Everyday dish- and glassware is rarely given the level of prestige as a most collections, but if you're relying on open shelving, a change of mindset might be necessary. A bit of editing and attention to color and/or shape can give even the most ragtag group of dishes a cohesive tone...
A collection of Russel Wright dishes from House Tour: Chris & Stephanie's Hip Lower Haight Home
Staying in the same general color family (think all cool or warm tones) or sticking to one style or design (maybe all modern or Russel Wright) will keep your dinnerware looking more like a collection rather than clutter. We also recommend most any style/color mixed with basic white, if you'd rather play up a few special pieces without building a whole set around them. Also, sometimes getting rid of a few misfit items that don't quite mesh might be just what's needed to find a common thread in the rest of the dishes. Just think, "is one of these things not like the other?", and it should be no sweat.
(Top image: Paul Raeside)
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Comments (13)
Hello, does anybody know where I can get the metal shelving as in the top photo?
i love mix match dishes, it's so much more intersting. if you're going to be washing and eating off them forever, might as well not be bored.
smbumblebee, it's Metro shelving. You can get it at the Container Store (they're doing their shelving sale right now). And you can get knock-offs at Target, Home Depot, Ikea, etc.
Nice looking arrangements. Love the look of pretty crockery on display. I believe those metal units can be found at IKEA and Home Depot, amongst other places.
@smbumblebee - you can also get this shelving from the Shelving Store (www.shelvingstore.com). They have many widths and depths to fit different spaces. I've ordered and the quality is great.
@smbumblebee - you can also get this shelving from the Shelving Store http://www.theshelvingstore.com. They have many widths and depths to fit different spaces. I've ordered and the quality is great.
I bought some at target & Ikea. Very sturdy shelves
While it all looks great, what about the dust? Isn't that a problem? Unless they are being used everyday?
open shelving in the kitchen regular cooking = dirty, sticky dishes. having cleaned the tops of cabinets and fridges on more than one occasion, i know what lurks in the kitchen air and it ain't pretty. nice look but totally impractical. the end.
I don't understand the "what about the dust?grease?!" thing. I have had open shelving for years, and never had a problem. And we do cook; the more duck fat the better ;-)
I think that truly editing to the point of only having things that you not only love, but actually use is how you combat the dust/grease problem.
I, too, have open shelving in my kitchen very similar to these stainless steel shelves, and the dust and grease hasn't really been an issue. It was surprising to me because we don't have a ventilation fan in the kitchen, and I do a lot of stir-frying. But I do make sure that only my most used items are on the open shelves, and the open shelves are not above the stove but on the opposite wall.
Ah, my friend Omar the shelving unit. He lives at IKEA and costs about $60 CDN and he stacks!
Although, on closer inspection, these ones look like Metrowire shelving - much more expensive, but much more versatile and pretty good resale value - restaurants use them a lot and you can get wheels and wee odd bits to add on. Check craigslist or kijiji for used ones.
I had some in my bedroom, but gave them to a friend as I ended up feeling that metal in the bedroom was not restful. I have a narrow hall lined with several OMAR units and they are great - they cut down on the dusting and let air circulate under and throughout the units.
I never would have thought I had so much to say about these shelves, but there you go!
Anyone know where the Tesco Value soup can print in the first pic is from? I love it!