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Emily A. Clark

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Adding Extra Shelving In Our Kitchen

October 1, 2015

I guess it goes without saying that our kitchen is the hub of the home. Between feeding a family of seven, homework and everything else that goes on there, I’m trying to find solutions to maximize our space. We definitely lost some counter workspace with this move (which I’m missing) and a little storage, as well.

From the first time I saw the MLS photos, I knew I would add some shelving to this little wall:

kitchen-wall

kitchen shelving

 

I really liked the open cabinets in our last kitchen and wanted another spot to stack our everyday dishes for easy access. I thought an industrial, open bookcase seemed like a (visually) lighter/better alternative than adding more cabinetry. I read several reviews on different shelving units and decided that the Owenton bookcase from Birch Lane would be the best—and sturdiest—fit.

We gained five shelves (with plenty of depth for plates and large bowls), and I like that it almost reaches the ceiling. I honestly don’t know where we would’ve put everything without it.

industrial bookcase in kitchen

open kitchen shelving

 

This is the view of the other side of the kitchen (then and now).

dark kitchen before

white Colonial kitchen

 

I mentioned in my previous kitchen post that I want to eventually change out the tile for something whiter. Mostly because I don’t think this ornamental backsplash feels like me—or the now-white kitchen:

kitchen backsplash

kitchen table

black and gold chest

 

Progress is good. A little at a time. . .

white kitchen white dishes kitchen bookshelf storage

 

Previous posts about our kitchen:

Our White Cabinets + Granite

Knowing Your DIY Limits (Now I Do.)

 

Thanks to Birch Lane for graciously providing the shelf for our new kitchen.

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Filed Under: bookshelves, Colonial house, kitchens, our home, Simple Design Ideas Tagged With: colonial, furniture, kitchens

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    October 1, 2015 at 8:05 am

    Have you considered painting the backsplash until you can switch it out? My friend used a product from Sherwin Williams especially for tile several years ago for her kitchen backsplash. It held up beautifully for several years, and maybe longer but she moved from that house so I’m not sure. A pretty vintage tray or something hung over that ornamental piece might look good for now to hide it a little bit. Love how light and bright the new paint looks, you’ve already come such a long way!

    Reply
    • Jody says

      October 1, 2015 at 9:42 am

      or maybe even paint it a dark gray? could look a little tin ceiling with modern twist? I do think it is pretty neutral though considering the horrible decorative tile that is out there…

      Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 1, 2015 at 9:55 am

      I haven’t really considered painting it because I’m not sure it will help with the tile design–which is really the part that I’m not a fan of to begin with… I’ll probably just wait it out until I can replace the tile–or until we can save up for a bigger kitchen remodel. I do like the tray idea and have considered something like that, but there is zero space behind the back of the faucet. I’m not sure it would work. Boo :(

      Reply
    • Ilene Freeman says

      January 16, 2016 at 9:57 pm

      Curious, could you use white chalk paint to paint tell tile “picture” over your sink then hang a picture or canvas that you like in the center?

      Reply
      • Emily Clark says

        January 17, 2016 at 9:59 am

        Maybe, but we’re ripping it all out and reconfiguring kitchen instead :) Woohoo!

        Reply
  2. Maggie | The Spiffy Company says

    October 1, 2015 at 8:18 am

    Love the shelves! And the kitchen is looking so nice and cozy! What a difference you’ve made already! Well done, as usual!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 1, 2015 at 9:55 am

      Thanks, Maggie!

      Reply
  3. carole says

    October 1, 2015 at 8:33 am

    beautiful job! i love your dining table… can you tell me where it is from?
    thanks

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 1, 2015 at 9:57 am

      Yes, it was a handmade table I found on Craigslist. It was also my previous desk:

      https://emilyaclark.com/2012/02/my-home-office-finally-finished.html

      Reply
  4. Marci @ Rainbow Nest says

    October 1, 2015 at 8:44 am

    I really like the open shelving in the kitchen, its aesthetically stylish and functional, the best of both worlds! I agree with Jennifer that painting the tile would be a great option since the tile itself is really nice.

