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Decorating Kitchen Shelves

Remember yesterday when our shelves looked like this?

Shelves 26 After Full

Well, then I had fun doing this (if you’re at work, you can watch this without sound and totally get the gist):

If you check out the video you can see that I can actually reach everything up on those top shelves except for the stuff in the corner by the window, but it’s easy enough to sit on the counter to grab it.

StyleShelves Lights Off 1

Who knew I’d be able to reach all that stuff? I totally expected to have to scream “Joooooohn” whenever I needed something up there (he’s the chef of the family so that probably wouldn’t have happened very often anyway). Or use a step stool if he’s missing/outside/hiding and I’m really desperate. Haha.

StyleShelves Far

So now our shelves are chock full o’ stuff, and are most definitely still a work in progress, but mighty cheerful and functional all the same…

StyleShelves Deet Vertical

It’s not necessarily where things will stay – just a first pass for sure. I actually have since re-stacked some of the bowls – and plates & dishes have gotten used so things are constantly changing. It really is a completely rotating display. The funny thing is that it’s kind of crazy to “perfectly style” kitchen shelves anyway since it’s all supposed to be used and is always being picked up or washed or put back so I have already declared that I WILL NOT BE CRAZY. And John is holding me to it. Hah. So since nothing is glued down or expected to remain exactly where I placed it OR ELSE, consider this to be just one “take” of many when it comes to our open shelves. I’m sure ceramic animals will worm their way in there somewhere. And I’m sure as we add crown molding and patch the ceiling (at which point everything has to come back down from the shelves) things might get switched up. But that’s half the fun when you’re me.

As you can see from the video, I didn’t give anything too much thought. Sometimes over-thinking can be the bane of your existence when you’re loading up shelves or a bookcase. So it was all sort of first-thought. So for anyone wondering about my method… I actually consciously tried not to think too much and just moved stuff around and stepped back and tried to focus on what I wanted to be easiest to grab and grouping things that made sense (like all the items for setting the dinner table and dessert stuff). I’m sure it’ll evolve and change – and most likely get better and more functional – over time. Here’s hoping, anyway! And you know I’ll take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures.

StyleShelves Vertical Side

Oh and you can see from the shot above how shallow the brackets are and how deep our 12″ shelves are, so there’s plenty of room for stuff and the brackets don’t interfere with storage or anything. Whew.

But back to filling up those shelves. I tried hard not to think too hard (say that three times fast) but I did think about one thing the whole time I was at it: function. For example, I put our dessert bowls and dessert plates on the bottom right shelf and all of our large dinner dishes and cups and cereal bowls on the bottom left shelf. So those are closest at hand (and just a step or two away from the dishwasher with no cabinet doors to open, so that should be pretty convenient). Then the top shelves got things that we may use less often, but that still might sit out on counters in a kitchen anyway (ex: a cute cake stand, some bigger serving bowls, a vase, a bottle of my mom’s favorite bubbly drink, etc). We figure that even when those items sit in cabinets for a while they can get dusty, so it should be the same difference (a quick rinse and they’re ready to go). We’ll keep you posted on how it all works for sure.

Here’s how the room now looks from the office doorway. Such a difference. Although the not-stainless dishwasher still kills us, but soon enough we should have the new one installed. Oh and I meant to take a shot of the window straight on to show the balance of the shelves that are spaced 14″ from the right of it and the cabinet that’s spaced 14″ to the left of it… but I had a brain fart. Epic picture-taking fail. So that shot’s to come.

StyleShelves From Office

Memory lane time? Sure. The room used to look like this from the office doorway. Kinda crazy, right? I’m totally standing in the exact same spot – not any closer (see the counter cutting off at the bottom of each picture at nearly the same spot?). Isn’t it crazy how much closer the window feels in the picture below?

John Standing On Counter

But let’s get back to the present. Do you hear a harp softly playing in the background or is it just me? Picture me twirling around with my arms out while orchestral music swells and birds come and fly around me holding ribbons in their beaks. Only less graceful and more awkward. And maybe the birds are just Burger and Clara holding toilet paper and spinning around beside me while I grin up at the can lights.

StyleShelves Deet Short Sid

Oh and someone pointed out that we have lots of subtle curves going on with our brackets and our round penny tile and our round pendants. I love happy accidents like that! With more angular things like the range hood and the peninsula, it’s nice to have some softer shapes to complement them. High five for happy accidents.

