay type stuff at an estate sale or flea market some time ago, I reckon she'll find it and it will all come to her in a flash, and we'll be watching a Sunday how to make a coffee table in no time!

[@aliplay5]

that is exactly what I thought too haha

[@5272caribou]

I love how even on the “more” side, it’s not crammed full, there’s still room for the clusters to breathe and have their own moment. So visually appealing

[@_SarahHolly]

One option for your coffee table dilemma is to purchase brass feet to add to a wooden table you love! Etsy shops have lots of options for the size and shape of the brass feet.

[@gypsyrhodescovers]

I love this idea! And if anyone could actually make a coffee table and add brass feet...it's MaCenna!

[@robynsnest22]

I love your new fairytale house in LA but I have to say I LOVE your being back at the cottage and working on that! Beautiful styling as always. Hope you and Romeo feel better soon. 💜

[@ceer9141]

"Every room like a library" feel is definately 100% me. I'm a maximalist, moody vibes, these shelves are beautiful!!! 😍

[@FaithyandOtis..Massachusetts]

I love both homes, but this home is my favorite❤❤❤love the maxi side😊

[@Clean-N-ShineInDfw]

Same 🧡

[@Edu_Kate]

Probably because we've "lived" in it longer. 🤭

[@helenjubert4744]

I agree. Maybe because we've spent so much time at the cottage.

[@zaismile2116]

Same❤

[@cooky75015]

@@Edu_Kate ☺☺☺

[@denises9426]

I’m usually a minimalist but I LOVE how you did the “max” shelves, they’re both gorgeous!!

[@lenorepaladino8632]

The birds are quail. The flowers are peonies. Love your style!

[@annajorgensen2043]

I think they might be partridges, since quail have that floopy thing on their heads. But maybe I just didn’t see it.

[@Ruezy428]

@@annajorgensen2043 Not all quail have the plumage on their heads. I feel like they could be either partridge or quail. They're some sort of upland bird 😆

[@makaylaanderson7327]

I’m pretty sure they’re quail as well just by by looking at the texture of all the feathers. Out of the countless pictures of partridges I looked at they lack that visual texture, or at least that’s what I think.

[@schlendergirl1113]

Macenna, I usually don’t comment on videos, but I just wanted to tell you that you are a huge inspiration! You have exquisite taste and you are so crazy-talented! I wish you Aaaall the best for you and your family ♥️

[@mikkileon6380]

I know you and Romeo have a really tight schedule and so much on your plate. So I am so happy to see you both set an excellent example by taking time to rest when you possibly could. You’ve been pushing yourself so hard both of you. I hope you feel like 100% very soon🌷🌷

[@daky9434]

I love the maximalist bookshelf!! The more books the better🤩

[@EricaMEspino]

I agree ! I used to style with less but now that my house is full of beautiful things I love it and it feels so homier.

[@nenayrigoyen8624]

Love both sides

[@OICUR12]

Quail, not pheasants.

[@sallyhook102]

I really like the way you explained and filmed this episode! 😊

[@lipstickstories2409]

Can’t wait much longer for the kitchen cabinets! Aaaaah! Excited for that day!

[@robynsnest22]

And that beautiful range!!!!

[@sophiepanagiotopoulos6788]

The bust is actually David from David and Goliath. The actual statue can be seen in Florence Italy. The statue of David was created by Michaelangelo.

[@cassandragoss3041]

im just loving all your content macenna! i love both the houses so much in there own ways! ❤ your amazing at this and make it look so easy

[@XOMaCenna]

thank youuuuuuu

[@yuriemika57]

The man's head, MaCenna, is not of a Greek statue, but it's the head of Michelangelo' s David. The brass birds, on the other hand, are quails, not pheasants.

