25 Bright Ideas for Incorporating Open Shelves into Your Space

Getting your space organized can be a huge pain. Thankfully decorating it is much more fun. So we have a little inspiration for you this afternoon—organization ideas that feel like decorating. Open shelving is an easy, and usually inexpensive, way to update your space. Not only can you come up with DIY versions pretty easily, you can also mix and match different solutions to fit your space to a T. Take a look at our favorite 25 ideas and see which ones you want to incorporate into your home. Be sure to leave the number of your favorite idea in the comments!

1. Show off Your Collections: Floating shelves are perfect for showing off curated collections. Plus, they blend into the wall and put the focus on your possessions. (via The Design Files)

2. Stairway 96″ Wall Mounted Bookcase ($399): The beauty of these glossy white bookcases is that they are so versatile. They work well in a group or on their own, and are neutral enough to fit into any decor style.

3. Display Books and Magazines: Copy the idea of this design and architecture firm by painting photo rails to match your walls. You can display all of your coffee table books, magazines, and even the occasional piece of artwork. The best part is everything stays accessible and moveable. (via Pal + Smith)

4. DIY Pipe Shelving: Can you believe this shelving unit/desk combo is a DIY? Surprisingly, affordable, and easy-to-assemble, the only thing to consider is whether or not you’re willing to put that many holes in your wall. (via Amber Interior Design)

5. Add a Storage Doorway: If you have a wide doorway between two rooms in your home, consider adding some shelving. You’ll still be able to pass through, but will have so many more places to display books, serving pieces, or artwork. (via Custom Made on Houzz)

6. Fake Built-Ins: If you have recessed areas on either side of a fireplace or window, you can easily fake built-in shelves with custom cut floating shelves. They look way more expensive than they actually are. This space gets bonus points for being completely color-coordinated. (via Natalie Fuglestveit Interiors on Houzz)

7. A Complete Office on One Wall: If you don’t have a dedicated office, but need to carve out some space to work, transform a wall of your living room into your workspace. You’ll be surprised how much you can fit, if you go vertically. (via Ikea)

8. Float Your Books: Dedicate one wall to your library. Floating shelves can keep all your books in one place without taking up too much floorspace. (via Tess Bethune Interirors)

9. Go Short and Long: Mix different lengths of shelves, and add artwork behind a couch for a functional storage and display space. (via BHG)

10. Create a Gallery Wall: Use skinny shelving to display collections and found objects that are more about beauty and less about function. (via Design Sponge)

11. Subway Tiled Pantry: If you choose to use exposed shelving in your kitchen or pantry, make sure to decant your baking supplies, grains, and snacks into simple containers. You don’t want your home to look like a grocery store filled with brightly colored cereal boxes and the like. (via Light Locations)

12. Pastel Paint Rack: Keep chargers, platters, and trays on display with a painted plate rack. (via KML Designs)

13. DIY Paint Rack from a Crib: And if you’re looking for a safe way to reuse an old crib that your child has outgrown, check out this DIY hack for turning those side slats into a plate rack. (via Remodelaholic)

14. Display Daily Dishes: If you’re going to keep dishes out in the open, it’s best to display the ones you use frequently. That way they’ll never sit on the shelf long enough to get dusty or dirty. (via Houzz)

15. Room Divider: Instead of closed cabinets over a counter that divides your kitchen and dining room, opt for open shelving to open up your space and let the light through like the design of this Chicago townhouse. (via Roger Hirsch Architects)

16. Create a Faux Hutch: By installing open shelving over a built in cabinet (or even a long and low dresser) you can create the illusion of a built in hutch in your kitchen or dining room. (via Andre Rothblatt Architecture)

17. Corner Cookbook Nook: Don’t let a corner of your kitchen space go to waste. Install a few short shelves to house cookbooks and even small appliances. Just be sure they’re anchored into studs if you’ll be putting anything heavy on them. (via James Hall Photography on Houzz)

18. Floor-to-Ceiling Room Divider: If you have a large open space that you need to divide up, use open shelving to create “walls” that can be used for storage and to keep light coming through. (via GutGut on Houzz)

19. Mix Open & Closed Shelving: You don’t have to have all your shelving be exposed. Add doors to keep foodstuffs hidden while displaying pots, pans, and baking staples. (via Schwartz and Architecture)

20. Take Advantage of Unused Space: Carve out even more storage space for drinking glasses, spices, or vases by adding small shelves to the ends of your cabinets. (via Houzz)

21. Create a Shower Niche: If you have a cut out cubby in your tiled shower, add a few glass shelves to double or triple your storage space, and keep shampoo, conditioner, and more at hand. (via Houzz)