Now that we have our pretty glass cups out in front of the boring clear ones we actually use them more. And I get to stare at them. Wait, that sounds creepy. I get to gaze at them. Better?

StyleShelves Deet Glasses

We think the random pops of blue, green, and yellow along with those two frames I stuck up there are fun. It’s definitely not a “magazine after” or anything – more like a gathering of all the stuff we actually use with some pretty decorative things tossed in there for fun. If a magazine blew in I think they’d probably add “more pretty” (flowers, lacquered boxes, candlesticks, etc) in exchange for “less function” (translation: I would love it and John would roll his eyes and say “um, where are all our plates and bowls and cups?”).

Oh and a bunch of folks asked if we considered a third row of shelves up top, but we figured once we loaded up those second shelves the stuff on them would balance with the top of the doorway, so anything above that might have been too heavy/cluttered for us. Plus that stuff would be really hard to reach/use.

StyleShelves Far

And as for where we put the brackets, we wanted them all to be equally spaced on both sides (we looked at three on the left side but they didn’t feel as balanced with the ones on the right as four of them did). And that preferred layout thankfully worked with our studs (nearly all of our screws aligned perfectly and they feel really strong!), so after looking at a few different hanging options/bracket placements (and taping things off to help picture them) we just pulled the trigger and went with our favorite – which we thankfully love just as much in real life!

In short: we are so very happy with our wall o’ tile complete with glorious bracketed shelves full of sunshine and rainbows. Literally, the art actually says “Love Life” (it was the cover of a book that John got me, which I framed) and “Squeeze The Day” (a favorite flier from an old Boden catalog that came in the mail). We know open shelves (or these brackets/wall color/tile/pendants/stools/accessories) might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we dig it. And the whole photography crew for the book is being very cute about stroking and gazing right along with us (full disclosure: this is one of those things that looks better in person, and even the video completely fails to capture it) so you’ll all just have to come over when we’re done with all of the crazy book chaos. Haha. You can even pour yourself a drink since you know where we keep the cups…

StyleShelves Deet Vertical

In other news: oh happy day – the tulips are still alive! I keep meaning to drop a penny in the water while Clara’s around so we can watch them perk up. Thanks for all the flower tips guys!

StyleShelves Flowers Side

Here’s another shot sans crown molding and a patched ceiling. Oh and there will soon be a pendant hanging down over the sink too. We’re trying to tackle that, just so we don’t have to stare at torn up ceilings for much longer. So yes, it’s definitely a work in progress, but we’re jazz-hands-crazy about how our little “refurbished” kitchen is shaping up. And we’re definitely even more impatient than you guys about the cork floors! Can’t wait to get there and call this turkey done. Hah.

StyleShelves Lights Off 2

And just because I’m nuts, here’s what I did while playing around in photoshop.

Cork Photoshopped

Flat brown paint dumped on the “floor” via photoshop hardly captures all the amazing texture that our marbled cork floors will bring, and the white paint dumped to replicate crown molding hardly looks real (nor does my crazy little made-up pendant over the sink, which will probably be a lot lighter looking and made of clear glass) but it was fun. And if you squint and hum the Dexter theme song, you can almoooooost see it (sidenote: John changed his ringtone from Dexter to the Parks & Recreation song, which saddened me for a nanosecond and then I realized how hilarious the Parks & Rec song is – we even set it to be our alarm tone too, just because it makes waking up extra early for book stuff almost pleasurable tolerable).

So spill it. Who is completely surprised that 5’2″ me can reach nearly everything on those upper shelves? That was a total unexpected bonus. Oh and for those wondering why there isn’t a crew of lovely book photoshoot people wandering in and out of the time lapse video, they have to set up lights for certain shots that take a while so they were shooting in the back bedrooms (and I gave them one of those “I’ll be back in thirty minutes, so hold tight and scream if you need me” things). Thankfully only John wandered in for a sec, so there were no photoshoot emergencies in the middle of my shelf-y fun (I even ducked out to answer some comment questions and take a call about our upcoming Portland gig). So as Martha would say, that’s a good thing. In summary: yay shelves. What have you guys been hanging/filling up with plates and bowls/filming in time lapse lately?

Psst- And now for a post about donuts.

UPDATE: We couldn’t love our open cabinets more. Check out a bracket tweak that we made here and an update post about how they function here here.

