I started thinking about my storage needs the other day. I really need a good place to put books. I have a small book shelf in the office/craft room, but our books fight for space with photo albums, paper for the printer, cards, fabric, and sewing projects. I’ve always had the bookshelves in the family room filled with big bins to store kid toys. Now that the kids are getting older, I figured I might be able to put their toys somewhere else.

Then, I was watching Secrets From a Stylist, on HGTV and saw how Emily styled the bookshelves. (I can’t make the picture from the show any bigger than this.)

I’ve always been afraid of using the bookshelves in the family room to house our books. Our books aren’t very pretty and decorative, so I’ve always stored them in a place no one will see them. After seeing that even professional stylists put books out in the open, I decided it was time for a change in our family room.

Having baskets on these shelves looked cleaner and it was very easy to dust. But, I’m kind of liking the way it looks now. In addition, it has freed up SO much space in my craft room and I can use that space better.

While I was making changes, I pulled this Goodwill frame out of the closet. I printed a picture I took on our Seaside trip and backed it with burlap to add a little texture. (Actually, I was just too cheap to pay for the larger print so this was my way of making it work.)

So far, I’m liking the changes. Funny thing, my hubby didn’t even notice that I totally changed things around. I’m wondering how long it will be before he says, “Hey, where’d those baskets go and where did those books and pictures come from?” I don’t think he really cares about decorating and how I arrange our books. What do you think?

Happy decorating!