[@ksl2634]

Welp, I guess I'm a maximalist! 😄 Either that or I just really enjoy the use of books more heavily on that side of the fireplace. Always loved the idea of a moody academia feel 📚 🕯

[@bettenotap4791]

The candle on the lowest shelf on the right side looks like it’s going to burn your house down. Yes, I know it’s artificial but it’s bothering my brain! 😂 Everything looks great! I like breathing room on shelves, but the books look amazing up there.

[@elizabethsincere]

I honestly LOVE YOUR CHANNEL! I look forward to watching every Sunday !! Your decor style is so unique and has inspired me in so many ways! I can’t wait to buy my own home 😂

[@XOMaCenna]

awwww thank you so much!!!

[@Styledandorganized]

Well let me tell you, you do magic when you decorate 😍 I am a minimalist for sure, HOWEVER… I’m obsessedddd with the “more is more” side! Because it’s still nice and clean looking, it looks purposeful and not cluttered just because. I love it soooo much!

[@annkaufmann2549]

MaCenna - your bust is a copy of David - a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture, created in marble between 1501 and 1504 by the Italian artist Michelangelo. 🤩🤩🤩

[@JButler661]

I was just reading through the comments to see if anyone mentioned that. I love that statue.

[@lemmingmeringuepie]

My mum has a smaller version in the same style with the black base. She brought it back from a trip to Rome in the early 70s when she was 17. I would think that the one MaCenna has probably dates from the same time period and was also a holiday souvenir ☺

[@ashraj2146]

Finally, the comment I've been looking for 😉 The original statue still exists in Galleria dell"Accademia in Florence, out of one piece of marble! Masterpiece, worth a look, I love Michaelangelos sculptures! 😍

[@rosehughes599]

My husband thinks I'm watching the Superbowl , but I'm actually watching MaCenna with my Airpods in...

[@tondapatterson5297]

So glad you are back at the cottage. It's my favorite!

[@jennifertoliver9546]

Think they are quail, I am a ridiculous collector of books ( signed first editions of Kipling and Dickensand Pepy's) wooden shoe lasts, lawn bowling ball's ...... I HAVE NOT FIGURED out how to accommodate my collections!'

[@pw4075]

I like the way both shelves have been styled ... hard to choose but the maximalist style won out. As for the coffee table dilemma --- have you thought about looking at vintage chests or something that is vintage that maybe you could add brass elements to yourself? I love your new LA home but the TX cottage is my fav. It has your heart stamped throughout.

[@symphoniecameron]

i genuinely can't pick a side, they both look amazing!! i've been dying to see all your beautiful books and i'm so so happy you did the top shelves JUST books! it seriously turned out stunning

[@cathymorrison22]

I am definitely a minimalist. When I see a bunch of stuff all I see is "dust". So much stuff to have to dust off. But I'm an old woman and I've mellowed out so much that I don't want any extra work.You're young enough and have the energy to take care of it all- boy do you have energy!

[@lindaga820]

I CAN TOTALLY RELATE CATHY, I'M ALMOST 73 and I think of the dust factor too ! I'M TRYING TO SIMPLIFY MY HOME A LOT!

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

I'm 69 and have cut down on the dust factor too. I gave my son and his wife an "estate sale" day and they took a moving truck full of stuff to their empty house! I sized down much easier without having to move so much.

[@debstrout1844]

I thought the same thing, I can't imagine getting a ladder out each week or two to dust but I'm getting older all the time! I love the "more" side and have missed the cottage. Hope you and Romeo get better soon, there is so much stuff going around.

[@2FullMoons]

I’m only 26 and all I can think about is dust too LMAO but I also appreciate a more clean, less cluttered space for comfort reasons. I feel more relaxed in spaces that don’t visually distract me a lot.

[@susinok]

Same! Dusting all that is not fun at all, and it accumulates every week.