Comments

  1. Jen says

    Love what you are doing. It makes me want to buy a house that needs some love just so I can make amazing changes like you two have. Except I would probably never follow through, haha. But thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply

  3. Sophie says

    I’m certainly surprised you could reach the top shelves! I’m 5’7″ and many a time have I had things fall on me when trying to reach shelves that are too high!

    Reply

  4. Cindy says

    In your photoshop rendition, you forgot to add the stainless steel dishwasher. Oh well, we will cut you some slack! The kitchen looks great!!!

    Reply

  6. Stephanie says

    Well guys, “todes adorbs” as the fashion girl would say. I love how it looks fun and full in a NY boutique restaurant kinda way. Also, at first I imagined it was John singing that song and how hilarious it would be if on top of being design gurus you guys made wicked beats in a basement studio there at the house. Anyway, probably just too much coffee and decorating giddiness this AM. : ) Love it, love y’all!

    Reply

  7. Ann L says

    I love teh shelving so much more now that there are things/colors on it. The perfect blend of function and decoration. Very nice—can’t wait to see the finished product!

    PS: $3 for that milk glass cake stand thing-a-ma-jig from Goodwill?! Sign me up! I’ve been looking for one like it to match all of the milk glass bud vases I’ve been nabbing from Goodwill for my sister’s shower. Any chance you want to get back what you spent, PLUS 100%? I’ll send ya $6 for it. ;)

    Reply

  8. Kelly says

    I’m from the generation right before you, the one that proudly proclaimed that “Mass-Produced and Microwaved Is Better. We’ve ARRIVED.”

    Thanks to you both for helping lead the charge back to self-reliance, innovation, personalization and creativity. I’m just in awe of the things you took time to learn and execute professionally in this kitchen. Hat’s off.

    Reply

  11. Amy says

    I’m Team Bracket, myself :) if you do end up going with some kind of chalk or cork board on that pantry, Pinterest is so amazing, they even show one how to make colored chalkboard paint that isn’t that drab schoolroom shade! Super fun to frame out maybe. I have faith I will live whatever you do.

    Reply

  12. Sarah Mc says

    I wasn’t a huge fan of the open shelving until now. You’ve sold me! I was also afraid your white dishes would get lost on the white shelves but with all the other colors and penny tile they are perfect! You guys always amaze me!

    Reply

  13. Ann says

    Your kitchen looks great. I have to admit that I would have used three brackets instead of four on the left side. The brackets draw too much attention when the attention should be on the lovely things you have on the shelves. (I even photoshopped it the way I would prefer it to make sure before posting my opinion.) Plus there would be fewer holes in your penny tile!

    Reply

  14. Laura says

    Beautiful. Those shelves were made for the giant conch shell of granny smiths. Not to mention the pretty blue and green juice glasses. Eye candy for sure.

    Reply

  16. Kara says

    Love your blog and truly look forward to your pictures and updates. I really like the idea of open shelves. Your kitchen is such a cheery place. I would only suggest one thing – a colored teapot in either yellow, blue or green would really make a pop!!

    Happy cooking!!

    Reply

  18. Raija K says

    It looks amazing! You guys did an awesome job. I love seeing everything coming together. Totally jealous of your new kitchen. Do you think you’ll hang artwork or something about the stove?

    Reply

  21. HB says

    Super impressed. I love the tile and the color combos. The ONLY thing I would add is faux cabinets to go up to the ceiling to finish it off.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That was our initial plan but since we have ceiling beams we can’t go all the way up without intersecting them, so we’re happy with them at this height since there aren’t many upper cabinets or tall shelves at all.

      xo,
      s

  22. Meredith @ La Buena Vida says

    I am generally not a lover of open shelves, but I *do* like what you guys did here and how they’re styled!

    And I also think you’ve convinced me that our next house purchase should be new white dishes to replace the crappy Espana stuff we have–I swear that EVERY plate is chipped!

    Reply

  23. Kris says

    Looks amazing. You are truly inspiring. When you were talking about your method of where to put things on your shelves, it had me giggling about Modern Family last night- don’t know if you watch, but if so, Cam can give you some tips on kitchen organizing!And you and John can do some salsa dancing in the process.

