( CNN ) -- Once upon a time , bookshelves were just for books , a spot to proudly show off your full set of encyclopedias before the advent of Google . These days , homeowners have a more open-minded approach to their shelving . The books are still there , but decorating enthusiasts are using them as elements of decor . HGTV magazine Editor-in-Chief Sara Peterson said that 's because finding colorful and affordable home accessories is a lot easier than it used to be . As a result , `` restyling your bookshelves can be a fast makeover that can totally change the look and feel of a room , '' Peterson said . In addition to being a collection of well-loved stories , a stack of books can serve as a base for decorative objects . `` The key to styling out bookshelves is to have a wide variety of objects to play with , '' she said . All different sizes of books , vases , boxes and framed photos bring a bookcase to life . Not only that , but the shelves themselves can be part of the arrangement . `` We 're also seeing people line the backs of the bookshelves with wallpaper or even painting the backs , which gives everything on the shelves more of a cohesive look , '' Peterson said . The possibilities seem endless , and therein lies the problem , said e-designer Jana Bek . Communicating via Facetime , phone and e-mail , Bek provides interior designs and blueprints for her clients around the world to implement on their own . When it comes to decorating shelves , the instructions she provides come with an encouragement to be patient . `` Styling bookshelves is always a tricky process , '' Bek said . `` It looks easy but it takes finessing . '' It 's about balancing the size of the objects placed on the entire bookshelf , she said , paying attention to scale and shape . For example , Bek places larger decorative items on the top and bottom shelves while keeping items with intricate detail on eye level . And since books and picture frames are often rectangular , she breaks up all the angles with other shapes to keep things interesting . Here 's what Open House contributors learned about decorating their own bookcases : . -- `` I learned that large bookcases eat up accessories . I had what I thought was more than enough to fill the shelves . It turned out I needed more ! '' -- Lori Evans , Gainesville , Florida . -- `` I love seeing bookcases packed full of books , pictures and collectibles in other people 's homes . However , I prefer a cleaner , simpler style in my house . When there are tons of objects in a bookcase , it can overload the senses and not be relaxing . '' -- Tiffani Stutzman , Baton Rouge , Louisiana . -- `` For this bookshelf , I found it helpful to have a wide assortment of objects on the floor in front and then start placing objects ( on the shelves ) . That way everything is easy to reach and move around . '' -- Sarah Dorsey , Pismo Beach , California . -- `` Antlers are natural and sculptural , and I like to showcase them as art . I found mine at a flea market . They are definitely a conversation starter when we have guests . They also look really cool at night when the library lights are on . '' -- Kristin Cadwallader , Rock Island , Illinois . `` I was pleasantly surprised by how finished the shelves looked when we added the glass doors . We 'd originally planned to add molding to them to give them a built-in look , but we found we preferred the modern feel the glass doors gave them . '' -- Gretchen Holcombe , Roswell , Georgia . -- `` We have a lot of books , so we need to use our bookshelves for real storage , not just a place to put pretty things that need to be dusted . I found everything looks a little less busy if you loosely organize books by color and mix in some meaningful , pretty things . '' -- Kelly Marzka , Atlanta . -- `` The thing I learned when I set out to decorate these bookshelves was an important one : That with a little bit of effort you can transform something that may not be your style , or in this case , may even have lingering memories associated with it , and make it truly and uniquely your own . '' -- Andrea Trbovich , Hilliard , Ohio . `` I really try to consider how much I love something before I display it . Using the rule of thumb , 'if you make everything special , then really nothing is special ' `` -- Tracie Stoll , Prospect , Kentucky . `` I love playing with ( the bookshelf ) . ... I will be making small changes to take it from Halloween to more of a Thanksgiving theme as November approaches . '' -- Sarah Macklem , Detroit .
HGTV magazine 's Sara Peterson says accessorizing bookcases is quick and easy . When styling a bookshelf , think holistically and be patient : It takes finesse . Do you have a taste for sophisticated animal style ? Contribute to the next Open House !