We've hammered home the lesson on Apartment Therapy many times; going vertical with shelving maximizes space and its a great trick for small homes. Suzette has this decorating tip in the bag and uses open shelving throughout her home. The effect is cozy, unique and most of all, beautiful to look at.
1. While there isn't much room in the bedroom, Suzette places a shelf that runs the length of the wall to display photos, ceramics and plants. The shelf helps extend the length of the room by adding a horizontal line that our eyes want to follow.
2. In the entryway, a shelf is placed above a vintage cabinet. We love how it's not centered allowing space to hang a guitar which creates an interesting vignette. A tiny wall lamp is placed right below the shelf helping free up table top space.
3. Mixing up bold colors in the living room, jet black shelves stand out from a red wall making this color combo one to copy.
4-5. In the kitchen, cabinets come off to reveal open shelving. Painting the back walls a deep gray while papering the shelving in playful colors helps the kitchen feel bright and fun.
6. More open shelving above the sink reveals pantry items neatly stored in glass containers for easy access. We even love the small box shelf to store soap and dish sponges.
7. In the workspace, Suzette uses extra thin shelving to display postcards and other mementos.
8. The kids room gets some extra space with vertical, stand alone shelving for books and toys.
Related Posts
- Tips For Organizing Your Open Shelving
- Organized Open Shelving
- Open Shelving In The Kitchen: House Beautiful
(Images: Wat maakt Suzette nu?)
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Comments (10)
I always get attracted to open shelving but instantly recoil when I remember how messy my shelving storage attempts became back in my 20's. Now, 40 years later, I can finally say I'll never go down that road again. I DO think it's clever and fun the way she's created space everywhere. She has risen to the creative challenge well.
In the 3rd photo, are those IKEA Lack shelves? Just curious as that's a lot of books on them. Beautiful none the less.
Where did you get those bedside tables? I love them and I need something similar in size for our bedside (very small space on either side of the bed, just like in your room)
I would buy these white, round flowerpots from Ikea and hang them off the bottom of the wooden shelf in the first picture.
@veslabeachgirl - I sometimes wonder what makes some shelving look great and what makes others look terrible. Whatever goes on a shelf has to be there for a reason, whether it's part of a collection or just there because it's pretty. Architecture has to do with it as well. Mixing tall objects with low objects creates a lot more to look at. Five objects of different heights would be more interesting than ten objects of the same height.
Picture # 2 is a rock star!
I've had open shelving in my kitchens for over 40 years. We've moved 8 times and once had a 'fitted' kitchen. I had to take the doors of to make open shelving. Well done Suzette I don't know if you've made a virtue of a necessity but you've made a good job of it. When you choose things you like its a shame to hide them in cupboards.
lovely!
sort of out of context, but I LOVE that little circus tent in the kids room. Any ideas where I can nab one?
Those bedside tables are lovely! Such a beautiful shape and love the sunny yellow :) Are they vintage?