Open Shelving in our Farmhouse Kitchen
Finally we’re getting the rest of the open shelving added to the kitchen! I’ve been talking about it since before Christmas and here it is April, almost 5 months later. Better late than never and no harm was done except that my nerves were getting frazzled because I was running out of space to store my white ironstone finds.
If you’ve been reading my previous kitchen posts, you’ll remember that we didn’t have anything on this wall at all. I’ve had a chalkboard on this wall and at one point hung a small, antique cabinet but they just did’t seem to fit this space.
At first I considered placing 2 shelves on this wall but realized there wasn’t enough space above the bead board, plus it would feel claustrophobic and heavy.
I had some pre-made shelves I bought on a whim to use where ever, and thought they might fit here, but the size wasn’t quite right. So off to Lowe’s we went.
We ended up buying two 8-foot plain pine boards at $10 each and had the Saw Guy at Lowe’s cut them down to 65 inches. We also purchased simple white brackets with curlicues. The brackets came in a pack of 2 for $10.
I painted the shelves with the same paint I used on the bead board … an ultra white kitchen cabinet paint. I was happily surprised to find the boards only needed one coat of paint!
As soon as hubby finished hanging the first shelf, I got busy playing with some of my ironstone collection.
I absolutely adore this ironstone bowl I bought at the Geneva Antique Market for $24. I love its imperfections.
The daffodils are in full bloom outside, so I picked a bouquet and stuffed them in my enamel pitcher.
A little white mirror adds a bit of whimsy and reflects the wonderful light that streams in the trio of windows above the kitchen sink.
I love the simplicity of this shelf. It’s understated so the ironstone is able to take center stage.
Hubby hung the second shelf on the other side of the kitchen and it was immediately primped with more ironstone. Total cost for both shelves was a mere $50. We used 3 brackets on each shelf instead of two, partly for added support and also because I think it looks better. Decorators always say to group things in odd numbers!
Sharing this post at Fabulously Creative Friday
Your ironstone pieces look so pretty on your new shelf. Great way to enjoy and handy to use your nice collection.
Mary Alice
It’s perfect and I love all your ironstone.
I absolutely love your kitchen, and these cabinets are perfect! My kitchen is yellow too and I couldn’t imagine it being a different color. There is something so crisp and clean about yellow and white in the kitchen or bathroom. Love your shelves…..great budget friendly way about it too!
Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos
How beautiful! The shelf is perfect; and I love the mix of ironstone and wood. What an awesome kitchen you have – so light and airy.
The shelf is perfect for this space, and I like the three supports instead of just two.
I absolutely love this look. if I could build my dream farmhouse it would feature nothing but lower cabs and all upper shelves. You know I love your home. I recently did a Yay or Nay question on my blog about Open Shelving and it was a pretty unanimous Yay. 🙂
Have a great week! xxoo
LOVE IT! This is the perfect cottage kitchen! How delightful and warm and cozy! The addition of your shelf gives you a space to fill with fabulous finds and I see you did!!! The little hanging basket is so adorable! What a lovely welcoming kitchen!
Love open shelves we did the same…this is where you can see them on my blog, http://somethingniceandprettu.blogspot.com/2013/01/menu-finally-up.html
It looks so nice. I have a similar place above my stove I have been going back and forth with, whether or not to put a shelf or 2 there. Now that I see what it will look like, I think I’ll go for it.
Oh my goodness…you mean you had an empty wall??!! I love the shelf with all the always lovely white ironstone, it’s great!! Wish I had an empty wall to do that, but me, everything is taken!!!! Have a great week.
FABBY
Love the new shelf….its perfect and needs the 3 brackets for the weight of the ironstone. Its always cheaper when you construct yourself instead of pre made shelves. No empty walls here either!!!!
this is a wonderful addition, and such a pretty way to show off all your great ironstone. LOVE that white bowl. I’ve been looking for them myself. I have one that needs some friends!
Jennifer
I love your open shelving The ironstone looks beautiful on your shelves. Your kitchen is so bright and beautiful.
Kris
the shelf and ironstone looks so pretty, jennifer:) adorable little mirror, too–have a great week!
I love open shelves in kitchens that you can change around whenever you like. This one looks so perfect Jennifer.
Very pretty, Jennifer! I love the brackets you chose, too.
Your open shelving is lovely Jennifer, and the fresh flowers and little mirror make it even more fabulous. Have a great week!
xo, Tanya
Very charming!
I am a huge fan of white kitchens, and white jugs, enamel wear and dishes! We have moved to a new house and completed our kitchen reno…I am always looking for ideas on how to display my white jug collection. Love your home,,,,I am your newest follower! Have a great week!
You can scratch that project off the list now. More shelves is always a good thing, so I say yes to some for the bathroom.
Bliss
Your kitchen looks bright and airy, so nice. I love the shelf, and how you decorated it and added this wooden board -it’s adding a lot of warmth:)
Love the shelf and the ironstone. I think one shelf is plenty there… Keeps it open and airy. Very pretty!
