Ever Wondered How to Decorate a Bookshelf? We Got HGTV's Jenn Todryk to Give Us the Tips and Tricks

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Hello! (*Taps mic.*) And welcome to the first iteration of How Do I Decor?, Cosmo's little corner of the internet where we're asking (some pretty damn famous!) interior designers your burning home decor questions.

Now, first things first, you should know that this isn't gonna feel like homework (although you might have to do a lil home work, if you know what I'm saying). These are all questions that you will almost definitely have when moving into an apartment or "holy shit there goes all my money" house for the first time. We're talking questions like, "How long should my curtains be?" and "How can I spruce up a rental without losing my entire security deposit?" and, today's question: "How do I decorate a bookshelf?"

Keep reading for an answer to that ^ question, courtesy of interior designer Jenn Todryk, and be sure to keep coming back for more. Promise your home, no matter how teeny, will be chic as f*ck in no time.

MEET THE EXPERT: Jenn Todryk

If you've been on HomeTok or watched HGTV over the past couple of years, chances are Jenn Todryk, also known as @theramblingredhead, likely doesn't need any introduction.

The Texas-based interior designer gained a following through her blog, Life as a Rambling Redhead, spinning her fame into the uber-popular HGTV show No Demo Reno, where she helps people transform their homes into chic spaces without major demolition.

She's also got quite the community on IG (1.4M, to be exact!), where people love her homespo (that's a word because I said so) and sneak peeks into her go-go-go life with three kids.

Below, you'll find Jenn's answers to our many, many decorating questions (thanks, Jenn!). Read on for the deets.

How do I decorate a bookshelf?

"I would say three things are super important to take into consideration when filling bookshelves, or really any open shelves: height, color, and texture.

Height is arguably the most important—specifically making sure you're decorating with items of differing heights. If everything on your bookshelf is the exact same height, there will be no dimension whatsoever, and no visual interest. If your objects are too short, they won't fill the space, and if they're too big they'll look crammed, and the bookshelf itself will appear really small.

Next up, color. When you're working with a bookshelf, you're going to want to take into consideration the color of the shelves themselves. If they're white, then you have free rein to add bold colors, or even blacks and grays. If they're dark—or positioned in a space that doesn't get much light—you're going to want to add bright and airy colors. Some people love a monochromatic look, but I feel like a space is more cozy when you mix a few different colors—even if those colors are neutrals! Color dispersion is a key element when it comes to anything in design. Just pick a color palette before you start shopping.

And finally, texture. Feel free to play with this too! You need to have different textures as well as different colors within a space. Maybe you pair a ceramic vase with a small cement dish. Or a brass candlestick with a woven box. Mix wood tones and colors! Trust me, it'll look much more elevated and so much less blah."

How many colors is too many colors? And how many textures is too many textures?

"I'm sure some designers will tell you there are rules for everything, but I would say it depends on the space you're working with. If you have a lot of natural light, you can get away with a lot more colors, and it won't seem so jammed and crammed. But if you're in an apartment with one window, then the more toned down you can be, the bigger your space will feel.

But, in general, I think we're moving away from the minimalism trend—you know, where everything looks like a staged home? We're starting to see spaces that are a little more curated, and a little more lived in. So I think the "more is more" mindset is coming back, because it has a certain hominess and coziness to it. And so, in that regard, I don't think you should worry about if you're doing too much. It's a vibe."

Is there a way to make it feel personal, but also still cohesive with the space?

"Don't just go out and buy everything at Target! Sprinkle in things that you bought on vacation, or that a loved one gave you as a gift—little things that catch your attention and bring a smile to your face. I think when people hear "personalized," they just think of family photos. But it can be anything that has a memory attached to it and gives you a certain kind of feeling. And if it ends up looking a little more eclectic than you might see in a home magazine, I urge you to be okay with that. As long as it makes you feel good."

Potentially dumb question: Do you need to have books on a bookshelf?

"Nope! I mean, I love books on a bookshelf, that's for sure. But I think of shelves as flat surfaces that can either hold something for you (storage!) or help fill a space (aesthetics!). That said, I don't think I've ever decorated a bookshelf without books."

We've seen the rainbow-ordered and spines-in bookshelf aesthetic...have you noticed any other bookshelf styling trends popping up lately?

"Something that I've done over the past few years is a good crammed bookshelf, where you literally just put books on books on books, wherever you can make them fit. It gives a nod to the classic library, and there's just something about the messy, imperfectness of it that's really, really cute. That lived-in, cozy aesthetic is definitely grabbing people's attention right now."

Do you have any favorite ways to use bookshelves in smaller spaces, specifically?

"I feel like the options are pretty endless, but I'd say you should just use your bookshelf as whatever you need it to be! I love the idea of turning it into a stand-up desk, with your laptop, a little cordless lamp, and, obviously, lots of storage space."

Alright, finally...what should I shop for if I'm looking to fill a bookshelf? (Other than books, ofc.)

"I always recommend looking for multifunctional pieces—so if you decide you don't want them on your bookshelf anymore, you can use them for something else. So, for example, bowls that you could put food in, vases that you can also use for flowers, or picture frames that you can use forevermore for family photos. And then, I would also say if you're buying on a dime, don't do seasonal decor. Stick with classic pieces you can keep up year 'round and never get sick of."

Textured Ceramic Vase

Ceramic Table Lamp

Glass Candlestick

Metal Picture Frames (Set of 3)

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