NOT everyone is particularly impressed showing off some of the beautiful things they have, but some are and very proud of it. I read a magazine recently and there was a lady who was featured in it, prophesying her love for open shelves because they enable her to show off her collection of artifacts and other things that she has been collecting for many years. By the look of things on the pictures of the magazine, her open shelves spoke volumes not only about her collections, but the way they have created such a decorative focal point in her living room.Ever since I read that article, I have been toying around with the idea of having open shelves in our house, especially in the living room.But then first things first; the first thing you need to do before you fix open shelves is to consider the style of your house. A modern home needs items on open shelves to be organized and neat. A more relaxed style can have more relaxed displays. It’s all about creating balance and symmetry in your home.In order to display any of your collected items, the open shelving concept is the best option in creating an attractive display. Not only that you would be able to display your treasured collection, but also other useful items as well as decorative items. Open shelve concept can help you display things according to your creativity. Depending with where you want to have your decorated items, the shelves can be placed anywhere from the living room, to the hallway to the kitchen. In the living room, the open shelves can be a focus of decoration and can carry all those pieces you need to show. Not only will open shelves carry mementos, but can carry books as well, especially for people who are in love with collecting books and showing them off.When it comes to the kitchen, it is obvious that the kitchen open shelves will have a lot of dishes and cutleries. Rather than placing all the dishes on one shelf and all the glasses on another, try putting one stack of dishes on one shelf and another stack at the opposite end of the shelf above or below it.Do the same with the glasses. Then layer in other items like mixing bowls, plates or whatever other items you have. The good thing with open shelves placed in the kitchen is that they remove the heaviness of upper cabinets making the kitchen feel bright and open; it also discourages clutter.Even though it is important to mix things up, when styling open shelves it looks neater if you don’t incorporate too many colors. Try to keep things in the same color tones and try not to use more than three different colors. By the way this is not the rule, but throwing together many colors, sometimes gives it a cluttered feel.Arranging open shelves is always work in progress. Play around with your items until you are satisfied with what you see. The idea is to have fun with your decorative items to create a look that is pleasing to your eye and that which will create a focal point in your home décor.