Creative Shelving

We all need storage - it's just a fact of life. Nearly every house has at least one bookshelf and probably a drawer that's stuffed full of old checkbooks and half-used books of matches.

My favorite houses, though, also include some creative approaches to storage. As much as I love IKEA basics, I also have a real appreciation for shelves that are works of art unto themselves. After all, who can resist something thats both practical and attractive?

Here are some great examples of creative, design-friendly shelving:

Kit Pollard

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This piece, with its mid-century look and asymmetrical design, is a great alternative to a traditional media center.

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I love this antique cabinet. I think that much of the best shelving, with the most personality, is the result of scouring antique shops and refinishing old pieces.

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A set of shelves set into brick is surprising and really very cool - it's a great way to make use of an old fireplace space that's been filled in.

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This room dividing bookshelf is built on the same principle as the kitchen shelves above, but on a much grander scale. It's so open, but does provide some privacy.

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Open kitchen shelving is bold - all that clutter to minimize - but really great-looking. I especially like the way this shelf creates a bit of a barrier between the two spaces without sacrificing an open, airy feeling.

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This built-in, curved shelf is very nearly invisible and that's why I love it. It's a nice surprise in an otherwise standard staircase.

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This is a simple, but really attractive, approach to shelving. I love the continuous line of dark wood on the wall - it's streamlined and sophisticated.

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This vignette includes so many great storage options. The little hanging boxes are adorable and functional, and the woven baskets are a perfect way to hide clutter.

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I love these old apple boxes, all lined up to store everything from shoes to books. They offer a tons of great storage space and they look fantastic.