Book Central : Styling your bookcases

• Books make a room feel welcoming...if they are on a bookcase or even just a coffee table...they make a statement about the mood of that room. Also they say something about the homeowner and their interests.

• Whether you collect vintage books that are gathered together over the years or are beginning to bring together a new collection of photography or art books...how you display the books is key.

• Bookcases are not only a great place to show off books but also collections...small art pieces, family photos to even storing things inside baskets and boxes to keep things looking nice and organized.

• In other words, bookcases give you opportunity to create visual interest in your room simply by how you display things. As I have said many times before, this costs you nothing and gives you so much in return. Visual details go a long way in any room.

• Think about "stacking" your books instead of leaning them...unexpected presentation can be fun.

• Mix in some framed art or family photos to break up the books. These are things you can change around easily.

• Try some stacking mixed with leaning books...

• You can keep it formal and neat or have the look be more casual...whatever suits your taste. You want to have access to the books so that you can enjoy them.

• When I was writing my book over the past months...sometimes I would take a break from writing and start looking through the images I had shot for the book. As in the case of these photos, I noticed the details in a room and was inspired by something in them. I could look at a bookcase and say "I have to re-arrange my own bookcase right now..." It shifted my focus for a moment. However, taking the time out for a moment allowed me to get instant results that gave my bookcase a whole new look.

• Do it for yourself: Go to your bookcases and start removing the books from them. Once the shelves are empty, start re-placing the items and play around with how you display them...see what you can create now.

• Have fun and send us some photos of what you accomplish.