22. Show off Perfumes and Potions: Similar to the plate rack in the kitchen using a stylish or stylishly painted spice rack in the bathroom can be the perfect way to display your well-packaged beauty products. (via Living Etc)

23. Open Up Under The Sink: Don’t close off all of your under sink storage. By keeping a few spaces open, you’ll force yourself to stay organized.(via Kitchens of Los Gatos on Houzz)

24. Create Display Rails: Over a claw foot tub, small shelves with decorative brackets are a beautiful place to store bath salts, candles, and even artwork. Just make sure the art won’t be damaged by the damp environment. (via Lonny)

25. Short Shelves: Most of the bathroom essentials you want to have out won’t take up a lot of space, so you can easily store them on mini shelves nestled into a recess in the wall. (via Wanda Ely Architect Inc on Houzz)

Where do you have open shelving in your home? Have you considered adding it, or do you like to keep things hidden behind closed doors? Tell us in the comments!

Now that we're nearing the end of winter, it'll soon be time for spring cleaning. But in addition to just breaking out your duster, wiping down your baseboards, or finally tackling that soap scum in your shower, why not organize as well?

Think about it: as you go about your spring cleaning checklist this year, you're probably going to move from one room to another. While you're already getting down and dirty, it can be super helpful to streamline each area of your home.

Not only will you feel fully refreshed (and not like you're simply straightening up clutter), but you'll also make your life easier for all those "Sunday resets" to come this year.

So, whether you choose to start in your bedroom or kitchen, here are our top organizing tips for organizing every room of your house.

Scroll to find out how to best organize every room in your house!

1. Entryway

Max Vakhtbovycn

From work commutes to errand runs, you're probably on the go a lot. Why waste time getting out the door by dealing with a disorganized entryway every single day?

Think of your front door as a "launching pad." In other words, whatever you need to help make leaving and arriving home easier should be right there for simple access.

If you have a closet to work with, that's great. Otherwise, cubbies or even a utility shelf will work. Make sure your most used shoes, coats, and other accessories are neatly stacked, hung, or put away. You can take those heels you only wear for date nights or random extra scarves back to your bedroom.

Then, set up a space for your personal items, like your purse, keys, sunglasses, and any mail you grab on the way in. You'll know exactly where they are the next time you're running late, and you can add personal touches like greenery or artwork to make your launch pad more aesthetically pleasing.

2. Living Room

Martin Lang

Next up is the living room, where you probably spent the bulk of your time with family and friends. This fact means it tends to naturally become the most cluttered room in everyone's home.

If you feel like you're lacking storage, don't forget to utilize vertical space. You can install shelving, for instance, or buy tall open-shelving cabinets that look like built-ins.

Either way, by adding decor pieces, books, or other commonly used items, like speakers and games, you'll infuse the room with more character and dimension while saving floor space.

Don't underestimate the functionality of baskets, either. They're great for holding everything from pet toys to blankets and even magazines or photo albums.

Plus, if you have kids and constantly feel inundated by their toys, say goodbye to the typical storage container solution. Even though it may work for some parents, these containers are still an eyesore and never really leave your line of sight in the living room.

Instead, you can transform an old or thrifted dresser into a toy storage area. Select one that matches your interior design style to keep your space looking clean and uncluttered while allowing your kids to easily grab whatever they want to play with.

3. Bedroom & Closet

Shared or not, the bedroom has a way of collecting clutter like nobody's business. That's why we have to get creative to save space and make our lives easier.

One of the most overlooked areas is right under your bed. You can store anything from hobby items, like art supplies, to seasonal clothing and less frequently worn shoes.

Search for storage containers with wheels under the bed. Or, if your bedframe needs an upgrade, look for one that has drawers!

Anastasia Shuraeva

Then, in your closet, make sure your clothing and accessories are arranged in a way that makes sense.

For example, if you work a corporate job, group all of your business attire, like slacks, blazers, and loafers, in one section to quickly get dressed and go in the morning. The same goes for casual wear, workout attire, and evening wear or pajamas.

Finally, if you have shelving, add labeled bins to store clunkier garments like sweaters and sweatshirts. Any remaining room can be used to hold extra clutter that you clear off horizontal surfaces, like your desk, vanity, or dresser, to make your bedroom feel more light.

4. Bathroom

Kaboompics.com

Last but not least is the dreaded bathroom. This room of the house can become a dumping ground for all sorts of products and beauty tools.

Just like in your living room, you should use any empty wall space to your advantage. Hang up hooks to hold your towels and clothing while you bathe, or use an over-the-door organizer to give your extra towels and robes a home.

