Leanne Brownoff: Open kitchen shelves create spacious feel
Reserve this space for display items
Q: What is your opinion on open shelves in the kitchen? We are remodelling a 1970s home with the intent of selling it. Most of the work has been focused on the small kitchen.
We have installed granite counters, new windows and a stone floor, and now we have a question about the cabinets.
When we removed the upper cupboards the kitchen immediately felt more spacious. That got us wondering if we should put open shelves up instead of cupboards with doors. Would that be a bad idea for attracting homebuyers?
A: The idea of open shelves has been around since the creation of the kitchen. Historically, the concept can be traced to early civilization, when storing items in a practical and easily accessible manner was the goal.
Our current take on this feature is derived equally from an esthetic notion. Spanning from the modern styles of the European Bauhaus to the quaint country ambience of a Tuscan design, open shelves provide a surface to display signature pieces that present the personality of not only the room, but the people who use it.
In your situation, you have to balance the visual appeal with the practical use.
You can definitely incorporate open shelves in your design if the following points are covered:
You must have adequate storage that can be closed, either below or in a nearby pantry. If you do not have the appropriate closed storage available, open shelving may be a detractor. Consider cabinets with opaque glass doors for a more spacious option. These provide an airy effect while being visually pleasing.
The shelves must add to the design of the kitchen. They will have to look like they are there with an integral purpose, rather than as an effort to cut corners.
Stage the home to showcase the purpose of the shelves. Don’t just place anything on them; carefully select and display items that will provide new-home buyers with an attractive visual.
Ensure the shelf colour maintains visual flow and does not stand out. Shelving can quickly go from spacious and open to cluttered and claustrophobic.
The kitchen is a major deal breaker for potential purchasers. If you are renovating for sale you want to recoup your costs.
Make sure your renovations add value to your home rather than provide ammunition that could devalue your property.
Q: I have acquired a one-ofa-kind, black walnut, rustic dining room table. It has natural edges and is quite spectacular.
I am now in search of chairs to match it and am not sure what would go with this unique table. What would you suggest?
A: This table sounds magnificent; black walnut has such a beautiful grain and coloration. Your options are vast, but I caution you against trying to match chairs to this table. Choosing complementary pieces that enhance the table’s beauty would be far more appealing.
You can achieve this either by providing contrast or by selecting design elements that are similar to the rustic quality of the table.
Contrasting design elements are often associated with eclectic, modern styles. Clear acrylic chairs offering a substantial width, or creamcoloured leather, upholstered Parsons chairs would contrast dramatically with the rustic wood.
Keep the room light by choosing white or light grey walls as a backdrop for art. Lighting over the table could mimic the lightness of the chairs and surrounding, keeping the table the centre of attention.
If you want instead to carry the table’s rustic features into the room’s entire design, consider chairs that incorporate leather and iron, for example. These elements complement the natural features of your wooden table.
Be careful not to overdo the rustic effect, particularly if you do not have adequate space — this look will visually fill up a room quickly.
If you choose the rustic look and you have wood flooring, place a rug under the table to provide some breathing space.
I suggest a light wall colour for the same reason, but look for a light fixture that uses iron so that its position is well determined. An airy fixture will not balance well with the surrounding décor.
You can choose wooden chairs, but in an obviously contrasting tone or a colourstained finish. If you attempt to match your table, you will diminish its uniqueness.
Whatever design you select, always choose comfort. You will want your guests to sit back and enjoy the beauty of this table, not rush to leave.