[@kimberlylabelle8986]

You did it again McCenna!!! Love both of the book shelves…I always go for more…I just love the stuffed/more look…my mom and sister always say it’s like an antique shop in our home…but I LOVE IT!!! Now my other half not so much…😬 Thank you again for another amazing video ❤

[@MariaGonzalez-nw8hr]

I love both houses, but definitely the Texas house is my favorite one. I really love everything in this house!❤

[@LeslieNikulka]

Hi MaCenna! If I'm not mistaken, I think your pair of brass birds are "Quail" and the 3-D carving of a man's head I think is a replica bust of Michelangelo's "David". If I'm wrong, please correct me to anyone out there who knows better; thank you. Thanks, MaCenna for another fun and inspirational video. OX

[@meganconklin8168]

Coffee table struggles are real. I've been hunting for the perfect one for my space and nothing seems right so far. Hopefully we'll both land on the perfect one soon. 🤞

[@XOMaCenna]

who would have thought it wouls be soooo hard right???

[@heathererickson282]

I ended up buying coffee table that someone took a dining table and shortened it. Absolutely love it.

[@_Sarby1]

@@XOMaCenna Your statue head looks like it's is Michelangelo's David xx

[@tristannatalie7]

For sure RH has brass and wood coffee tables

[@lovly2cu725]

maybe she will cobble something together

[@todayplay8532]

So I already knew coming into this video I was a maximalist! This proves it! I love the shelf on the right, not saying the left doesn't look good, but we both know the extra space will be filled before long! If you were decorating for a client that would be a good start to help them form ideas and have room to grow. And the brass birds are a pair of Quails.

[@alamahala]

Both are beautiful but if I had to pick then I love the more home-y library vibes of the maximalist side ❤

[@krickette5569]

VOLUME 3 is on EBAY for only 8.99 !!!! Those birds are Quail and I Love the maximalist side.

[@boniwales]

I loved how calm this video was , the fact that there was no music and it was just you decorating, it felt like a dream, and you look as cute as a button. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤

[@darlenesansing8758]

I love both. But my favorite is the maximum shelf. But that’s a great idea to to do minimal in summer for fresh and maximum in winter to create a cozy vibe. Great job!

[@Auguste.]

I was literally thinking: “ I hope she does some layered art work…” I love the look of layered art work just adds nice “effortless” look while still feeling curated 😍 20:14

[@lexi_kelly]

Girl!! The sculptural head you put is a bust of Michelangelo’s David! It’s obviously a copy of the original-but I imagine that’s why it was so expensive

[@shimmyshookmybones]

You did a beautiful job with both, but I'm 100% maximalist! My dream bookshelf aesthetic is like a turn of the century explorer who's crammed their library with heavily read, well-loved books mixed in with artwork and mementos that bring back vivid memories from their travels. My *actual* current bookshelf aesthetic is more like... just Mess😅

[@marilynwoodard7961]

I'm a fan of the "More" side. It is still not cluttered, just nicely populated! I think, with your knowledge of art, you must know that your bust is a copy of the head of Michaelangelo's David. But, I thought I'd mention it in case anyone was wondering. Yours is a nice one.

[@JL11775]

Sweet Kinsley on the chair makes the room perfect! Hope you and Romeo feel,better soon!

[@juliefredericksen6277]

Those birds are quail. I have a couple of brass quails too. I love your bookshelves. I am very much a maximalist girl with lots of collections, including a lot of art, brass candlesticks and a bajillion books (that I have read). Try eBay or Etsy for the encyclopedia volume you are searching for.

[@allykennedy9211]

So glad you’re back in Texas! Also really glad you said “I need more books” for the right side because I was saying that for the left side. Clearly I lean on the maximal side for my shelves 😂

[@sharmanbutler5429]

Love the maxi side the most. However, I was holding my breathe every time you climbed that ladder the way you did. You are not practicing good safety. You should know better than that. Teach good safety. I have a friend whose husband fell from a ladder and has been paralyzed for 15 years now so it DOES happen. Please protect yourself.

[@donnad.7986]

This is the best video on shelf styling I’ve ever watched. Thank you MaCenna More is More ❤❤❤

[@majohnse]

Somebody may have already mentioned it, but I’m pretty sure the bust is taken from Michelangelo’s David.

