bookcase

The thick entry wall offered an opportunity for a niche with shelves at the end of the table. The centerpiece flowers came from the meadows nearby. Dock for iPod: Tivoli Audio

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Put all the focus on a show-stopping piece of art above a fireplace and between built-ins, as was done in this beachy living room. The colors in the painting are repeated in the furnishings and finishes, but the subject matter and composition make it stand out on its own.

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Shelves tucked behind a full-length mirror expand the traditional medicine cabinet approach — especially in a bath with windows over the sink, like this one.

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Cubbies built into the side of this staircase keep books close at hand for impromptu story time.

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Feel free to work this idea into your aesthetic in smaller doses, such as focusing only on drawers or the inside panels of a cabinet.

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The floor-to-ceiling shelving in the master bedroom was designed by Souder and built by her husband. "I love the dimension and layered look that it gives to an otherwise plain and neutral room," says Souder.

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12. Give new life to tired old shelves. Bored with the same old shelves you've had forever? Try livening them up with a coat of paint in a bold color. Remove the shelves and paint just the back wall of the bookcase for a pop of color that peeks through. Or paint just the facing edges of the shelves for a more subtle look. Of course, the new color will draw the eye to this feature in the room, so be sure to edit and curate the shelves' contents before returning items there.

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love the photos in the bookcase

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