Factors to consider before choosing open kitchen shelves
Q. I’ve been reading a lot about open shelving in the kitchen, and I don’t think it’s a good idea. From my experience, too much stuff accumulates on they the shelves, and become an eyesore. A. You make a very good point, and if you are feeling stressed by the appearance of open storage, then cabinets are for you. Open shelves have many pluses, such as keeping items close to hand and adding visual interest and pops of color to the room’s decoration. However, open shelves only work if they are clean, tidy and kept under control. Open shelving is an option for replacing upper cabinets in the kitchen if you have the space, and this airy style opens up a room if the contents are stacked with care. Before deciding to install this type of storage solution, it’s important to decide what items you want to display on the open shelves, and make sure you don’t overcrowd the arrangement. This means discarding excess plates, bowls, cups and glassware, or storing them in a closed cabinet. Group like objects together on the same shelf to save steps in the kitchen. Having open shelves to hold everyday tableware positioned above or near the dishwasher will save steps. If you opt to have an open spice rack, revisit your spice collection, and toss the ones that are dated or rarely used. Open shelves are great for showing off colorful canisters, mixing bowls and utensils. Add one or two antique kitchen pieces found at secondhand stores for interest and visual appeal. And of course, keep your not-soattractive kitchen stuff in closed cabinets.
Q. We live in a small log home that we built ourselves. Log homes tend to be dark inside because of the natural color of the logs and the stain applied, and when you add a stone fireplace and exposed beams, it’s not light and airy in there. I love my home, but I still dream of a white kitchen and decorating in classic cottage style. Any suggestions for decorating would be much appreciated. A. You have chosen to build a home with very strong character. Log buildings portray a sturdy, rustic, hands-on appeal that many people welcome. It’s not difficult to brighten the interior of a log home with a few simple decorative tips and tricks. Swap out heavy draperies for sheer panels or sleek blinds, and massive furnishings can be exchanged for pieces that have less visual weight. This will immediately make you will feel lighter and freer in the space. Show off the legs on your chairs and sofas; whether they are simple pine or hand-turned antiques, don’t cover them up. Cottage-style fabrics offer easy care, and they are comfy. Look for ticking, gingham and soft florals with a white or light background. Furniture pieces upholstered in any of these fabrics will wrap your rooms in cottage style. Area rugs for your wood floors are a must. Look for that homemade quality found in braided and hook rugs and floorcloths. Sisal mats are an option, but I prefer the warmth and the soft, light hues and textures you can find in any type of rag rug. For your all-white kitchen, consider installing painted wood cabinets and finish with a light-colored stone look for your countertops (the stone counters will connect with your rock fireplace). If there is a window in the kitchen, lightweight cafe curtains will tie in with your cottage style. Classic-cottage and log-cabin styles are unpretentious and suit a mix of old and new elements. Give a dresser or cabinet a weathered paint finish or a coat of whitewash. Utilize old trunks for storage or extra seating. Go on the hunt for old wood or metal items that can be transformed into a base for a table or lamp. Log cabins beg for stories, and you are building a history within those hand-hewn walls.