Simple Cozy Charm

Home Decor, DIY, Simple Styling

  • start hereHome
  • Recipes
  • DIY
    • Cozy Bedroom Reveal and a Chalk Painted Pillow
    • Custom TV Enclosure – Now You See It, Now You DON’T!
    • Peel, Stick, Trim – Easy Peasy NUWallpaper from WALL POPS!
    • Front Door Makeover with DecoArt
    • Easter Topiarys
    • Fresh Succulent Centerpiece
    • Fireplace Re-Face
    • DIY Stacked Logs for Non-Functioning Fireplace
    • Amazing Bathroom Reno under $2K – CG Home Interiors
  • SHOP & SOURCE
    • AMAZON
    • BOUTIQUE RUGS
    • FAUX PLANTS/FLOWERS
    • MY MASTER BATHROOM
    • MY BEDROOM
    • MY HOME OFFICE
    • MY KITCHEN
    • MY LIVING ROOM
    • MY FAVORITE RETAILERS
    • OUTDOOR LIVING
    • PANTRY ORGANIZATION
  • About Me

July 10, 2018

Open Shelves – Intimidating Much?

The trend of open shelves doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon, and frankly, I’m ok with that.  If you like the way open shelves looks, chances are you have found a way to incorporate them into your current design situation.  I haven’t gone as far as taking down existing cabinets, but I have added a few in the mix the last few years.

open shelf styling made easy

Open shelves can make a room seem bigger, but the task of styling them can be a bit intimidating, especially if you plan on displaying items you use everyday!  With a little planning, you’ll have a charming exhibit in no time.  There are so many options when it comes to shelving material and brackets.  We chose a farmhouse style for the kitchen and bathroom, but a more industrial look for our pantry.  I LOVE how our pantry came together, you can check it out here!

styling open shelves

Stack and Grab

If I’m being honest, the open shelves in our breakfast nook are styled primarily for display.  The dishes pictured are good china handed down from my Oma, but I have included two photos below from friends whose open shelves are functional.

Open shelf styling - Shanna

photo by @athomewithshanna on Instagram

Open shelf styling - Julie

photo by @jnathome on Instagram

If you are going to store your dishes openly, I suggest stacking a good amount (8-12 plates, bowls, etc).  That way, when you use them for dinner, there is still a stack there for display without leaving a gap.  Make sure to group your most used items out in front. This way you don’t have to worry about moving other items and run the risk breaking a favorite piece. Keep your most prized and layered pieces off the lowest shelf.

quick tips to styling your open shelves

The Art in Open Shelving

I like to mix in different heights for interest, and this is an easy way to display larger pieces you may have.  As far as color and patterns, just be sure to spread them out and keep them balanced.  I chose natural wood tones, white and sprinkles of green and made sure to showcase the pieces evenly.

small open shelves in bathroom

Non-functional is OK TOO!

I have open shelves displayed throughout our home, and I simply love decorating them.  They add so much character to a space, and are quite functional.  With that being said, these smaller shelves in our master bath simply display pretty items I do not grab often.  Whether you choose to display breakables, collected treasures, or everyday items; open shelving can be helpful for plain ole storage!  I am excited to say that I have suggested them to 2 clients, and both were open to the idea.  Not only were they both excited with the suggestion, they are going to let me style them 😀  I’ll be sure to share their beauty with you for more inspo!

Already a Fan? or Not for Me!

So how many of you proudly display open shelving in your homes?  Are you on the fence about incorporating some?  What’s holding you back?  For those of you who have open shelves, did you knock down kitchen cabinets?  Have you remained happy with your decision?  Is it a chore to keep them styled, or do you think it’s been totally worth having everything at your fingertips?

Author and Photos – Martha Knake

Chief Editor – Emily Schunke

 

Filed Under: DIY done simple, Farmhouse Kitchen, Lifestyle, Simple Home Decorating Tagged With: farmhouse kitchen, open shelf styling, open shelves, shelf styling

Older
Newer

Comments

  1. Maryann Howell says

    July 15, 2018 at 12:26 am

    I am a huge fan of open shelves. Nothing gets hidden in the back. Everything is there when you look for it. We have had then since 1990. Back then people thought I was odd for not having upper cabinets but I have never regretted it.