Also, if you live with multiple people, it can be helpful to give each family member their own designated cabinet. This will keep everyone's products separate and prevent any from becoming a "junk drawer."

Last but not least, our top tip for keeping your bathroom fresh and organized is to get rid of your personal items on a regular basis. Stop holding onto that old tube of toothpaste that's practically flat or accumulating multiple bottles of face wash.

Rather, go through your products once a month to purge anything that's expired or no longer used. This simple act alone will make a real difference.

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Jenny Slate is back on our screens after last summer's It Ends With Us, and she's starring alongside Michelle Williams in FX's series Dying For Sex. What a duo! The new TV show revolves around Molly (Michelle Williams) who gets a life-changing diagnosis and decides to embrace a variety of new experiences — and the "hilarious, sexy and unfiltered" series (according to the trailer description) might just change how you look at life and love.

Here's everything we know about Hulu's new show Dying For Sex, starring Michelle Williams.

What is the plot of Dying For Sex?

Hulu/FX

Molly's (Michelle Williams) life changes forever when she's diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. With her best friend Nikki (Jenny Slate) at her side, Molly decides to leave her husband Steve (Jay Duplass) to explore "the full breadth and complexity of her sexual desires for the first time in her life," according to the show's synopsis. Watch the full trailer here.

Where can I watch Dying For Sex?

All 8 episodes of Dying For Sex premiere on Hulu April 4, 2025. Here's the full episode list:

  • Season 1, Episode 1: "Good Value Diet Soda"
  • Season 1, Episode 2: "Masturbation is Important"
  • Season 1, Episode 3: "Feelings Can Become Amplified"
  • Season 1, Episode 4: "Topping is a Sacred Skill"
  • Season 1, Episode 5: "My Pet"
  • Season 1, Episode 6: "Happy Holidays"
  • Season 1, Episode 7: "You're Killing Me, Ernie"
  • Season 1, Episode 8: "It's Not That Serious"

Who's in Dying For Sex?

Hulu/FX

The Dying For Sex cast is led by one of our favorite stars from the 90s (hello Dawon's Creek!), but the full cast is amazing. The cast includes:

  • Michelle Williams as Molly: a woman who changes her life after a breast cancer diagnosis.
  • Jenny Slate as Nikki: Molly's best friend who gives her courage throughout her diagnosis.
  • Jay Duplass as Steve: Molly's ex-husband
  • David Rasche as Dr. Pankowitz
  • Sissy Spacek as Gail
  • Rob Delaney as Neighbor Guy
  • Esco Jouléy as Sonya
  • Jay Duplass as Steve
  • Kelvin Yu as Noah

Where is Dying for Sex being filmed?

Dying For Sex began filming in New York City in March of 2024.

Is Dying for sex Based on a true story?

Yes, the Dying For Sex show is based on Nikki Boyer's podcast of the same name that tells the story of Molly's journey. Nikki is serving as executive producer on the new TV show. According to the Daily Mail, Molly passed away in 2019.

Are you excited to see Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate in Hulu's Dying For Sex? Check out The 9 Best TV Shows To Watch On Max This Month for even more streaming ideas.

Trends come and go, but decor styles can stand the test of time with the right upgrade. Farmhouse modern, for example, has outlasted many home decor trends over the decade (RIP kitschy boho) and even inspired offshoots like cottagecore and coastal grandmother, proving we'll always crush on all things clean and cozy. Alice Arterberry of Austin-based design and architecture firm Arterberry Cooke and interior designer Anna Franklin of Milwaukee-based Stone House Collective helps us refresh the look with a few dos and don'ts... plus check out our style reminders to keep your home decor always on point.

Design: Arterberry Cooke

Mistake #1: Your lighting and fixtures are outdated.

Look for lighting and modern fixtures that suit a space in size, function, and style. “We wanted the design to reflect a timeless and classic look," says Arterberry of this Austin remodel, "that would stand the test of time and wouldn't feel outdated quickly, while still feeling modern and fresh." This kitchen features neutral tones and refined fixtures that can act as a perfect canvas for more color and accessories as trends take shape.

Design: Arterberry Cooke

Mistake #2: Your rugs are too small.

"The home is quintessential Austin with its classic yet contemporary feel," says Arterberry. Her design team decided to use a neutral palette throughout the main level, and the graphic rug enhances the overall aesthetic. Splurge on a generously sized rug for larger areas to tie the room together and create a seamless look. Even the most beautiful rug can look out of place if it doesn't fit properly, giving the impression that you're trying to cut costs. Choose a rug that is large enough to anchor the furniture, ideally allowing the front legs of major pieces to rest on it.

