I have an online shop called Finder Not Keeper where I sell vintage objects and art. I shoot everything for the shop in my basement studio. But before I do that, I use the open shelves over my kitchen desk to arrange or style my finds. This process allows me time to consider the way objects play off each other. I am a matchmaker but sometimes the results surprise even me. For example, I really liked this collection of chinoiserie that I paired with gold dinosaurs. But I didn't know why right away. Then one day I walked in with a bag of groceries and it hit me. This vignette represents Godzilla in Tokyo. And since one of my nicknames in middle school was "Mothra", it all makes sense.
In the following photos, you can see how I've developed my own "shelfie style." I almost always include serving pieces, I'm not big into color, and I love adding bits of nature for interest. I'd love to hear which shelfie vignette is your favorite.
Photos by Renn Kuhnen.