Guest blog post: Andrea Schumacher gets bold with bookshelves

This week, Denver, Colorado-based interior designer Andrea Schumacher of O Interior Design shows that bookshelves don’t have to be boring with a tutorial on how to store your favorite reads in style (and maybe even display them as art).

[[{“type”:”media”,”view_mode”:”media_large”,”fid”:”81713″,”attributes”:{“class”:”media-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-1437″,”typeof”:”foaf:Image”,”style”:””,”width”:”576″,”height”:”187″,”title”:”Photo 1″,”alt”:””}}]]

One of our clients recently suggested that we put together a âhow to design bookshelvesâ tutorialâ¦which we agreed would be a great idea! Too often, you see overstuffed bookshelves that look messy and cluttered. A well-designed bookshelf can be useful and efficient, as well as eye-catching in any space.

[[{“type”:”media”,”view_mode”:”media_large”,”fid”:”81714″,”attributes”:{“class”:”media-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-1438″,”typeof”:”foaf:Image”,”style”:””,”width”:”400″,”height”:”266″,”title”:”Photo 2″,”alt”:””}}]]

There are several ways to make your bookshelves look great and stand out. One of our favorite ways is to color-code! Not only does this create a focal point in your space, but youâll love the sense of visual organization it creates. Arranging your books by height will further enhance this sense of organization.

[[{“type”:”media”,”view_mode”:”media_large”,”fid”:”81715″,”attributes”:{“class”:”media-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-1439″,”typeof”:”foaf:Image”,”style”:””,”width”:”485″,”height”:”333″,”title”:”Photo 3″,”alt”:””}}]]If you have bookshelves that are lacking in style, try painting them an accent color or lining the back surface with wallpaper. This will create interest and draw the eye to the color and/or texture.

[[{“type”:”media”,”view_mode”:”media_large”,”fid”:”81716″,”attributes”:{“class”:”media-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-1440″,”typeof”:”foaf:Image”,”style”:””,”width”:”499″,”height”:”351″,”title”:”Photo 4″,”alt”:””}}]]

If you have a lot of books you wish to display, try arranging some side by side and stacking others on top of each other. This allows for more visual interest, while also leaving space for special accessories.
[[{“type”:”media”,”view_mode”:”media_large”,”fid”:”81717″,”attributes”:{“class”:”media-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-1441″,”typeof”:”foaf:Image”,”style”:””,”width”:”320″,”height”:”400″,”title”:”Photo 5″,”alt”:””}}]]
Simplify! We LOVE the simplicity of this bookshelf! Choose your very favorite books to display, along with some of your most treasured items.
[[{“type”:”media”,”view_mode”:”media_large”,”fid”:”81718″,”attributes”:{“class”:”media-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-1442″,”typeof”:”foaf:Image”,”style”:””,”width”:”400″,”height”:”382″,”title”:”Photo 6″,”alt”:””}}]]
For a soft and not-so-typical look, try turning your books spine side in. While this doesnât make for a very functional arrangement, it does create a focal point, especially if your bookshelf is painted a contrasting color or finish.

For other great design ideas, visit ointeriordesign.com.