Adding architectural features like open shelves

Deborah Nelson November 6, 2019

Open shelves can add so much detail and interest to a space, not to mention they provide excellent storage and functionality, and they also can be used to create architectural detail. In a former home, I had these shelves built in a den and it added a great deal of book storage, but it also created an architectural focal point in the room. Before these were built it was an empty space, and I love looking for nooks and crannies in a house to build in interesting features like this.

And in the kitchen I added open shelves that went floor to ceiling. Again, lots of great storage, but it provided an excellent space to display some of my favourite items too.

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And in this kitchen I added open shelves in two areas - one space a column of floor to ceiling shelves - great for extra display of dishes or cookbooks. When you have a space to add shelves, you have a chance to really customize the area to fit the open space, and decide on width, depth and thickness of shelves.

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And in the same kitchen some floating shelves above the sink add visual interest with lots of pretty items.

BEFORE & AFTER: A KITCHEN GETS A NEW LOOK

Deborah Nelson April 12, 2016

This kitchen has undergone a fairly dramatic transformation. The renovation consisted of a new layout of the space; as well as new flooring, cabinetry, appliances, counters, backsplash, lighting, sink and faucet, etc. I like how the new look came together, adding white cabinetry and butcher block ...

KITCHEN UPDATE: FAUCET

Deborah Nelson October 26, 2015

In my own kitchen I've been thinking about going with the gold/bronze coloured faucet instead of the standard chrome finish. In my kitchen above you can see the faucet I have now. I have the hardware in the kitchen in an antique brass finish and ...

BEFORE & AFTER: PAINTED KITCHEN CABINETS

Deborah Nelson October 24, 2015

I've been a fan of painting kitchen cabinets for many years. I first painted an entire kitchen for a design segment on CBC back many years ago. Since then I've painted a few of my own kitchens too. In the kitchen above, I bought store bought cabinets ...

OPEN SHELVING IN THE KITCHEN

Deborah Nelson October 18, 2015

In my weekly newspaper column, 'Ask Deb Nelson', I get a lot of questions about kitchens. I think people ask about kitchens because renovations tend to be expensive and time consuming, so many people look for simple ways to update the space. The trend ...