Working on Homes & Gardens' celebrity-style desk, I've become familiar with design features that almost always provoke a reaction among designers and readers alike. Perhaps most common of all is the concept of a color-coded bookcase, a familiar feature of Reese Witherspoon's home.
Followers of Reese will know the actress is a firm supporter of this much-debated look, as she's shared many glimpses of the various bookcases around her home and office, almost always color-coordinated.
It wasn't a huge surprise, therefore, when she recently shared yet another reading nook on her Instagram, this time sporting a collection of red, green, pink, and yellow books. It's reminded me just how powerful this bookshelf-organizing method can look in a living room, because, alongside being conversation-worthy, it's cohesive yet individual. It's one of the only times I can decorate items that feel personal without sacrificing an ultra-clean and organized aesthetic.
Plus, it's guaranteed to spark a conversation every time I have a cocktail party, from those who either love or hate the look. Either way, it's there to be discussed.
Shop H&G's bookshelf styling edit
Truly the best of both worlds, this open shelving unit is made of metal and wood for a rustic-meets-modern look.
This cypress and juniper-scented candle is a beautiful addition to any bookshelf, whether it's color-coordinated or not. I love its chic glass vessel for an elevated and classy look.
Adding stylish bookends to your shelving can easily heighten the elegance of your display. This sophisticated pair (made from mango onyx) will work beautifully in a minimalist scheme.
While Reese's bookcase styling method is controversial, the designers who love it are not shy to voice their opinions. Among them is Lisa Hensby of Lisa Hensby Design & Build Studio, who has convinced me to follow her example.
'Absolutely love a colour-coded bookcase? You're not alone – it's one of those design tricks that instantly adds a sense of calm and cohesion to a room. For anyone who loves a bit of coordination (and let's be honest, who doesn’t love things looking just right), organising your books by color can feel deeply satisfying – like giving your shelves a little glow-up,' she says.
Reese has coordinated her shelves color by color, but I don't need to be as strict in how I style. Lisa says I can, instead, group similar hues together (for example, blues and greens/reds and pinks) to create a similar statement
'You can go full-on rainbow order or try tonal stacking - think all your warm hues together, or a gradient effect from dark to light,' she says.
'You could even keep it monochrome: all whites, greys, or blacks for a more minimalist, gallery-style look. And if you’ve got books with bold spines or beautiful covers, this method really lets them shine as part of the décor.'
One last thing to consider before I follow suit? The books I have might not cooperate. This is what makes my bookshelves unique to me however.
'Not all books play nicely when it comes to size. So, while your colour coordination might be on point, you could end up with a few wonky shelves where the hardbacks and paperbacks refuse to line up neatly. But hey, that’s all part of the charm – a little visual interest never hurt anyone,' Lisa says. Plus, if Reese supports this look, who am I to disagree?
