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

[@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 💜

[@ceer9141]

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

[@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

[@denises9426]

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

[@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 ☺☺☺

[@_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!

[@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! 😍

[@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

[@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. 💜

[@sashahera5679]

Little dog always makes the scene complete ❤

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@lenorezp]

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🌷🌷

[@delicatedots]

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

[@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. ❤

[@SallyH102]

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

[@tondapatterson5297]

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

[@Vees2219]

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

[@lipstickstories2409]

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

[@robynsnest22]

And that beautiful range!!!!

[@yvettegoodlow6081]

Both are beautiful, only a subtle difference.

[@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.

[@nancyhart5027]

Also I love the max side of the bookshelves!

[@MariaGonzalez-nw8hr]

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

[@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!

[@JL11775]

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

[@ilonakatalindako-tolman5545]

I loved your book shelves....I love books and pictures and flowers ...❤

[@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

[@pattypinsky3085]

Hi cutie pie! Each of your homes are coming along so well- you and I share the appreciation for old things with character- in fact, I myself have turned into something old with character, myself..😂 May I suggest for your gardens in Texas, make your beds twice as wide; and fill them with native perennials and a drip system with an auto timer, so you don’t have to worry when you’re in LA. This will give you less grass to mow; always a good thing! And save your back-( and time!) this really works- put cardboard boxes directly down on your dirt, don’t worry about pulling weeds, the boxes will smother them out! Then layer on some garden soil, followed with compost, and put down 3-6” of wood chips or pine straw as mulch. Water thoroughly in between each layer. This will amend your dirt and turn it into soil, full of microbes and minerals and worms! You don’t have to dig a hole to plant your shrubs- just make a small slit in the cardboard, and seat the plant into the layers of soil, and water well. And don’t plant little plants closer than 12-18” from the wall or edge of porches. Remember, they’re going to get big!😮 Have fun, I always look forward to the sunshine you spread! Thank you!

[@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.

[@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

[@dejajaee]

MAXI MAXI MAXI ALL THE WAY! the books at the top shelf of both sides are beautiful!

[@normaochavez6484]

My favorite was the maximalist. I love the syling.

[@norawotton5440]

Both are gorgeous. I like that even the ‘more’ side has breathing room on each shelf.

[@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 📚 🕯

[@annasinclair9290]

Loved the minimal side but when you finished the maximalist side 😍😍😍😍😍😍 it’s perfect

[@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

[@lynnjohnson1413]

Beautiful so much personality! Like the shelves loaded more full.

[@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!!!

[@AysKuz]

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

[@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.

[@maevaallio2581]

I definitely love the maximalist side 😍 The sounds of this video with the fireplace is so ASMR.

[@alamahala]

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

[@maryp186]

The fact that you got a video live even when you didn't feel your best just goes to show your dedication and hard work! i hope you feel better

[@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. 😹

[@elisabethreinbach9034]

It is just stunning

[@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

[@barbarajennings1057]

I like the fuller look. I can hardly wait for the completion of the kitchen.

[@Breana6111]

The books across the top are just perfect 😍

[@heidil.4651]

I think the birds are quails and the shelves are PERFECTION!

[@dulcegrace1188]

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

[@jhale6699]

The "more" side is my favorite...it's all so beautiful

[@dianamangas9398]

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

[@vickylongcrier2376]

Love the maxi side and the little brass birds are quail. My mom also had these same birds on the coffee table when I was growing up in the 60’s and 70’s. You have helped me with color and design. Decorating my bookcases is now going to be easier with your help. Thanks for sharing!

[@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!!!😍

[@cd2659]

I like the maximal side because of all the books you added. I like the dark academia look right now. Hope you feel better soon.

[@ba3140]

I'm definitely a maximalist! Love it

[@ruthedwards-shirley9042]

Definitely a maximalist fan! The flowers are peonies. Love Kathy’s new art piece! Hope you feel better soon. I had that flu and it took ages to go away!

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@paulamiller3878]

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

[@frankhetzel5363]

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

[@michelleboydston8036]

I loved both sides! I love the books all the way across the top. Kinsley is so cute on the chair. Love the sound of the fireplace in the background

[@traceynaples7572]

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

[@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!

[@donnad.7986]

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

[@LadyS723]

I usually stack my book from the tallest down to the smallest. I like the way you staggered the books it gives it a more natural look! Thank you for the inspiration, because I will be styling my 📚 like this from now on. I love book sides and the explaining details during the styling process!❤

[@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!

[@momofmanyjewels7]

More is More! love the more side

[@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 😍

[@debgibson5570]

Now I understand your fascination for buying some of the books you were always buying! As usual, beautiful results...I like both sides.

[@hollyhasegawa6095]

Oh so wonderful MaCenna, you did a beautiful job styling those shelves. Someone suggested making a library ladder and that could look really unique and good, also with the railing for both sides so you can hook the ladder onto it and climb up it to change anything on the shelves and it will have that cool look and stay stationery on either the left or right and then use it also. I am loving how this cottage is turning out, so many beautiful things. Thanks again so much for another wonderful video and I hope that you have a great week coming up and I will be excited to see your next Vlog, sending love and hugs, bye for now! 🤗😍👋👍🙏💜💜💜💕💖🤎

[@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!

[@evawohl2572]

Moody Maximal Kind of Gal!!! Just Georgeous!!! Thank yo you so much for sharing!!!❤

[@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.

[@nothingness7580]

That’s why i love shelves! ur artsy perspective will comeout easily and whatever u do… it would look beautiful!!!!

[@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 ❤

[@christineadams796]

They both look beautiful you can't go wrong with either choice the book shelves are such a beautiful color

[@lwahethabdo7071]

Oh the cottage content is back❤ FINALLY 🎉

[@l.e.bingham6643]

The book shelves turned out awesome, I like both looks they balance each other out. I love old books as well and I’m glad that y’all are feeling better GOD BLESS.🙏🏾🥰💖💯💫

[@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

[@YellowSparksJoy]

I love the more side. It doesn't look too much at all. I think it's just right for your house 💛

[@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

[@sheilabentley7515]

Love the curated side ...love the birds( quails) !

[@childressherd1558]

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

[@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.

[@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.!!!❤️

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

Great video helping people learn to style shelves! I love the amount of fullness of shelves on the right. For me, it's Goldilocks perfect - not too full, not too sparse, but just right! I like what's on the left hand shelves. I love the things you have collected there and the colors. It just needs to have a few things added to complete it. I love the bottom shelf with the lamp as it is. I can't wait to see how it actually ends up. I think you'll be moving things around for a week! Oh, and hope by now you and Romeo are feeling great again!

[@ansbach74]

I have the same brass birds. They are quails.

[@Lwicdwt1]

I love how you share your thoughts while you go. Feel better sweetie 💕

[@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 :)

[@linneatreder5811]

I totally thought I’d like the minimal one more but oh my goodness the more is more side is absolutely stunning

[@shelleyscarborough9171]

Both are so gorgeous. Thank you for no "farmhouse". Your channel is so refreshing!! You are so talented.

[@teresahennes6502]

I like the fuller side! So many pretty things.

[@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.

[@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 😊

[@BrittniNicole]

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

[@LisaAdams.75]

The fire ember sounds = soothing get well vibes x

[@MsJet1]

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