    Reply
    • Martha Knake says

      July 24, 2018 at 4:09 am

      I am in awe!!! I love hearing that you have had open shelves that long, because that confirms things aren’t always just a trend!! Thanks for sharing <3

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

welcome to simple cozy charm

I’m Martha, welcome to my blog!  I am a wife and a mother to 3 beautiful daughters. Making our home pretty is one of my favorite hobbies and I get so inspired by changes and events that happen in every day life.  Simple and cozy is a must around our house; I want family and friends to feel right at home.  My roots are farm grown, so I love adding sweet charm from my parents’ homestead, sharing hearty recipes, and simple diy tutorials.  So please, stay awhile, browse a bit, and let me know what inspires you!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Stay Connected!

Loading

Looking For Something Specific?

Categories

Previous Collaborations

Pier 1 Imports

Birchlane

Wayfair

Purple

The Novogratz

Love Feast Shop

Kitchen Bath Collection

Sophistiplate

Antique Candle Co.

Krumpets Home Decor

Lamps Plus

Fiedar

Aspect Glass Tile

Stikwood

Wallpops

Lumber & Lace

Mohawk Home

Farmhouse Decor and More

King of Christmas

Walker Edison

Kilz Brand

 

Share the look!

Idle Sleep

25% Off Store Wide

I LOVE BOUTIQUE RUGS!

Shop My Squares

Collaborations

Wish to work together? Collaborating is key when promoting a brand, and I would love to help! Email me, and I will be in touch soon!

Media Kit

https://simplecozycharm.com/about/privacy-policy-and-disclosure/media-kit/

Bloglovin

Follow
wowcushions.com.au

Follow me on Instagram @simplecozycharm

I finally made the decision to incorporate essenti I finally made the decision to incorporate essential oils into our everyday routines and I’m super thankful to @house.becomes.home for encouraging me these last few months and the many who have reached out already with your tips and favorite recipes 😍 Please feel free to comment more below!
I cannot wait to learn more and incorporate a healthier lifestyle!
.
Message me if you would like a link to start too or there’s a link in my bio.
.
.
.
 @liketoknow.it #liketkit http://liketk.it/39OwY #LTKhome
Do you decorate for Easter? I don’t have to do m Do you decorate for Easter?
I don’t have to do much, because this guy pretty much stole the show 🥰
I did sprinkle a few eggs and bunnies in, but it’s more about the sacrafice on the cross. I do love me some Brachs jelly beans and robin eggs though😋
.
.
.
 @liketoknow.it #liketkit http://liketk.it/39FLS #LTKhome
Even my plants can tell spring is basically here 🌱 
What do you enjoy seeing more?
1️⃣videos/reels 
or
2️⃣ styled shots
.
.
.
Ways to shop my home 👇🏻
————————————————————
Shop my home by:
▫️Download the @liketoknow.it app and follow me, find this picture and click on the links.
▫️ Click the link in my bio and tap the @liketoknow.it button.
▫️ Screenshot this photo for shoppable product details. #liketkit http://liketk.it/39CAd #LTKhome 
————————————————————-
Now that we are in March, have you begun spring-a- Now that we are in March, have you begun spring-a-fying your digs? Velvet works all year round in my opinion 😎

Ways to shop my home 👇🏻
————————————————————
Shop my home by:
▫️Download the @liketoknow.it app and follow me, find this picture and click on the links.
▫️ Click the link in my bio and tap the @liketoknow.it button.
▫️ Screenshot this photo for shoppable product details. #liketkit http://liketk.it/39xF0 #LTKhome 
————————————————————-
Swipe to see my pantry organization. I cleaned it Swipe to see my pantry organization. I cleaned it up after grocery shopping yesterday. We keep the overflow stored in the basement so things stay tidy. I love using clear bins, because it’s so easy to see what’s running low. Our open pantry shelves is still one of my favorite DIY’s.
.
.
.
Ways to shop my home 👇🏻
————————————————————
Shop my home by:
▫️Download the @liketoknow.it app and follow me, find this picture and click on the links.
▫️ Click the link in my bio and tap the @liketoknow.it button.
▫️ Screenshot this photo for shoppable product details. #liketkit http://liketk.it/39qd6 #LTKhome 
————————————————————-
Do you enjoy mixing vintage with modern? I am not Do you enjoy mixing vintage with modern? I am not an antique collector, but I love heirlooms like this buffet. Most of my tablescape accessories are stored inside.
.
.
.

Ways to shop my home 👇🏻
—————————————————
Shop my home by:
▫️Download the @liketoknow.it app and follow me, find this picture and click on the links.
▫️ Click the link in my bio and tap the @liketoknow.it button.
▫️ Screenshot this photo for shoppable product details. #liketkit http://liketk.it/39k1o 
—————————————————
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2021 · Simple Cozy Charm · Hello You Designs