[@lwahethabdo7071]

Oh the cottage content is back❤ FINALLY 🎉

[@Vees2219]

Totally unrelated to bookshelves, but hearing your fireplace in the background while watching was everything😍

[@havvashenol6777]

I have to be honest this house is my favourite I could quite happily live there!!!! I love watching all your content love from London

[@kirsten5155]

Your statue looks like David’s head. The full size David is by Michelangelo out of marble and is located in Florence , Italy. Personally my favorite statue of all times and gorgeous in real life.

[@anitawoollard7087]

Glad that you added all your books in the upper shelves, they look so good along with the decor. Hope you are feeling better now.

[@clairemcblair]

It'll be easier to dust up there too! Just run the duster over everything. 😹

[@sandrabollen-hughes6182]

I think those birds are quails. And your man is a replica of David. By Michaelangelo.

[@natashahamilton1965]

2 videos of book shelf decor in one night! Lone Fox did one too.. Fab! 💜

[@vedakendrick8521]

right, I just came from Drew's video😀

[@jenjj5544]

Me too 😅🥰🙈

[@rosalindaarons6657]

Yes, I saw it also!

[@patsygoddard2791]

I just can't get enough of these two

[@patsygoddard2791]

Yup watched his earlier. I live for their videos

[@trinaroe5132]

The statue/art isn’t Greek. It’s a copy of Michelangelo’s David.

[@dulcegrace1188]

Okay, mom is making the popcorn! Thanks for this Sunday ritual!

[@angiemiller1335]

I'm pretty sure "that guy" is Michaelangelo's "David". 🙂

[@ba3140]

I'm definitely a maximalist! Love it

[@PCG1970]

The best place in the country to find any kind of furniture is North Carolina - known as the furniture capital of the world. Raleigh has amazing flea markets, and the whole area is loaded with antique stores! I bet you could find your coffee table here. Might be worth a little vacation to check it out 😊

[@laurab7379]

Both sides look great but I am leaning towards to right side with more, I feel those shelfs can handle more items, some book shelfs look better with less. You did a fantastic job! Gives me so many ideas for my home. This house keeps getting better and better. Your California home is amazing as well, you knocked it out of the park with using your own things for the living room. Beautiful homes!

[@rachel.lee1979]

Macenna - Have you considered a vintage baggage trolley coffee table. I'd just paint the metal wheels an aged brass. It could look fab.

[@traceynaples7572]

I love the maximalist side. Looks great! Hope you're both feeling better. Can't wait to see more projects.

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

I love layered art work. But my shelves have bbbbooooookkkkksss! I do have a 6 foot cabinet with edge where I filled the top with brown gravel, added a few rocks, a round vase in moody colors filled with water and live pothos and a horsehair ceramic sitting female. I still love it a year later. A friend calls it a meditation.

[@BrittniNicole]

I’m definitely a maximal person 😂. Do you plan on staining the French doors or leaving them?

[@AysKuz]

I am definitely more the minimalist. That sculpture of the man´s head is David by Michelangelo.

[@normaochavez6484]

My favorite was the maximalist. I love the syling.

[@annbailey311]

Those brass birds are quails and I have some just like them that I got for a wedding present 60 years ago. And the man’s head is named David from a famous sculpture

[@jackienorris2093]

I hope you both feel better soon. I actually like both sides of your shelf styling. I love using books to decorate. I have lots that my grandma gave my mom every year for Christmas. My mom is soon to be 98, so the books are very old!

[@elinasilina5926]

Hey McCenna! Love your channel! The head statue you have is a copy of Michelangelos David! Every part of that art piece is perfect, I have his nose at home 😊

[@nopitseneklidou8982]

I am so glad you are back to our favourite cottage!!! The shelves are so perfect! I love both sides but i will you pick the minimalist! So beautiful!!!😍

[@withramya]

Also be careful buying vintage books. A lot of them have arsenic, lead and other hazardous chemicals on their covers.

