Open Shelving or Not???
I think that I first started loving the concept of open shelving when I was watching some tiny house videos. The shelves that were displayed were always decorated to look so clean and pretty. I have given much thought to the idea in my own home and although I do love the look, I haven't been persuaded to tear out my cabinets with doors just yet. That doesn't mean that I won't next week, but upon researching it, I have found a few things to consider.
Open shelving keeps us from hoarding stuff that we never will use because it is ....well, open for the world to see. I opened my cabinet doors to see a few items that I had tucked into the corners that I would not have even saved if I hadn't had a place to hide it.
Another point that is commonly brought up about open shelving is dust! Ya, who wants to wash all of their dishes every week just to dust them out? Well, my answer to that is not to have any more dishes sitting out than you would use on an ordinary week. I would make an exception for pots and pans. There are many varieties of dusting apparatus available that can help to reach those shelves with ease. I really like to use a Swiffer Duster as the little cloths cling to the dust so I am not spreading it around the house.
What if all of your stuff doesn't match? Never fear! Eclectic is here! Combine your items in such a manner that they bring out the best in each other. An example would be to scatter brightly colored items throughout the shelves to keep balance. My daughter in law is a beautiful decorator and mixes pictures, copper and plants amongst her dishes on her shelves. It really is eye catching and gives her kitchen a warm feeling!
Be sure that you use heavy duty brackets and brace them into studs. Dishes can get heavy! I have some heavy duty restaurant wear that can put a real load on a shelf.
I hope that you will share your thoughts and ideas on the open shelving concept below. If you have pictures of your own, we would love to see them!
Inspiring the well-lived home,
Julie Atkins
Milkweed Farms
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