Here is a quick shelf redo for a client using her existing things (and nothing new)…
AFTER
Here it is BEFORE:
And here is another BEFORE of the other side…
AFTER:
Larger coordinating photo frames would be better as little things can start to look cluttered. There will be more tips on Thursday using my own shelves
Last week, I stayed at the Disneyland Grand Californian hotel while my husband was at a conference there. 
Our son, Thomas joined us for a while and we went on the Guardians of the Galaxy ride…so fun! Definitely get a Fast Pass for it if you go (and you are not afraid of scary rides). I had breakfast at La Brea Bakery in Downtown Disney (they have the best granola).
Then, we went down to San Diego to celebrate my mom’s 93rd birthday. Here she is with my brother…(who always closes his eyes in photos–know anyone like that?).
Thomas made Dark and Stormy cocktails…I like how he served them in Champagne flutes with extra limes from my sister’s yard.
There was a mix-up over who was bringing flowers for the table (Alie)…so my sister used lots of candles for a nice effect.
We had brunch at the Chart House at Cardiff-by-the-Sea. And look at the view! (I took the video–turn the sound off).
This project is getting closer to completion… BEFORE
I like the Benjamin Moore Classic Gray paint color in here. More on this later.
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Your mom looks more amazing every year! So happy you were able to get together at one of my favorite restaurants for lunch. Love to your family! I sure miss the coast and I surely can’t wait to see what you are doing with the rest of the space you are working on. xoxoxoxox
Chris
Thanks, Chris. Love to you!
Happy Birthday to your beautiful mom! Love what you did with those book shelves! You have the magic touch!
Love your blog, but what I find so sad is bookshelves with so few books in them. To me, nothing says more about you than a bookshelf full of well-read treasures. That character is so important and makes a home seem so much more personal. My biggest pet peeve: Turning books around so you only see the pages for a more uniform look. Books aren’t props — they’re the reflection of the person or family who lives in the house.
I agree with you, Leslie and we have another room with all the books we love with the titles shown…but we all use Ipads to read now. And I take paperbacks on trips and then pass them along to others to read if I really liked them. I think I pass along several books a year that way. Even the hardbacked books, I will pass along (like to my son–with a promise to return). Also, if you move a lot like we do…books, due to their weight are very costly to move. So, I only keep the books I really love and know I will refer back to (like design books :).
Wow, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Your mother looks so vivacious, and so chic. I want to be like her at 93!
The shelves are a great lesson–the afters (and using the same stuff is important!) are better balanced.
Happy birthday to your mom! She’s beautiful, like you, and certainly doesn’t look 93!
I love when you rearrange shelves and can’t wait for Thursday’s challenge. Hope you had a wonderful weekend.
xxoo
Thanks, Gail. We had a good time with my mom!
Your mom doesn’t look her age, she’s adorable. Happy Birthday to her.
Love the table and what fun to enjoy a great dinner in celebration of her 93rd birthday with family.
Can’t wait for the next Project Design.
xo,
Karen
Happy Birthday to your mother! Wonderful family celebration!
Thanks, Teresa! You spell your name the same as my sister.
Happy Birthday to your Mom! She looks fantastic. Maybe she’ll share her secrets. : )
Looks like it was a very nice visit. I love the Grand Californian! That floor lamp is on a major sale today. Wish I needed one!
Yes! It’s a nice lamp, Lisa.
Your mother is just darling!
Hope you had a great celebration.
Mindy
Thanks, Mindy. We had fun. Hope to see you soon.