Jen…this is perfect! So sunny and open and airy! I love the pretty brackets you used and the ironstone looks perfect. I have open shelves at the lakehouse and it’s really fun to change things around on a whim! What a great idea using bead board behind the stove.
I love that Lowes and Home Depot will cut your wood for you. I’m still waiting for hubs to hang two shelves in my bathroom that I just bought at HD.
Enjoy this great weather, I don’t know if my daffs are too far gone to cut and bring in, they bloomed during all that rain we had.
XO,
Jane
Jennifer, this looks perfect and I love the ironstone, That picher with the daffodils, which are my favorite, is bright and cheery and adds such pep…..love the rug in front of the oven.
Cynthia
Jennifer it’s beautiful! I love everything on your shelf as well! The giant cutting board and the pitchers have me drooling! xoxo – Cheryl from That’s What Che Said…
Jennifer! I love the open shelving and the way you have it decorated is beautiful.
I love the look of open shelving in a kitchen, and yours looks so pretty, especially with your ironstone displayed on it.
Your shelf is the perfect touch for your kitchen. Looks like it was meant to be there.
Your new open shelving looks fabulous, Jennifer! You two did a really nice job and the brackets finish them perfectly. So pretty with your things arranged on the one pictured!
Hi Jennifer,
Your kitchen it truly an example of cottage charm! The white wainscoting, ironstone and curlicue bracketed shelves accented by softly sunlit daffodils are all so warm and welcoming. And, done on a budget! Thanks for sharing!
Poppy
Your kitchen is gorgeous and every detail just perfect! Love the shelves! I have a new weekly link party which is live now and I would love if you stop by and link up this wonderful post! Hope to see you there! Hugs, Maria
The shelf is such a perfect addition to your country kitchen. I really like the brackets!
oh so very pretty – just clean and fresh and lovely!! http://www.northerncottage.net/ ♥
Darlin’, this is absolutely awesome. I so love your shelf and the things you have on it.
We have never bought expensive shelving, either….we do just as you did.
Very pretty…
xo bj
Oh it is just gorgeous!!!!
Hi Jennifer,
I love how your shelves turned out!! Your kitchen looks so bright and fresh!
Hope you have a lovely day!
Sincerely,
Melinda
This looks so beautiful and inviting. I love the imperfections on the bowl as well. I love a home cottage look. It is classy yet comfortable. Thanks for the inspiration. I will be following you on bloglovin’!
Love, love, love your kitchen. The open shelf is wonderful and you have it styled so beautifully. I love the small topiary you added too. The greenery and flowers just finish off everything so beautifully. I would love for you to also link this to my party.
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/04/162nd-inspire-me-tuesday.html
Hugs, Marty
Love the shelving and the pretty display!!
Love the charming vignette on your kitchen shelf! It looks beautiful!!
I love open shelving in a kitchen – you and your hubby did a great job! Love all your Ironstone, too. Did there used to be cabinets on that wall?
You will come up with a fabulous idea for the unused shelves.Open shelving in your kitchen is perfect for your collection.
I just adore the bright, airy look of your kitchen, Jennifer – and your new shelf adds to that pretty look! Love it!!! And your ironstone looks just beautiful on it!!!! 🙂 I’m curious to see how you use the extra shelf in your bathroom. I’m having “what to hang over the toilet” issues right now. lol Tired of seeing that vintage glass cabinet there, and am in a dilemma on what to replace it with. 🙂
xoxo laurie
You have done such a lovely job on these shelves… I have been collecting white ironstone for many years and I still get a bit giddy when I see it!
You made me smile today!!
love the look of your kitchen! It’s so cozy looking.
gail
ps pinning!
It looks perfect!! Lovely kitchen 🙂
The combination of ironstone and the wood of the cutting board is simply stunning!
It looks just perfect, Jennifer! Just right with your kitchen and your collection. We finally had our first “real” nice weather this past weekend too : )
Jeanette
Love your ironstone collection and the opening shelving is pretty great for showing it off! Pinning! XOXO
I just always love everything you do. Your home is so warm… light and bright. Happy too. It just looks “happy”. Always.
The new shelves are styled so cute and the little swirls are perfect for hanging goodies from!
Delightful 🙂
Very clean and fresh!! Beautifully decorated with the ironstone.
Very beautiful Jennifer.
Hugs, Gee
Love your kitchen Jennifer and your open shelves look beautiful! A true farmhouse kitchen <3
xx
Anne
Wow! So pretty…. your dishes are absolutely beautiful as well. Great job:)
Krista
I love open shelves! What a perfect way to showcase your beautiful ironstone collection! Gorgeous.
They look so natural there! Great job, and I love your ironstone…..
Nancy
Beautiful! I love open cabinets! What is the wall color above your white beadboarc?
Oh I love the white! One can never go wrong xx