If you frequently find yourself admiring stylish bookcase vignettes on interior design websites, you’re not alone. While these beautiful shelves look effortless online, it can be much more difficult to create one in person. Here are a few simple steps for creating a designer-worthy bookcase — without giving yourself a headache!

1. Alternate books. Instead of lining your books up library-style, alternate their direction by also adding stacks of horizontal-facing books. You can even place a small paperweight or candle on top of those stacks to add more visual interest.
2. Organize books by color. If your bookshelf is filled to the brim with reading materials, make it look more organized by arranging the titles by color to create a rainbow effect.
3. Unify mismatched knick-knacks. If your collection of knick-knacks looks a bit shabby, unify the set by painting them all one color. Try a stark white, a bold primary hue, or a fun pop of neon.
4. Decorate the insides of the shelves. Give your bookshelf itself a makeover by adding a bright coat of paint or a layer of wallpaper to the backs of each shelf.
5. Add artwork. Instead of just using books and knick-knacks, turn your shelves into an art gallery. Prop up a frame or even hang a picture from the front of the shelves where their corners meet.

Bookshelf Styling Tips: The Basics and Beyond [HGTV]
Styling a Bookshelf: 10 Homes That Get It Right [Design Sponge]
10 Tricks for Styling Your Bookshelves [Style Me Pretty: Living]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Kalle Schärlund

Going organic doesn’t end at the grocery store. In fact, there are a number of different ways that you can incorporate organic elements throughout your entire home. Here are just a few great ways to add a natural touch to the decor in your living space.

• Create a nature-inspired vignette. If you admire something beautiful on your morning walk, such as a unique branch or a particularly interesting stone, add it to a stack of books on a tabletop to create a flawless vignette.
• Create stone hot pads. Glue smooth, flat stones to the surface of simple kitchen hot pads to keep your countertops protected from hot pots and pans.
• Choose natural rugs. Soft, organic materials like jute and hemp look beautiful when woven into a rug, and they’re much friendlier on the environment than synthetic versions.
• Create organic centerpieces. The next time you host a dinner party, fill a ceramic vase with foraged tree branches or add pine cones to a clear bowl for a unique centerpiece inspired by the outdoors.
• Change up your drapes. One of the simplest ways to bring the outdoors in is by allowing as much natural light as possible into your home. Switch out heavy drapes with soft, sheer panels to maximize the light.

Decorating with Natural Elements [Better Homes & Gardens]
10 Simple Ways to Bring the Outdoors Inside [Freshome]
Decorating with Natural Elements from Natural Kitchen and Home [Pinterest]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr srboisvert

Your kitchen is one of the most commonly used areas in your home, and between your morning coffee and the evening’s meal, it can also get messy. To avoid constantly navigating a cluttered kitchen, use these smart tips for keeping yours clean and well organized — even if you only have a few minutes to spare each day.

1. Add a bin for loose items. If your kitchen countertops commonly collect things that are meant to go in other rooms, add a bin to corral those loose items. You can throw your keys, mail, and magazines in that bin to keep them from cluttering the counters.
2. Install extra cabinet storage. If you notice that your cabinets just don’t work for the things inside of them, add extra shelves or temporary organizers. This will keep plastic containers from spilling out and enable you to make use of that extra space in tall cabinets.
3. Hide the trash. Instead of leaving the recycling and trash cans in plain sight, tuck them away in a closet or cabinet to create a clean, tidy look.
4. Store commonly used items on the counter. Add a large jar for everyday utensils, keep your most-used cookbooks handy, and even consider storing appliances like the coffeepot or toaster right on the counter.
5. Purge the refrigerator. Once a week, go through your refrigerator and toss out any leftovers, check expiration dates, and give the whole thing a good cleaning.

How to Organize Your Kitchen [Real Simple]
24 Smart Organizing Ideas for Your Kitchen [Real Simple]
15 Minute Clutter Sweeps for Every Room in Your Home [About Home]
How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets [Better Homes & Gardens]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/billhr

Furniture is expensive, which is why you can’t exactly run out for a replacement when your sofa starts to look worn or your coffee table shows some signs of wear. With a bit of elbow grease, you can make over your outdated furniture and turn it into something fresh and new — without spending a fortune.

• Choose the right paint. If you decide to paint a piece of furniture to give it new life, be sure to buy paint that's made specifically for the material of your piece. Use a high quality brush (or an easy-to-use spray) that won’t leave behind stray bristles or residue.
• Sand away old paint. If your furniture is already painted — and most is — be sure to start with a rough sandpaper and sand away the old paint. Finish with a finer grade paper to create a smooth, blank canvas.
• Add a primer. Many first-time painters don’t realize that some pieces of furniture require a primer before painting to help the paint stick. If you’re worried about how thorough you were with your sanding, a primer might be a good choice.
• Fill in holes. If your wooden furniture is filled with nicks and holes, make it look like new again with a simple wood filler from your local hardware store. Fill the holes, let it dry and sand away the excess for a smooth finish.

Paint Makeovers: An Expert Tells All [Bob Vila]
How To Paint Furniture [Live Love DIY]
Quick Furniture Makeovers for Fashionable Results [Benjamin Moore]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr frankieleon