Katherine Heigl’s art studio reveals the secret to a one-of-a-kind home: How the right statue can make all the difference

Typically, we think of statues as decorative items we see in gardens, museums, and galleries. However, there is something to be said about experimenting with figurines in the home, as evidenced by Katherine Heigl's art studio.

The 27 Dresses and Grey's Anatomy star recently shared a snap from her creative space, and we were immediately drawn to the planter and figure sitting atop her bookshelf.

An angel and a statue planter make their marks atop the unit, adding a point of visual interest as well as some decoration to the white space. The mix of function and style certainly makes the case for decorating with antique objects.

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According to design experts, placing antique and decorative objects on top of a shelf is a fantastic way to display them, as well as use up dead space.

'Bookshelves are perfect canvases,' says Hami Erdem Bozkaya, founder and Lead Interior Designer at Emperor Marble.

'I scatter small, intriguing figurines among volumes – a tiny bronze scholar peeking out from behind a first edition, a serene porcelain Buddha offering contemplation, or a miniature classical god guarding a cherished collection. This breaks the monotony of linear books, adds personality, and suggests intellectual curiosity.'

Playing around with different materials can transform your space dramatically. Hami says precious stones, like marble, are excellent options due to their luxe appearance and durability.

'There's an undeniable gravitas to marble,' he explains. 'Its cool, smooth surface, the way light plays across its contours, revealing the sculptor's mastery – it's pure artistry. Whether it's the classical purity of Carrara marble, the warmer veining of alabaster, or the subtle shimmer of onyx, these materials speak of antiquity, luxury, and meticulous craftsmanship. I use marble busts or small allegorical figures to introduce a classical element into contemporary interiors, creating a dialogue between modern minimalism and ancient elegance.'

While not all figurines serve a purpose beyond decor, introducing multi-purpose objects, like Katherine's planter, is a great decor idea for those who want to incorporate more design-forward objects but are working with limited space.