Open Shelving Reveal
The open shelving in the kitchen is finally done! For now at least. This area strikes me as one that will be constantly evolving with the seasons and my mood. For now, I’m digging the rustic farmhouse look – I think that’s illustrated pretty well in how I styled the shelves and the intentional distressing of the shelves themselves. I can’t believe how much this wall has changed since we moved in six months ago. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. Let me remind you of what we were working with when we moved in – wallpaper, borders, a mobile dishwasher, blue trim and a very awkward run of upper cabinets.
And here we are today. The dresser I refinished to serve as a coffee station takes the place of the dishwasher, the wallpaper and blue trim are history and my open shelving is my new pride and joy. I know our plan was to fully gut and renovate the kitchen in a year or so but I’m actually starting to like this one. I might be able to live with it for a few more years. Take a peek and let me know what you think. Warning: I have included a ridiculous number of pictures. It’s like these shelves are a new baby.
You’ll notice that some of my milk glass collection has found a home throughout the shelving as well as a brass watering can I scored for $2.99 at Value Village. The clear jar holding the knives was purchased for a few bucks at a Crabtree & Evelyn that was closing down a few years ago. I have a bunch of them holding various items throughout the house. I’m in love with the contrast of the wood knife handles against the white cabinet. The galvanized utensil holder is a patio caddy I purchased at Home Sense with a gift card I got for Christmas. It was $12.99 and although I know it’s supposed to house condiments for the patio I think it’s perfect for utensils. It’s so easy to bring down to the sink when I’m putting dishes away and then just pop it back in it’s place. Over all I’m really happy with the way this project turned out. I still can’t believe how much this room has changed since we moved in. What do you think? Like it? Love it? Not a fan of the open shelf? I love to hear your opinions.
Diana, I think it looks fantastic! You’re really good at placing things for photos as well – the way you did everything looks great – and the way you organized things – like the silverware is awesome. I really love the slight distressing of the shelves too!
It looks so cute! I love what you put in there, and that gray dresser is awesome. This looks like it is out of magazine; great job! You must be so happy!!
Thank you so much Kelly and Melanie! I am really happy with how they turned out.
-Diana
I love it! With the gray dresser underneath it looks like something out of a magazine.
Thanks so much Debbie. What a compliment!
-Diana
These look absolutely amazing!! You styled them so beautifully, Diana!! I love what you’ve done with the glass jars and the touch of rustic as well. I’d be so proud if I was you too!
Hey Whitney! Thank you so much. I’m pretty proud of them. This kitchen has come a long way and has cost me next to nothing really.
-Diana
I can’t believe the difference (it looks great)..I may be the only one who has a slightly different opinion on the amount of items you currently have stored on the open shelves..I keep seeing it almost like an elevated bookshelf and think some of it should be pared down so it’s not so full (on display)..for exampe: is it for dishes, cooking items (the roaster and the crockpot), your milk glass collection (which I love how you have out)? I really don’t want you to think I’m being negative or harsh because I honestly do believe it looks great.
Wow, I can’t believe how you transformed that area! You did such a wonderful job! I love everything, especially how you styled it!
OMG!!! This is absolutely beautiful! Looks like a magazine. I love the way you arranged everything. Sometimes people go overboard arranging open shelving so that it looks like a bookcase in the living room instead of something that goes in the kitchen. Yours is just right
Hey Shelly, I don’t think you’re being negative or harsh at all. Everyone has their own opinion and if I didn’t want to hear yours I wouldn’t post what I’ve done for you to see it. I honestly wanted to fill the shelves with items that we use fairly regularly. That is why I included the plates, bowls, pasta strainers, glasses and utensiles, coffee items, the mixing bowls and the baking dishes. Just these items looked a little too utilitarian and not warm enough for my taste so I filled it up with things that I want to look at everyday – my brass watering can, my milk glass collection etc. The fruit was to add a bit of colour and get some of the clutter off of my countertops. I wanted the shelving to house as much as possible since I don’t have that much cabinet space and had to make the decision to convert to open shelving worth it in terms of storage. That is why I chose to include my pie plates, the dutch oven and the large pot – these are items that were taking up room in my cupboards that I believe are pretty enough and go with my style enough to be out in the open. I hope this answers your question. I value your opinion and hope you never hold back. I know it might be a bit busier than some people would like but for me it’s just busy enough to be interesting.
-Diana
Hey Gabbi and Lindsay, Thanks so much for the compliments! I’m glad you like it!
-Diana
I love how this looks! You did a great job. Can we see some more pictures of the dresser?
Hi Amanda! Thanks so much for popping by! You can see more pictures of the dresser if you go to … http://boyplusgirldesign.com/?p=2023
Or select the “kitchen” category on the drop down menu in the side bar. I hope that helps!
-Diana
Love it! Congrats on finishing another project!
LOVE! Love every detail. You really did a wonderful job. I now it was a big ol pain in the booty, but aren’t you glad you did it?! You can just sit back and enjoy it forever now…
Thank You Kate! I’m happy to cross another off my list!
Hey Amy! You’re right – It was a big pain in the rear end but It was totally worth it. I’m a little bit in love. I find myself staring at it all the time now. Haha.
-Diana
[...] with working on my open shelving (so glad you all like it) this weekend I got busy preparing to build a new garden. One to match the [...]
I can’t believe the difference! Looks amazing!
Thank You Elisa!!
-Diana
I love the concept of open shelving! I think I’m going to try just a small wall in my kitchen instead of the whole kitchen to see how it looks =) Thanks for sharing
Visiting from DIY Show Off
Hi Kristin! Thanks for stopping by! I only did one section of uppers because, like you I need some closed storage as well. I’m sure you’ll love how fun it is to style and restyle a small portion of your favourite items.
-Diana
Wow, it looks amazing! I love the update and love how you’ve added the cabinet below. What a transformation.
Well done!
Pam
Hi Pam! Thanks so much for dropping in on us! I’m so glad you like what we’ve done with the kitchen so far!
-Diana
I love it! I recently lost some doors in my kitchen too. And I don’t plan on finding them for some time
Off to look at more posts, you have me kitchen curious now =)
wow, love the open shelves. I’m not sure i would have the guts to do that, although then i would be forced to keep them organized and looking pretty! lol!
We are running a Before and After Link party to support Habitat for Humanity, with a chance to be featured on other big blogs and win gift cards. Would love if you entered! http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/2012-before-after-series/
Thanks so much for linking up. Feel free to grab a button and share with your readers!
I lovelovelove this! I think it looks great with a mixture of the everyday and the beautiful. I’d love to see how it evolves over time, too!
You are so super organized. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to pull off open shelving. Too many plastic kids’ plates in there!
It looks amazing!! Just pinned your project.
Thank you so much Heather!
Amazing! I love the dresser & coffee station below – the whole wall is completely transformed. Great vision!
Thank you so much Tisha! And thank you for dropping in on us!
-Diana
Just love how it looks … so I pinned it! Oh, and tweeted too!
Linda
Oh Wow!! I love it!! And the dresser you did over goes perfect underneath the shelves! Great job…can’t wait to see the rest of the kitchen done over too.
Saw you at Pin the Tail party
Debbie
Thanks so much for the shout out Linda!!!
Hi Debbie! Thanks for dropping by! I can’t wait to see the rest of the kitchen done over either. Slowly but surely!
-Diana
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