Why “Bookshelf Wealth” Is 2024’s First Major Design Trend

“[Have your art] hanging outside the moldings like it’s randomly thrown in the room,” says Kailee. “That’s part of the vibe, that everything isn’t in a perfectly straight line. It also [shouldn’t] look like you bought it all at one time on Etsy and pre-designed it in your head..."

In an interview, Ms. Blalock expanded on her advice. "I think to really achieve the look and the lifestyle, someone has to be an avid reader and has to appreciate the act of collecting things, especially art and sculpture," she said.

how can you ensure that your design feels unique and, most importantly, introduce them in a way that still keeps up with the tile trends of 2025? Well, House of Hive Design Co. has just taken to Instagram to share a few ways to make zellige tiles feel more unique. Here are some 'cool ways to lay it that are not so basi

“You need to appreciate the act of collecting things and surround yourself with things that fill your soul,” explains San Diego-based interior designer Kailee Blalock, who posted a how-to guide for the burgeoning trend. Now play around with balance, proportions, patterns, and colors to create a layered look that feels 

These are the new it-girl interior design trends that you're about to see infiltrate the market,' Kailee says in a TikTok, running through four design trends she can't wait to see more of as the year goes on. Though certainly bold and expressive, the trends offer a little something for every interior design style. 

Kailee Blalock & Taylor Troia

Co-Founders and Principal Designers, House of Hive Design Co

"Kailee Blalock, the designer who appears in the TikTok above and cofounder of the San Diego–based design studio House of Hive Design Co., says in it that she's been seeing a lot of videos about the bookshelf wealth style recently, but it's by no means a new trend—or even a trend at all, really."

Luckily, Kailee Blalock and Taylor Troia – co-founders of San Diego-based House of Hive – just took to TikTok to share 'an obscure list' of design features they want to see more of in 2024. From artistic lampshades to statement ceilings, the quick list is full of gems –  unique ideas that are sure to carry your home

"Everyone wants to be on the next trend, because that's how you gain popularity in the social media realm," said the designer Kailee Blalock, who popularized the term

"bookshelf wealth" on the platform. "It's the first person to talk about the next big thing who gets that initial clout."

House of Hive Design Co., says she and co-founder Taylor Troia 'love the idea of an "analog space." Because it's increasingly difficult to 'carve out time away from screen time,' people are longing for more dedicated, tech-free spaces, she says. In fact, she says House of Hive has recently had several clients ask for..

"The whole idea is really to surround yourself with things that fill your soul," says Kailee Blalock, cofounder of San Diego interior design firm House of Hive Design. "It’s not just about the books, but art and sculpture, and having a home that looks lived-in instead of museum-grade quality."

House of Hive Design Co., comprised of designers Kailee Blalock and Taylor Troia, is fairly new on the interior design scene, but they've already made quite the impression. 

House of Hive has also taken to their Amazon storefront to reveal their top product picks.

“The bookshelf wealth aesthetic has been around for ages,” said interior designer Kailee Blalock, whose TikTok on the topic recently went viral (as in, 1.4 million views viral). So why the sudden craze to collect a lifetime’s worth of books? “People want to be able to articulate their unique design taste, and these mic

"It's about being an avid reader, surrounding yourself with items that fill your soul, and embracing imperfections in a perfectly imperfect way,' says Kailee Blalock, co-founder and principal designer at House of Hive. 'The aesthetic is deeply rooted in maintaining the character and integrity of one's home. 

Hi Taylor, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We both relocated to California during the COVID-19 pandemic and found ourselves working at the same design firm on the same team. For two yea

'What separates this from other interior design styles is that these homes look cozy and lived in. So obviously, there are books, but the difference is that these aren't display books, these are books that have actually been curated and read. Art is of the utmost importance, but it's not displayed traditionally,' Kaile

San Diego-based interior designer Kailee Blalock defined the term “bookshelf wealth” in a video she posted a video to TikTok in December 2023, and shared with viewers how they could apply the trend to their own homes. “These aren’t display books,” Blalock, 26, explained. 

'Cali casual style creates a space that resonates with the laid-back essence of California living,' explains Kailee Blalock & Taylor Troia, founders of House of Hive Design Co. 'There's a strong emphasis on outdoor living, featuring outdoor kitchens, dining areas, and lounge spaces, with oversized windows and sliding d

Of course it’s not that simple. “These aren’t display books,” says Blalock. “These are books that have actually been curated and read.” In that case Pushkin is ruled out on both counts. But what do your curated books say about you? How wealthy are you, bookshelf wise?

'In my opinion, one of the sofa colors that often doesn't get enough attention is cornflower blue. It's a vibrant and lively shade that can really bring life to a room,' adds Taylor Troia, co-founder and principal of House of Hive.