Design: Arterberry Cooke

Mistake #3: Your window treatments look cheap.

Thin, plastic blinds or low-quality curtains can detract from the overall look of a room. Invest in quality curtains, blinds, or shades that complement your decor and dress the windows completely.

Design: Stone House Collective

Mistake #4: Walls are painted in outdated colors.

Millennial pink, tangerine, light yellow, violet, and bright red are out, while more earthy tones are in, like this beautiful statement wall Franklin and team had painted in Shade Grown by Sherwin Williams. It adds a moody vibe that feels rich and modern, albeit farmhouse-inspired.

Design: Stone House Collective

Mistake #5: Using typographic signs in lieu of artwork.

Rustic typographic signs hint of a farmhouse decor past. "Although once a staple of farmhouse decor, replace typography signs with beautiful artwork that depicts a rural, landscape scene. In addition to being much more chic, these pieces will add a touch of color to an otherwise neutral aesthetic," says Franklin.

Design: Stone House Collective

Mistake #6: Decor lacks authenticity.

DIY farmhouse decor like the faux-antique window pane with chicken wire or mason jars glued to faux-distressed barn board can scream a little too country. "Instead opt for vintage, antique finds with a rustic flair," says Franklin. Look for a high-quality cream vintage rug; handmade, weathered pottery; and solid wood furniture. "Make a statement and incorporate an authentic, solid wood farmhouse dining table made of exposed wood. These dining tables are typically the star of the space, and will age beautifully over time," adds Franklin.

Design: Stone House Collective

Mistake #7: Clutter is everywhere.

A well-designed home, no matter what style, feels as good as it looks when the room is clean, comfortable, and clutter-free. Pare down to the basics and then add in warm features, like a rustic console and earthy lamps. For toys and things that always end up where they don't belong, invest in natural baskets and containers that suit your style.

Mistake #8: Your entry gets no love.

First impressions matter. Give your entryway a little love with a wood console table, a modern mirror at eye level, a durable rug, and simple accessories, like a vase with branches, small containers for keys and things, and coffee table books.

Design: Stone House Collective

Mistake #9: Plants look a little sad or overgrown.

Plants, large and small, can help clean air and bring the outdoors in, ultimately making a room feel alive. Be selective and think about scale. These plants play a subtle yet decorative role in a spare office -- the perfect spot for clear thinking and productivity. Plants to look out for include olive trees, ficus elastica, pilea, snake plants and calathea.

Design: Stone House Collective

Mistake #10: There is no symmetry and balance.

Multiples like these twin accent chairs add symmetry to a design, making a room feel more balanced. A rug large enough to reach all of the furniture makes a great impact too while adding to the balanced, cozy vibe.

Finally, add personal touches that make your home feel like you (vs. following the latest IG decor playbook). Bring in books you love, art that gives you all the feels, and personal mementos (travel souvenirs, family photos, etc.) to make a house, farmhouse or otherwise, a home.

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When it comes to naming their children, celebrities don't really follow trends — they create them. Hollywood's A-listers have a knack for choosing baby names that spark conversation, from whimsical and unconventional to more timeless and elegant picks.

These star-powered selections also have the ability to set the stage for the next big baby-naming trend. So, here are some of the most memorable and unique celebrity baby names that have captured the world's attention.

Scroll to see all the unique celebrity baby names we love...and loathe.

1. Paloma

Campbell "Pookie" Puckett and her husband, Jett Puckett, have taken the social media world by storm with their seemingly picture-perfect romance and lavish lifestyle.

In November 2024, the influencer couple welcomed their daughter, Paloma, into the world after creating a lot of anticipatory hype surrounding their name choice.

Paloma has Spanish and Italian roots and is derived from Latin. It means "dove," in addition to "pigeon" and "butterfly." Those familiar with Greek mythology may recognize doves as symbols of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

2. Wyatt, Elliotte, and Bennett

Jason Kelce, who spent 13 years playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, and his wife, Kylie Kelce, faced some backlash for the gender-neutral names they chose for their three daughters.

However, gender-neutral monikers are more popular than ever before. And now that the couple has a fourth daughter on the way, they reportedly plan to continue the name trend in their family.

3. Riot

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky made waves in 2023 when they named their second child Riot. The bold, unconventional pick fits right in with the couple's trend of sticking to "R" names, as Rihanna's full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, and A$AP Rocky's is Rakim Athelaston Mayers.

Beyond its personal significance, the name Riot carries a strong, rebellious energy. It definitely reflects both artists' fearless approach when it comes to both music and fashion.