    Reply

  24. Lesley says

    Lovin’ the shelves!! I think you both did a great job with the project! What are your plans for the top of the cabinets? Are you going to bring them to the ceiling and add crown or just at a top molding? Cant wait to see the flooring go in!!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We have beams so we can’t bring them to the ceiling without interfering but since there are only a few tall/upper cabinets we’re happy without having huge skyscrapers in the kitchen. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  25. Katie G says

    I was so excited to see this and I love this result + the potential for future takes! I would love to see something tall on the left side top shelf after the ceiling/trim gets finished up. Perhaps Jarvis could rule over the kitchen from there? :) Or if you don’t want to give up storage space some bigger art/frame leaning behind serving dishes.

    Whatever happens, this further convinces me of my need to rid myself of the upper cabinets and get the open shelves going already! :D

    Reply

  26. Carmeon says

    You guys really make me dread the fact that I’m renting!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on a space that I can call my own (or someone else’s that trusts me…hehe!) I love it all. And tossing in a vote for the bracket team: i think they add just the right amount of architectural interest to an area that wouldn’t have had it otherwise. TWO THUMBS UP!!!

    Reply

  27. DJ Sherry says

    :) looking good! The filled shelves give the room more ” depth” and actually make it look bigger, balancing the weight of the cabinets on each side, but keeping It light. I’d have to disagree with those who prefer the floating shelves. While a cleaner look, the brackets add arcitectural interest, Complimenting the slightly traditional cabinets, but still modern as they are not overly ornate. They look sturdy. Floating might look like they couldn’t handle the weight when fully loaded. All in all great job. Can’t wait for the floor. Then, hmmm what big project is next? You guys move pretty fast.

    Reply

  28. Erin says

    Wow! Everything is looking beautiful. The pops of color really make a difference. Can’t wait to see the rest of the changes.

    Reply

  30. lyn says

    Awesome Job! It Looks so cheery and bright! I really can not wait to see your kitchen with the floor!!! The anticipation! ;) Keep up the great work.

    Reply

  34. Mindy says

    This is a bit random, but did you know that tulips are the only flower that continue to grow once they have been cut? If you find one of your tulips all of the sudden longer and floppier than the day before, you’re not crazy, it really “grew over night.” :)

    Reply

  38. Christie says

    I love happy accidents … I see the subtle curves now too, including your round barstools!

    Regarding the brackets, I see the spacing as “three spaces vs. 1 space” not the number of brackets. I love it. I wrote about asymmetry yesterday, and the 3-1 ratio is perfectly “it.”

    Have fun with your pretty stuff! Looks great!

    Reply

  39. Lyndsey says

    Is it sad that it felt a little like Christmas morning to me as I scrolled down to see what the shelves looked like all filled up?

    I was so excited, lol, I knew it’d be awesome, I just couldn’t wait to see it!!

    It looks great, so sunny and full of life, I’m sure a lot like you and your family.

    Reply

  42. Ang says

    Wow!!! It looks SO good. I was a little worried that 3 minutes of video would be talking video and then was happy to get a music video. It was awesome! It really made me smile adn I LOVE how it is all turning out! You guys are truly inspiring me to get some stuff done around my casa. Thanks!

    Reply

  44. Jessica F. says

    Ok I think those shelves would be deadly with me. I’d be changing them around nightly!!! Wake up at 1am. I have an idea! Then jump out of bed to go move some cups around. lol
    Good job! Looks awesome! :)

    Reply

  45. Jen @ The Decor Scene says

    Love it all!!! You guys are doing an amazing job with everything that is going on in your home right now. {clapping} Your warm cork flooring is going to warm up the room just the right amount and balance it all out. And crown molding really does finish a room off. I really like your Photoshot picture. I do it all the time to see if I will like something in my home or not. It really does help to see it first like that. ;)

    Reply

  47. Tina Reeves says

    Question for you…where did you get the chairs you put around your peninsula? I’d love one for my new craft workstation! Great job on the kitchen! We have completely gutted ours and redone it. Hard work, but totally worth it!

    Reply

  48. Jan C. says

    The kitchen looks beautiful, and I hope you love using it. Please, oh pretty please, report back on how the open shelving is to actually live with. I like the idea of it, but I can’t help wondering if, say, everything on the shelves closest to the stove will end up spattered with grease, or whatever. So let us know whether that ends up being a happy decision in the end!

    Reply

  50. Niki says

    I love watching this transformation. I can not wait for your floors though. I suppose I’ll have to.

    I have the “The Pit” from P&R as my ringtone.

    Reply

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