A good way to add storage to you home in a fancier and unique is to make a shelf out of a pair of shutters.
If they're not already connected you should connect them with hinges.
Sand it down so it can take whatever stain or paint color you decide, and then paint.
Stage your shelves with the materials you plan to use. I got these pieces from my scrap wood pile.
Once your paint dries drill pilot holes through both shutter panels and the shelf itself and place the screws in to each side.