[@MySweetSammy]

I'm loving *both* bookshelves! They compliment each other beautifully!

[@stefanieand7501]

I love your natural decorating style. It might be “more” but it never feels like clutter to me and it feels curated while also feeling lived in ❤

[@dianamangas9398]

I'm so ready to see your kitchen done.sorry your sick hugs and love sent your way

[@jaymieeason990]

MaCenna you are so creative. Everything you do in your decorating is what I call simply perfect. Never too much but perfectly done. Congrats on the new house. That one too is simply perfect.

[@aesnyder10]

I think they are quails. I recently found a very similar pair at Goodwill and stripped spray paint off the brass.

[@ansbach74]

I have the same brass birds. They are quails.

[@aileenkoeppen4817]

I think the bust is the head of Michelangelo`s statue called `David`in Florence.

[@paulamiller3878]

Styling videos are my favorite.. especially maximalist with vintage finds. This episode is giving me all the feels. Time to restyle my bookshelves. ❤

[@delicatedots]

I'm still watching, but had to comment how much I love the top shelf of books!! Wow! Ok...back to the video!

[@jeannegrumbles7595]

Absolutely loved watching you do the bookshelves and can’t wait for you to do more renovations, both your homes are absolutely beautiful, your so talented and I love watching your videos.!!!❤️

[@darylisaac6615]

Bookshelves deco without books lol typical modern day fakeness

[@frankhetzel5363]

Hope you feel better! Great to see you at cottage! Love new house, but cottage is our favorite!

[@SynEveness]

I'm usually a more minimalist style but for some reason I really loved the maximalist one more. And dang... I do love that color on the bookshelves! Can't get over that 😍

[@mariedilly3649]

Your "Man's Head" is the head of Michaelangelo''s David in Florence

[@kungaie]

I love this, it's so relaxing. But also after a long draining day it's so nice to wind down and relax watching. I also loooooove the little fireplace background sound, it's making my ears happy :)

[@jennifergoode437]

Is the head sculpture not the head of David by Michelangelo?

[@childressherd1558]

Love your new house but this one is so much nicer!!!!

[@benteryseth6103]

Your statue is the head of Michaelangelo’s statue of David. It’s a beautiful statue!

[@Breana6111]

The books across the top are just perfect 😍

[@lauren_ea]

Pretty sure the statue is the head from Michelangelo's statue of David.

[@SeaTurtle515]

I like the more curated side, it’s not over done by any means and what’s really nice is that you get to display the items you love and have been collecting for a long time. Those built ins are gorgeous, even if they were empty.

[@KateLJ1799]

I'm really happy for them that they've bought their dream home in California but I'm sooooo happy to be back at the Texas cottage (with MaCenna's mom!) it's my favourite place 🥹

[@adriennestapleton]

As a librarian, I have been waiting for this video. 😍 And I completely agree that decorating a home to feel like a library is a very worthy goal. P.S. Get better soon.

[@gregsmith2136]

XO macenna I absolutely love everything that you do! You look so much like my daughter.🤗 You and your mom were such a joy to watch on the podcast. I absolutely adore your mom's paintings (she is so gangster) she is Swiggity Swag all the way! she does it all! I look forward to whatever you put out you are both so delightful. A breath of fresh air. So real!!🙋‍♀️❤ U B U XO McCenna!

[@MsJet1]

Find a glass/brass coffee table and make your own wood table top!

[@cbohn95]

Thank you for sharing your techniques! Shelves are so overwhelming for me because I'm not great about balancing surfaces. Also, I believe those cute little brass birds are quails!

[@crystalkirkland781]

I am more minimal stying by nature but I liked your max best. I felt like it still had great breathing room.

[@00Montse00]

The bust of the "man" is the David of michelangelo. 🤓

[@pilofun1]

The statue is a replica of Michelangelo’s David.