Storage in the living area can be a tricky thing. First, determine what you need to store, and then be creative. For CDs, DVDs, video games, and video-cassettes, you can purchase a display rack/organizer that holds your entire collection. This can be a freestanding unit, one that is mounted on a wall, or one that fits in your entertainment center or wall unit. If it's a freestanding unit, you might place it in an unused corner of a room so that you can better utilize this space.

You may also want to invest in a multifunctional, universal remote control so that you can replace the separate remotes for your TV, cable box, VCR, etc. with one unit. An alternative is to place a remote-control caddy on the coffee table or near the TV, to help you keep track of your different remote-control units.

Add baskets to a low shelf for instant storage.

Displaying Artwork and Collectibles

Displaying a collection of artwork, statues, trinkets, memorabilia, or collectibles can be tricky, especially in limited space. Begin by going through your collection and throwing away items that are broken or that you no longer wish to keep. Next, pick out any items that you want to store, but don't want to display at present. You want to avoid making your display look cluttered, because this won't be visually appealing. For the most dramatic visual impact, display just a few items that you really love. Don't be afraid of white space on the walls, either. White space can give the eyes a welcome break from visual clutter and can make a room feel larger.

When hanging pictures or artwork, try to keep them at eye level, and group them fairly closely together. Large gaps between artwork can sometimes be unattractive — instead of creating a feeling of space, the white between images can appear as “dead space.”

Make sure your collections or items are properly lit and that the display you create is visually appealing and lacks clutter. According to some interior designers, the secret to elegant displays — even when working with everyday objects — is lush layering. To create your own elegant displays, begin with one tall object that you place in the center of the collection, and then loosely create a triangle shape as you add progressively shorter items to the display. If the items need wall space to be displayed, you might want to fill a blank wall with multiple items with a similar theme (in matching frames, or frames that are similar in style).

Personal Libraries

Some people choose to place personal libraries in the living area. This can be done with relative ease by installing bookcases and/or shelving for this purpose. Your bookcases can be freestanding units, or you can have a bookcase or shelving built directly into a wall. Be sure that the shelving can support the weight of the books. If bookcases seem unstable, you can bolt them to the wall.

To create a well-organized personal library, begin by sorting through your entire collection. Weed out books you no longer want and give them away to friends or donate them to a local library, thrift shop, or hospital.

Keep in mind that books do not need to fill your entire case. A little empty space in a bookshelf can provide a feeling of spaciousness or create an opportunity for variety — you could place a small sculpture on your bookcase, for example. Also, by leaving some empty space in your bookshelf, you convey to yourself and your family that there is still room to grow — your bookcase can accommodate the needs of a growing family and growing minds.