    Reply
  5. Kelley Lively says

    October 1, 2015 at 8:44 am

    Love it! I can’t believe how put together it looks like after just moving in! I’m such a sucker for open shelves in kitchens too.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 1, 2015 at 9:57 am

      The rest of the house, unfortunately, does not look very put together… Thanks, though :)

      Reply
  6. Karen T. says

    October 1, 2015 at 8:45 am

    You are absolutely amazing–I love the feel of your kitchen; collected, cozy and functional without being overly designed. Great job!

    Reply
  7. Lindsay says

    October 1, 2015 at 8:47 am

    Did you guys put in the light fixture above your dining room table? I like it, and would love to know where it’s from!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 1, 2015 at 10:03 am

      We did. It’s from Overstock (but sold out). I ordered two of them for our last den and never had them installed :( So, I have an extra…. Email me if you’re interested!

      Reply
  8. Nicole chiles says

    October 1, 2015 at 8:52 am

    What is the paint color on your walls in there?

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 1, 2015 at 10:04 am

      Useful Gray by SW.

      Reply
  9. Amanda says

    October 1, 2015 at 9:02 am

    Looks amazing!! Not sure what your long term plans are, but I’ve read about painting tile too – might be a good way to tide you over until you take the plunge on a bigger re-do. :)

    Reply
  10. Krista says

    October 1, 2015 at 9:14 am

    Digging that light fixture about the table! I’ve been looking for one that that puts off a lot of light. Does this one? Where did you find it?

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 1, 2015 at 10:05 am

      Thanks, Krista–see my comment to Lindsay above.

      Reply
  11. Carrie says

    October 1, 2015 at 9:31 am

    Yes! I second Carole’s question! Love the dining table!

    Reply
  12. tomasina says

    October 1, 2015 at 10:26 am

    Wow. Love your style. If I were you I would have that tile painted white and the middle thingy painted white with little hints of blue.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 1, 2015 at 2:48 pm

      I think your idea of painting the “accent” tile blue and white is a brilliant temporary fix. The subway tile looks like it’s already white, so that wouldn’t be too big of a job. If Emily can blue Sharpie a white garden stool and make it work, I bet she could tackle this!

      Reply
  13. Gwen, The Makerista says

    October 1, 2015 at 10:27 am

    You are making such quick progress! It’s amazing what some paint and styling can do, and that shelf is just perfect. Substantial, but light and airy. You amaze me with the progress!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 1, 2015 at 10:30 am

      I promise it’s only the kitchen :)

      Reply
  14. sayee says

    October 1, 2015 at 12:18 pm

    I love your style Emily. With five kids, how do you manage to keep the dishes safe in the open shelves? Some tips please!!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 1, 2015 at 12:58 pm

      No magic fix… I really just don’t say much about it, and surprisingly, they really haven’t bothered it. I can’t say that for other things in our house. But, so far, so good!

      Reply
  15. Lauren Stackhouse says

    October 1, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    Love the swimmer artwork! Can you provide the source?

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 1, 2015 at 1:22 pm

      Yes, It’s called Night Swim by Lisa Golightly. I have the larger size shown here: http://bit.ly/1FKX9Db

      Reply
  16. michelle @ iron & twin says

    October 1, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    Love the shelving! Like always your styling is flawless!

    Reply
  17. Emily says

    October 1, 2015 at 1:25 pm

    Love both light fixtures! I, too , have eight foot ceilings and love schoolhouse fixture. Do you mind sharing where you purchased yours?

