Want to know possibly one of the most reasonable upgrades you can do to your kitchen or dining area? Open shelving. They are the best. I have a million reasons as to why I love open shelving now. And why this is the perfect last minute project before your big Thanksgiving get-together...
5 Reasons why you NEED open shelving NOW
1. Open shelving is practical. Our Birchwood kitchen only had 3 upper cabinets by the time we were finished knocking out two walls. We NEEDED open shelving if I wasn't going to pack up half of my dinnerware! The concept also makes it so easy to grab dishes you wouldn't normally use. HELLO kids, it's the HOLIDAYS! This is perfect. In my case, the pretty white dishes rarely were grabbed for use in day-to-day dining. However, when displayed on easily-accessible shelves, you are more inclined to take a pretty plate and enjoy your meal!
2. They are pretty. Dishes are pretty! Whether they're from Dollar Tree (yes I own and enjoy a gorgeous set of dishes from Dollar Tree) or from your great-grandmother, dishes are beautiful. Glassware is pretty too. Mugs and coffee accessories are cozy and comfortable. Bar-ware and stemware say: "relax". Your guests even feel a little more comfortable with the causality of open shelving. Instead of rummaging through cupboards, open shelving says "let's entertain". People make themselves at home.
3. They aid in traffic jams. HUH? Yes. I've hosted huge dinners with 40+ youth leaders in my home. You need traffic control! When your dishes are gently tucked on the wall, it frees up counter space for the food and serving pieces and folks can kind-of make an assembly line of sorts.
4. They can be seasonal. Pictured below are my beloved Birchwood dining room open shelves in the fall--how perfect. I loved to throw in seasonal touches. Food and seasons always go together. We all have cherished pieces we pull out during the Christmas time. Or maybe some adorable little Peter Rabbit pieces for spring time. Whatever the holiday, use it as an excuse to festive-up your open shelves.
5. They're kid proof. If you are strategic, you'll place your open shelving at a good distance from your floor. Especially if you have small children. This is a great way get breakables out of your lower cabinets and up on to open shelving.
Behold my DIY open shelving from Birchwood:
We bought 3 boards and 8 corbels from Home Depot. I painted everything white and we attached them into the drywall after locating the studs.
You'll need:
3 boards to the length of your space
2-4 corbels per board depending on how many dishes you plan to use
Screws
White paint
Paint your corbels and boards. Allow to dry. We did 2 coats. Locate your studs. Be sure to find studs as dishes can be heavy. Make sure if you have little ones that the shelves are beyond the reach of your kiddos. Attach your corbels to your boards as well as the wall where each stud was located. Decorate and enjoy.
DIY, done.
Preach.
Actually. Come to think of it, Drew and I need to get some of these babies put up at our new Taylor's Wood house. I guess there will be pictures to come!
Now go get that last minute project finished up before Thanksgiving.!
COMING UP ON THE BLOG!!
How to DECORATE for your Thanksgiving guests AND cook a delicious home-made meal in under 90 minutes. Yup. That's it kids. Everything you need to know for Thanksgiving will be here on the blog.
And after turkey day. Our Christmas tour will be going LIVE! You're gonna love it!
Happy Thursday my loves!
Ashley