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

With more and more professionals working from home these days, it’s important to have a stylish home office that leaves you feeling inspired and ready to get down to business. Here are a few smart tips that will show you how to decorate where you work, whether it’s a small desk area or a full-fledged office.

1. Improve your alignment. One of the best parts about working from home is that it enables you to get more comfortable than you would at the office. To avoid back and shoulder strain, prop your computer or laptop up to eye-level by using a flat box or a stack of books. Also be sure to use a sturdy, cushioned chair for long days at your desk.
2. Organize your supplies. Add sectioned containers for things like pens, paperclips, and staples so that you don’t waste time rummaging around.
3. Utilize natural light. Position your desk near a window for natural light and a bit of a view, but be sure to use sheer curtains so that it doesn’t become too distracting.
4. Use relaxed colors. Shades of blue, green, and grey create a relaxing work area, and choosing a muted palette keeps everything cohesive.
5. Add floating shelves. If you’re short on space, floating shelves add extra storage while keeping your desk free of clutter.

17 Surprising Home Office Ideas [Real Simple]
Stylish Home Offices [House Beautiful]
De-Stress Your Desk [Martha Stewart]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Jess Pac