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 1, 2015 at 1:27 pm

      Hi Emily. It’s from Home Depot, but I will tell you that I wish it put out a little more light… At $38, it was a quick, inexpensive fix for now, though:

      http://www.homedepot.com/p/World-Imports-Luray-1-Light-Oil-Rubbed-Bronze-Semi-Flush-Mount-WI900788/202392058

      Reply
  18. Lori S H says

    October 1, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    I think your kitchen looks beautiful! I too have a tile that I am not fond of. It’s very tuscan and yellowy. I loved it several years ago, but it has really dated quickly. I considered painting it as well. Have you seen the adhesive peel and stick tile sheets they sell online; I have seen them at home depot and even in a Hobby Lobby store. That might be a temporary fix for the area above the stove that you aren’t as fond of. I think the subway tile looks nice though. Thanks for sharing your lovely home.

    Reply
  19. Janna says

    October 1, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    Looks amazing already! Love seeing real life progress!

    Reply
  20. Karen says

    October 1, 2015 at 4:18 pm

    Hi Emily! Love what you’ve done with your kitchen! The open shelving adds just the right touch! I also love the look of that rug in your kitchen! Do you mind telling where you found it? It seems to be the perfect shade of red!

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 1, 2015 at 4:22 pm

      Thanks, Karen. I found it at an estate sale:

      https://emilyaclark.com/2015/07/latest-find-turkish-rug.html

      Reply
  21. SANDI says

    October 1, 2015 at 6:52 pm

    AS I SEE YOUR KITCHEN, THE ONE THING THAT BOTHERS ME IS THE RUG…PRETTY. BUT,

    IT LOOKS RATHER RIPPLED ON THE EDGES, AND MAYBE NOT SO SAFE?

    A POTENTIAL TRIPPING HAZZARD AROUND A STOVE?

    BETWEEN PETS AND LITLE PEOPLE ONE HAS TO BE SO CAREFUL.

    OTHERWISE I LOVE YOUR POSTS AND IDEAS.

    THANK YOU.

    Reply
  22. Katie Butterfield says

    October 1, 2015 at 6:53 pm

    You have made some very pretty changes so far! My kitchen is almost identical to yours – we have the same dark counters and cabinets (before you painted). We even have an identical layout with the peninsula, except my fridge is where your stove is, and vice versa. In the near future we will be painting our cabinets white, and likely changing out the creamy backsplash to white subway tile. It will be fun to follow along see the changes you make as a preview of what I can do to mine:)

    Reply
  23. LD says

    October 1, 2015 at 7:20 pm

    Did I miss something? Love the kitchen, but is it really that small?

    Reply
  24. Mary says

    October 1, 2015 at 8:11 pm

    I love when a dining light fixture relates to the table & chairs under it. And your black fixture does that beautifully. Nicely done, Emily.
    A lack of storage brings out creativity. I love your solution. What you’ve done to your kitchen so far has taken 25 years off it’s appearance.

    Reply
  25. Whitney Shortt says

    October 1, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    The makeover looks great! So light and fresh :)

    Reply
  26. SL says

    October 1, 2015 at 9:49 pm

    You did a great job. That kitchen looks totally different. It was nice before, but it is a light, bright beauty now.

    Reply
  27. Jackie says

    October 1, 2015 at 10:52 pm

    Wow! Your kitchen looks fabulous- and you just moved in! I admire your “let’s get this thing moving” attitude, I’m sure it helps with the transition for your kids too, how the house is already taking on your family style and feeling like home. :)

    Reply
  28. Kelly says

    October 2, 2015 at 9:01 am

    I’m curious to know if you could adjust the layout to better suite you, what would you do? I too have an oddly formatted kitchen and I’m trying to determine a new layout (remodeling a home and in the demo phase now).

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:14 pm

      Still trying to figure that one out. I have a few ideas but nothing definite.

      Reply
  29. Nancy Powell {at} powellbrower.blogspot.com says

    October 2, 2015 at 9:21 am

    Wow, the power of paint! Your kitchen looks amazing and I love that shelf piece. Hope all is well and that you weather the storm well this weekend! xo Nancy

    Reply
  30. Angela says

    October 2, 2015 at 2:18 pm

    Displaying the pretty blue and white dishes makes it so fresh. I noticed you switched out the fluorescent light, but I read that you wished it put out more light. Regardless, I know I need to switch out my fluorescent light, too. We need to finish painting a few more rooms first; we’ve been painting all the walls and ceilings of our new house at night for the past week. Thankfully, we still love the gray we chose (SW Agreeable Gray). I love connecting with you on your blog.

