an old trick, but a good one

Got an extremely boring bookshelf? This is an oldie-but-goodie solution: take out the shelves (it will be trickier if they're fixed, but you know you can do it!) and staple maps of your choice to the back wall. We like to use old maps; these came from a collection of National Geographic maps that we found at an estate sale for $5, but you can order online or go to your local bookstore. Use this as an opportunity to subtly celebrate a special trip, or your family origins, or the states you've lived. We did this, including this simple staging, in 30 minutes, promise! Have fun . . .