– Open Shelving Done Right: Tips for Style and Function –
Open shelving can add warmth, character, and style to any room when done correctly. The key is striking a balance between form and function, showcasing your favorite pieces while keeping the space organized, minimal, and effortless.
Here’s how to make it work:
First, think about the purpose of your shelves. Are they purely decorative, or do you need them to handle everyday essentials? Understanding their role will help you plan what to display. For example, in a kitchen, you might mix frequently used dishes with a few decorative touches like a small plant or an antique vase. If you’re working with bathroom shelves, baskets and jars can help keep things organized while still looking pretty.
Color is your best friend when it comes to creating a cohesive look. Stick to a palette that ties the room together. Neutrals like white, cream, and light wood tones are always a safe bet. Then, add personality through textures. Think woven baskets, matte ceramics, or even a pop of greenery. You want to create interest without making the shelves feel too busy.
One common mistake people make with open shelving is overcrowding. You don’t have to fill every inch of space. Leaving a little breathing room between items is what gives open shelving that light, airy vibe. If you’re unsure where to start, try the rule of thirds. Group items in sets of three for a balanced, natural look.
Lighting is another game changer. If your shelves feel dark or get lost in the background, consider adding under-shelf lighting or even a small lamp nearby. The right lighting not only highlights your display but also adds warmth and dimension to the room.
Open shelving isn’t just about style; it’s about creating a space that works for you. It should feel personal and practical, like an extension of your personality. By blending functional pieces with a few decorative touches, you can make even the most basic shelf look magazine-worthy.
So, whether you’re tackling a kitchen refresh or looking to create a statement wall, open shelving is the perfect opportunity to experiment. With a little planning and a few creative touches, your shelves can become the highlight of your home.
Ready to give it a try? Start small, have fun, and let your personality shine through every detail. If you’re looking for more design inspiration, check out our full blog for ideas to transform your home.
– The Audubon Center in Los Angeles: A Hidden Gem in My Neighborhood –
Agent Contribution: Kathleen ‘Sweet P’ Vaughn, Partner Agent
Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, the Audubon Center at Debs Park is a serene oasis that blends nature, education, and community engagement. Located in the northeastern part of the city, the center serves as both a sanctuary for local wildlife and a hub for environmental education. It’s a place where visitors of all ages can connect with nature, observe native birds, and explore the diverse ecosystems of Los Angeles.
For me, the Audubon Center holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just a local environmental center, it’s a spot I’ve shared with my family, including my son when he was a young child. I remember taking him there, eager to explore the park’s trails, watch birds flit through the trees, and teach him about the importance of conservation. The center’s hands-on exhibits and interactive programs made it a perfect place to nurture his curiosity about the natural world. It felt like a hidden gem in our own neighborhood, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, so close to home.
The Audubon Center is known for its commitment to preserving local wildlife and educating the public about the natural beauty of the area. The surrounding Debs Park, with its lush vegetation, peaceful walking paths, and panoramic views of the city, provides an ideal backdrop for the center’s mission. It’s a place where residents can reconnect with the environment while learning about the important role birds play in our ecosystem.
Today, the Audubon Center remains a beloved spot for locals like myself, offering a unique blend of nature, education, and community connection—one that continues to inspire families, young and old, to appreciate and protect the natural world around us.
Check out some of the cool ways you can learn about the natural world around you at the Audubon Center at Debs Park!
Learn and play in the Center’s Children’s Woodland! This closed-loop trail features bird blinds, picnicking areas, and a demonstration Tongva village where you can learn about the Tongva people who used to live right here in LA!
Audubon Youth Leaders:
The 2024-2025 Audubon Youth Leader program is a 16-week program from November 3rd, 2024 to April 27th, 2025, occurring Sundays from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The Audubon Center at Debs Park is looking for high school freshmen to seniors who are curious and passionate about the world around them, are interested in working with a diverse and collaborative team, and want to make a difference in their community and their natural world. At the culmination of their program, students will earn a California Naturalist certification along with an Educational Award for their time and dedication.
Conservation Stewardship Programs:
The Audubon Center at Debs Park’s ties to the community run deep. The Center serves as a community hub to provide tools and resources for our community members to improve their local parks and greenspaces.
Family-friendly Events and Programs:
There’s always a reason to celebrate! Join us for our free specialty events, including ourBird LA Day Festival, the Let’s Go Birding Together Pride Walk, the Arroyo Seco Marketplace, and the Christmas Bird Count. These events help connect families to local birds while having fun!
And don’t miss out on the upcoming L34 Group Gallery Art Night on March 1st, benefiting the Audubon Center at Debs Park! This special event will bring together art, nature, and community, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the center’s mission to protect and preserve local wildlife. Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of creativity and conservation.
The Audubon Center at Debs Park is located at 4700 Griffin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90031.
Center Hours: Thursdays to Sundays, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Trail Hours: Sunrise to Sunset.
Click HERE for more information.
– L34 Group’s January 2025 Gallery Art Night –
IN FOCUS A Photo Exhibit Fundraiser.
Featuring works by Jeffrey Boxer – Geoff Moore – Paul Gibert – George Hamilton – Simon A. Butusov – Justin Reissman.
All proceeds will benefit the Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC) and the Disability Community Resource Center (DCRC).
Founded in 1975, the DRLC is a 501(c)3 non- profit, public interest advocacy organization that champions the rights of people with disabilities through education, advocacy, and litigation.
The DCRC helps people living with disabilities maintain self-sufficient and productive lives through non-residential peer support services and training programs.
– LOVE NOTES –
We love our clients, and they love us…
❝Shannon is a dream agent, and the whole crew at L34 is the dream team. I may not recommend selling your home at the exact same time you’re buying another one, but if you must go that route, as we did, go with Shannon. Shannon is extremely knowledgeable, attentive, and kindhearted. She listens and provides solutions. She earned our complete trust, and we relied on her to get us through. She did. We sold our house well above listing and we negotiated a good price for our new home. I would not have wanted to even approach one step of the process without her. Shannon was our guide and guru and is now our good friend. We recommend her emphatically to anyone looking to buy, sell, or do both simultaneously! Happy holidays, all!❞
~ Jackie H, Highland Park home seller, AND Eagle Rock home buyer.
– JUST SOLD –
556 Clifton St, Lincoln Heights, 90031
2 bd + 1 ba, approx 900 sq ft, built in 1906, total 15,643 sq ft lot (sale includes vacant adjacent lot). Extraordinary views!
List price $789,000
6327 Arroyo Glen St, Highland Park, 90042
3 bd + 2.5 ba, 1262 sq ft, built in 1923, 4638 sq ft lot
Separate garage w/ bonus space, fenced yards, space for outdoor entertaining
List price TBD
485 Isabel St, Mount Washington, 90065
3 bd + 2 ba, 2194 sq ft, built in 1906, 5693 sq ft lot
Duplex -> upper unit (2 bd+1 ba) delivered vacant!
List price $985,000
2112 Rome Dr, Mount Washington, 90065
4 bd + 1 ba, 1068 sq ft, two stories, built in 1923, 5699 sq ft lot
Lovely gardens, gated driveway, detached garage & bonus space w/ half-bath
List price $979,000
– L34 GROUP’S PREFERRED LENDER – |
Leslie J. Black, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
Branch Manager | Mortgage Advisor | NMLS #1111536
C: 562.322.0836 | lblack@fairwaymc.com
We would love to meet with you, whether you’re considering selling
your home, or looking to purchase a home, please reach out to get the conversation started!
Information always updated and available on www.L34Group.com
