With a lick of paint, a smart new console table and a pair of wall-hung bookcases, a bare space can be transformed into the perfect place to show off books, trinkets and family photographs.

 

Put up smart shelving
These pine bookcases have been sprayed white and hung together to create space for keepsakes. Argos has a great range of shelving.

Opt for a slim console table
This narrow design from IKEA suits the proportions of the space, and has two handy shelves for books and extra clutter.

Define the space with paint
Painting the wall behind the storage space in a different, yet co-ordinating, colour to the rest of the scheme will help define the area. Here, the wall has been painted in Homebase's Aloe and Shadow.

Create a photo gallery
For a personal touch, why not show off your favourite snaps in painted and plain frames, or pin them up on boards covered in fabric. For great value frames, visit Wilkinson, and for this fabric, visit Cath Kidston.

Go for task lighting
A desk lamp like this one can be angled towards the photos to illuminate the area, or used as a reading lamp. IKEA has a fantastic range of lamps like this one.