A neglected media center has all the elements of a bad movie: poor editing, a cast of washed-up players, and a general lack of dramatic impact. Just ask Ann Johnson, 42, a part-time nurse, and her husband, Scott, 42, an electrical engineer. Before Real Simple’s team of organizers showed up at their Tennessee home, the floor-to-ceiling entertainment unit (shown) — with five cupboards and 10 open shelves — was anything but entertaining. More than 300 CDs and various DVDs and VHS tapes were awkwardly wedged between stereo components and cables. Knickknacks also hogged shelf space (“I’m a pile person,” admits Ann). Finally, when Scott found big scratches on five of his all-time favorite CDs, the couple, with their children, Emily, 11, and Elliot, 7, decided to take a stand. Thanks to the addition of clever systems, their media center was soon picture-perfect.

Before the Makeover: What She Has Always Liked

The cabinets provide ample space.

Open shelves allow Ann to display pottery, photographs, and figurines.

The TV sits at the perfect height for viewing.

Before the Makeover: What She Wanted To Change

“Our old, outdated equipment was just taking up room,” says Ann.

Stereo components were so jammed together that some buttons couldn’t be pressed.

It was tough navigating the tangled rat’s nest of wires and cables.