More on Open Shelving in the Kitchen

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More on Open Shelving in the Kitchen

When Theresa read my post on open shelving, she commented with a GREAT idea!

"I have a great collection of white dinner/serving wares...I wanted access to those items quickly and I like the look of some open storage.  My solution was to remove the cabinet doors and paint the back of that cabinet in the same wall color.  They look great and the pop of color behind the white dishes adds some interest to my space". 

Here's what that might look like but now imagine it with a slightly different wall color behind.

Remember to display dishes neatly, but try creative displays as well. Think about shorter stacks of plates with one of the plates standing up behind the stack.

Replace a few rows of cups or glasses with decorative items such as a pineapple finial, framed photo or artwork or totally cool wrought iron piece you found at the flea market.

Remember too, that in "merchandising" a space (your display format), that space itself is just as important as the items you place on the shelves. So leave open spaces. This shows off your items better and creates more visual appeal. Besides, it just look neater and cleaner.

But what if you like a more ornamental cabinet style? That's EASY! Apply small plaster ornaments from one of our Plaster Molds to the corners or junctions between support boards.

Consider small  leave plaster mold in the corners,

possibly an Acanthus Droplet plaster mold,

or maybe a our  Victorian Triangle Plaster Mold design.

Simply cast little ornamental pieces with Plaster of Paris, let them dry completely (so that they are light in weight), use joint compound to adhere them to the outside edges of the cabinet. Fill the space between the cabinet and the plaster piece with plaster of paris and let it dry. Now paint those pieces the same color as the cabinet.

To bring out the detail even further, simply wipe a color wash (water mixed or wall glaze with a darker version of the paint color) over the top of the ornamental plaster then wipe off any excess. That little peice will now become a detailed portion of your cabinets. And if you ever want to remove them in the future, you can.

To remove them, score the area between the plaster piece and the cabinet with a box cutter. Spray the opening with water and let it set. The water then begins to dissolve the joint compound and the plaster and the piece can then be pried off a little at a time.

"Ah....THAT'S that reason we apply them with joint compound!". Yes!

Thank you for your post Theresa!

Comments

[Tammy]

Another idea for open shelving is to replace your wooden shelves with thick, beveled glass and then install under-cabinet lighting in the tops of your cabinets. Use a dimmer switch to adjust the lighting. You'll end up with a very airy feeling, and the soft lighting will enhance your items. This look is especially beautiful at night.