4. Winnie

When Jimmy Fallon and his wife, Nancy Juvonen, had their first daughter in 2013, they chose a somewhat unique name with a lot of personal meaning: Winnie. Welsh in origin, it means "gentle friend" or "friend of peace."

Specifically for the couple, though, it's a tribute to Lake Winnipesaukee, the picturesque New Hampshire lake where they got engaged. Plus, Jimmy added the name made even more sense since they viewed Winnie as a "win" in their life.

5. Grace Warrior

Everyone remembers Steve Irwin as the fearless "Crocodile Hunter" who tragically died in late 2006. More recently, his daughter, Bindi Irwin, welcomed a little girl of her own into the world in 2021 and named her Grace Warrior.

While Grace may be a more common name, meaning "favor" or "blessing," Warrior was a more unusual choice with a sentimental intent.

"Her middle names, Warrior Irwin, are a tribute to my dad and his legacy as the most incredible Wildlife Warrior," Bindi shared on Instagram.

6. River Rose and Remington

Kelly Clarkson and her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, chose two distinctive names for their girl and boy: River Rose, born in 2014, and Remington Alexander, born in 2016.

With British roots and a whimsical feel, River is a gender-neutral pick that means "a flowing body of water." It was traditionally used more frequently for boys, but Kelly changed that trend.

Meanwhile, Remington is also British in origin and started as a surname, translating to "settlement by the boundary stream." Perhaps Kelly chose this sibling combination because both River and Remington begin with "R" and have connections to water.

7. Elsie Otter

When Zooey Deschanel and her then-husband Jacob Pechenik had their daughter in 2015, they chose a name that was both classic and quirky: Elsie Otter.

While Elsie is a timeless choice of Hebrew origin, which means "pledged to God," the addition of Otter gives it a more playful twist. During an appearance on TODAY, Zooey explained their reasoning behind it.

"We just really liked the name Elsie, and then we both love otters because they're so sweet and also smart," she detailed.

"They use tools, they keep their favorite tools, they hold hands while they sleep; there are so many amazing things about otters. They're wonderful animals."

8. Luai

Finally, in 2023, Lindsay Lohan and her husband, Bader Shammas, named their Dubai-born son Luai. It's Arabic in origin and means "protector" or "shield," but it remains a rare pick in the U.S.

Luay, a more common variation of this name, was only given to eight boys born in the U.S. in 2022.

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Drew Barrymore is undoubtedly an acting force to be reckoned with. Viewers everywhere first fell in love with her when she played Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in 1982. Then, she went on to star in many other major productions, such as The Wedding Singer, Scream, He's Just Not That Into You, and 50 First Dates.

Nowadays, the 50-year-old is still showcasing her on-screen talents, just in a different way. Back in September 2020, she launched a daytime talk show known as The Drew Barrymore Show.

Over the last four years, she's featured a wide range of guests, from Matthew McConaughey and Vanna White to Paris Hilton, Millie Bobby Brown, and Reese Witherspoon. Drew has also become known for having a more touchy-feeling rapport with her guests, which some people have called "clingy."

This seemingly led Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, to make a dig at Drew's behavior during her appearance on the March 6 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show.

Scroll to find out what Meghan Markle said about Drew Barrymore...

Meghan's new show, With Love, Meghan, came out on Netflix the day before. So, she planned to sit down with Drew to discuss her latest project, as well as other topics, including her courtship with Prince Harry and parenthood.

However, some viewers were shocked by an offhand quip that Meghan made during the interview, telling Drew, "I hear you like to connect." She proceeded to soften the blow by taking Drew's hand and claiming her touchy behavior was "so sweet, though."

Again, Drew has a reputation for hugging, touching, and sitting quite close to her guests. Yet Meghan, who has also been called warm and is known to go in for hugs, seemed more reserved and regal.

Despite Meghan's remark and the differences in body language, the pair still delved into some interesting conversation topics. For instance, the Duchess of Sussex detailed how, when she first began dating Prince Harry back in 2016, he made her a vow based on some old advice she'd received.

While Meghan was a college student, she'd worked as a nanny for two different families, and one of the fathers told her, "When you meet your person one day, I want him to say to you the same thing that I said to my wife when we got married, which is, I vowed to always date my wife."

Well, amidst her blossoming romance with Harry, she asked the Prince to make her that same promise. He responded, "I vow to always date you."

According to Meghan, she credits their strong connection to their commitment to treating each other the same way they did prior to tying the knot. In her eyes, holding onto the "good and joy" from the "butterfly period" of courting is what keeps relationships alive.

You can catch The Drew Barrymore Show live on weekdays. To find your local time and station, visit the link here.

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