Our dining area open storage after a weekend re-design
Surely we've all fallen prey to the home décor doldrums, when everything in the house suddenly looks a little tired. Sometimes all it takes to refresh your space is a good cleaning, and sometimes nothing will do but a whole new layout for a room. For an in-between solution, a quick refresher that requires minimal effort and can actually be fun, consider re-styling any open shelving or storage in your home, clearing out clutter and replacing things you're sick of looking at with items you've had stowed away...
We'd have published a before photo of our dining area shelves, but the fact is, to the casual observer, they might not look that different. We only shuffled things around, added a few touches—the cherries photograph (a gift from a beloved aunt), the little white ceramic pears, a birthday bottle of 10 Cane rum—and cleared other things away, but somehow after staring at the old arrangement for months, the new design pictured above just wakes up the whole space.
Here are a few fun open storage photos to get you inspired...
We love the take on the "coffee service" on these shelves, from the book BabyCakes by Erin McKenna (photographed by Tara Donne).
In another vignette by Tara Donne, a waist-high shelf is left open for somebody's tea and snack, with open storage below.
Love the open shelving in this kitchen, styled by Sasa Antic. The orange canisters provide a fun pop of contrast with the aqua cabinetry. So pretty!
If you do decide to re-style your own open shelving, here's some more inspiration from Apartment Therapy and The Kitchn, too:
• Organizing: Open Storage Solutions for "Seekers"
• Kitchen Spotlight: Open Storage in Small Kitchens
• Tip: Creating Well-Edited Open Storage
(Images: Susie Nadler; Tara Donne; Sasa Antic)
Can anyone source the open shelving shown in the first image? That is just the unit I've been looking for! Thanks!!
view Oftheaprilbirds's profile
I think it's Viva Terra. I've been oogling that for months (so expensive for open shelving!). Is it worth the $?
view zaky's profile
I own that Viva Terra bookcase depicted above and I can tell you, yes, it was worth every penny. It's truly gorgeous in person and makes the room. If you love the modern/rustic/industrial look (which I do), it will knock your socks off.
Although it was quite the pain to assemble, I must admit.
view kellylc's profile
Viva Terra it is:
http://www.vivaterra.com/pls/enetrixp/!stmenu_template.main?complex_id_in=482007.484184.919994.2006284.page
view #9's profile
Dining table and chairs featured here on AT:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/green-ideas/railroad-tie-dining-table-and-chairs-from-vivaterra-031664
I do like that look, and it appears to be available in many forms.
Mirror:
http://www.1cabinfurniture.com/Large-Reclaimed-Railroad-Tie-Mirror-p-1299.html
Small tables:
https://www.nestofgrandtraverse.com/products/35/95.html
Desk:
http://www.rehabvintage.net/details3.php?prodId=309&category=9
Console tables:
http://www.lampsplus.com/products/Recycled-Railway-Tie-Set-of-Three-Console-Tables__G9493.html
Prices vary, shop around. If one item is just out of the budget right now, consider a smaller piece as an accent.
view #9's profile
Where do you find unfinished wood like you have for shelving in the first picture? I'd love to find a large piece to make a table top out of.
Thanks!
view dmzim's profile
@dmzim, you might check out architectural salvage companies for well-weathered wood to reuse.
view michpc's profile
wow! the viva terra shelves are great. but maybe out of my league.
can anyone suggest an alternative shelving option that captures that look (modern/rustic/industrial) but at a lower price?
view erinalter's profile
Hi Everyone! Yes, we splurged on those railroad tie shelves from Vivaterra, but making some out of reclaimed wood would probably be a much more affordable option. If you're in the Bay Area, try Building Resources for the wood.
- Susie
view susiekn's profile