Our favorite place to look for inspiration? AT:Chicago House Tours. We always get doable, livable ideas from the homes we feature on the site. After spending some time last week working on a bookshelf arrangement, we decided to delve into the archives for design ideas. One of our favorites is the color-coded arrangement above from Emily and Craig's Logan Square Rehab. Click below for more...

In Alex's Light-Filled Loft, the lower shelf holds books while the upper shelf acts as a picture rail. It's a clean, organized way to break up the visual rhythm of the shelves.

In Andreas' Greektown Loft, he uses a space-saving vertical shelf. In an open area with plenty of breathing room, the shelf almost looks like a sculpture.

Joseph D.'s Wicker Park Nest is a small space that appears light and airy thanks to white walls and floors. To preserve the open feeling, the floating shelves are hung a foot or so above the floor.

Shannon and Emmet's bookshelves hold a casual arrangement of books and art objects. They built the shelves from stair treads and threaded pipe...a simple and inspiring DIY project.

Melissa and Matt's Design Lab uses a lot of open storage, like these interlocking Cubits. Bright colors create interesting compositions on each shelf.

In Sa's Family Home, books are collected in loose stacks. The easy-going arrangement is carried onto the walls, where photographs are tacked up in rows.

In Kim's Evanston Oasis, books are stacked horizontally on shelves and used as risers for objects and collections. Big pieces like the blue-and-white vase anchor the eclectic arrangements.

One of the highlights of Nicole and Brandon's Oak Park Bungalow is the library at the top of the stairs. Dark walls, glass doors on the bookshelves, and a large club chair give the space a traditional vibe.