    Reply
  31. Christy Bailey says

    October 2, 2015 at 6:25 pm

    I have a very similar layout. Where do you keep your trash can? I need more storage but no extra room. Looks great!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:14 pm

      Under the sink….

      Reply
  32. Natalie says

    October 2, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    I love it!! Can you tell me where you got your rug?

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:14 pm

      An estate sale :)

      Reply
  33. JennyBC says

    October 2, 2015 at 7:26 pm

    I love a classic white kitchen so I really like your re-do. It’s lighter and looks so fresh and clean. I have not used open shelving because I am afraid things besides the dishes I put there would pop up but it seems to practical. I will have to try the mix of dishes and decorative pieces. Love your style!

    Reply
  34. Sherry Hart says

    October 5, 2015 at 7:16 am

    Well dang. I love that idea! Maybe I will just rip out some cabinets so I can do it:). Another thought……if you could find an old antique mirror to hang over the backsplash that might look cool…..although keeping that clean could be a nightmare. But hey…..it’s all about the look right!

    Reply
  35. Michelle says

    October 7, 2015 at 7:44 am

    Hi Emily! I love your style and have followed your blog for a long time! I read how you’re not crazy about the backsplash… (The kitchen looks fab BTW!) I was looking at the pic and wondering – if you change out the rug to a kilim that has more vivid colors like hot pink, red, navy – maybe the backsplash will fade away more? And then incorporate a funky fabric as a simple roman shade on the door and change the faucet to a bridge faucet? Just my two cents but I love what you’ve done so far!

    Reply
  36. Lily says

    October 13, 2015 at 9:16 am

    It amazes me sometimes how one change can make such a difference. That shelf looks amazing! But, I think the way you styled it really makes it work. I’m sure everyone who saw it is now looking at their own kitchen to see if it’ll work in their house too ! Great inspiration.

    Can you tell me where you got the dark print over the little chest of draws? (the beach scene on black?)

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:21 am

      Thank you, Lily! The art is by Lisa Golightly. (I ordered mine from One King’s Lane: http://bit.ly/1k1ADwb )

      Reply
  37. Sarah says

    October 25, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    Hi Emily- Beautiful- love how you mix textures- still trying to master that :)

    Do you mind sharing where you got your kitchen table from? It almost looks like you got it made?

    Thank you for sharing your home!
    Sarah

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      October 26, 2015 at 7:30 am

      Thanks, Sarah. I found it on Craigslist, but I believe they had it made.

      Reply
  38. Kim says

    January 11, 2016 at 10:49 am

    All I can say is add a drop zone! I know you’ve done this in the garage but the kitchen is – and always will be – a magnet for all random things that need an immediate place when entering the house (phones, keys, purses, bags, etc.).

    Reply
  39. Fran says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:34 pm

    I was looking at a Birch Lane catalog and came across the shelving I see in your kitchen – I’m curious how sturdy it is. I too have extra things I’d like easier access to but I don’t want to worry about someone bumping into it and having a disaster. Could you comment?

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      January 19, 2016 at 6:07 pm

      I was worried about that, too, but have found it to be super sturdy, even with all the dancing/jumping/running that happens in our kitchen…

      Reply
  40. Kathy maas says

    January 18, 2016 at 11:03 pm

    Advice (lessons learned from previous kitchen Reno)
    1. Go to the auction in May for cabinets in Charlotte. Peak auction.
    2. Figure out a way to create the largest island possible and do it!
    3 hide your microwave! Mine is in the island and I love it
    4. Being without a kitchen is horrible! Start eating down the food now…..less to move around

    Reply

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