Creating A Space for Memories... Coastal Bookshelves

I admit it, I am a collector of stuff.  Books, sea glass, shells, vintage coastal pieces, photos, driftwood - I need a place to empty my pockets when I get home from the beach.  Poor Tom finds sea glass everywhere; in the dryer, in the car, in the couch cushions.....  have I ever mentioned that he is a saint?

Got out the design books this past week, and did some searching on the internet to find some great beach house book shelf ideas.  Here's just a few pics that I found to inspire me to redo my "hot-mess" of a bookshelf!

 Love the clean lines of this bright white space with dark wood accents.  Check out the Nantucket baskets and tiny dark blue model sailer.. (image courtesy of Coastal Living Magazine)

 From "French Seaside Style" - a traveler nook!  Vintage lamp with a nautical chart inspired shade..  the collection of ships at sea art is really interesting

 Also from French Seaside Style  (my new favorite interior design book!) Another nautical inspired shelf and room, with a classic tripod lamp and photos of vintage ships...

 Cottage inspired bookshelf with classic bead board styling, glass floats and pretty white starfish (image courtesy of Coastal Living Magazine) Needs a little more color for me, but still very pretty!

This might work - has my favorite color of aqua!  Not too crazy about the floral chair, but I like the collection of "stuff" - natural collected shells, baskets, boats, oil paintings

What do you think?  What do you display on your bookshelf?

My bookshelf is really a reflection of me, and what I love.  Especially the photos and memories of my family, it's so hard to be away from them, and it helps to see their faces every day on my beach-inspired bookshelf.

Thanks Susan for the wonderful birthday present to add to my collection!  (my birthday was in April - I am just super super late on my thank you notes!)

Susan's art,  "Coastal Collections" can be found on our site!  

Her canvas wrapped pieces would be perfect on a bookshelf!   Here's a few of my favorite images from the Susan Fairgrieve's Coastal Collections:

Would love to hear your ideas!

Have a great Tuesday - we're off to Las Vegas to find more coastal home decor products for our customers - wish us luck!