Friday 17 June 2011

How To Conquer Kitchen Shelving: Part 2 and Link Party Announcement


 Shelves in the kitchen,
don't they look bitchin'?
{Geddit?}


That'll be my last rap effort on 
Modern Country Style.
Probably.

And don't think I can't hear your sighs of relief from here.

I hear them. 
Loud and clear.
Loud and clear.

In return, I think it's only fair for me to ask 
for another nose around your house.
Um, I mean another link party. 

I'm calling for your 'Kitchen Favourites'. 
Everyone has a favourite spot in their kitchen, 
or a favourite item, or a favourite feature. 
Or even something that you'd love in the future.
What is it and why? 
I want to know.

The party will be next Thursday 23rd June.
I can't wait to see what loveliness you have to share.


My serving suggestion number two for Kitchen Shelves 
is stick to displaying the things that are used regularly. 
That way, they'll receive regular washing and won't have a chance 
to build up that charming layer of greasy dirt. 
Bleurgh.

Here's how *not* to do it.


This is a classic example of a kitchen that looks utterly fabulous in a photo shoot but I just can't see how it would work in real life. 
A big fat no from me.

If you want any kind of life away from cleaning 
then the way forward for shelves in the kitchen is 
to stick to displaying things that are constantly in use.


Lovely.



Images via 4InteriorDesign, Unknown, Unknown, Ideal Home

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47 comments :

Jen said...

GReat post--I love the pictures and your reasoning. And now I want open shelves.

Jill said...

You are so right only to have things out you use the most!! Now I have to get my thinking cap on for my favorite part of the kitchen, or maybe something on my wish list!
have a lovely weekend, hope the sun shines.
Jillx

Jane @ Jane's Junk and Treasures said...

I want open shelves but with the dust over here, no way!!! And good Lord, in that one picture, dusting those shelves........NO !!!!!!

Unknown said...

open shelves in the kitchen are a thought of nightmares to me. i have designed a few country style kitchens where i have added a dresser unit with glass units & sometimes a couple of open sheleves in between for cookery books etc & it always looks so stunning, but dusting i havnt the time! shh

Jill said...

Me again, just bought one of your books on your booklist, French Projects, what else is a girl to do in the rain but shop!
Jillx

Brandi said...

I've always dreamed of open shelves in my kitchen. but the thought of all that dust and cleaning is a nightmare to me.

Deborah said...

Great photos, love open shelves but not got space for them need cupboards to cram everything into!

Bee happy x
Have a delicious day!

It's me said...

Beautiful open shelfs...like the last the most...great colors !!..happy weekend...love Ria...xxx.

Shelly Wildman said...

ooooh, I can't wait for the party! You throw the best parties, Sarah! :)

lisaroy said...

I've always loved the idea of open shelves but not that greasy grime that builds up (even on the few mixing bowls i have on display). So for me, it would have to be one small shelf with just the everyday stuff :)

elena nuez said...

those pictures are simply fascinating!

Cindy said...

Hi Sarah,
I'm glad to hear that you're going to have another party.
I love the last photo, but again, it is going to be horrible for catching dust, my most unfavorite chore is dusting, so your suggestion of only things that are used regularly makes very good sense.
Love and hugs, Cindy

Unknown said...

Oh no! You have to wait til I've finished my kitchen before I have a favourite part ;)

American in Bath said...

Can I show you my favorite part of my landlord's kitchen? I have to admit that the kitchen was a large portion of what attracted me to the place:)

Thanks for your kind note on the blog.

I do think you should rap more. Or you know, some dubstep.

Full Circle Creations said...

Love the pictures. Great post! You always make me smile!

Holly

Gail said...

100% of the people who dusted their kitchen wares in 1840 are dead. Therefore, dusting must have killed them. Thus, for safety reasons, I avoid open shelving which requires more dusting than closed door storage.
However, luv luv luv the look of open shelving.

chris said...

Just love that last pic...hmmm how to make it work...

Erin S. said...

I'm looking forward to your party. I second your only open shelve what you use. Hear hear :). But I do have to say that that those open shelves in the picture are to die for. When I have enough money to hire a full-time duster, sign me up :).

Little Leslie said...

Iced chocolate milk is great too. We ahve June gloom, here, in So.Cal. It rained this morning too. It's June for pete sakes.

Little Leslie said...

Iced chocolate milk is great too. We ahve June gloom, here, in So.Cal. It rained this morning too. It's June for pete sakes.

Unknown said...

Love the inspiration Sarah. I have two small shelves in our kitchen in an awkward spot at the end of our upper cabinets. I love seeing my collection of aqua mason jars, white dishes and mini adirondack chairs there each day.

Thanks for stopping by and becoming a follower. I've been following you for some time and have your blog in my sidebar so I don't miss a post.

Sarah said...

Um, you are right, that kitchen wouldn't work in real life - I'm a shorty and wouldn't even reach that faucet!!! :0 have a great weekend Sarah!

Prior said...

I love open shelves, but as you say for useful everyday things. When my daughter and I were redoing her 1950's kitchen cabinets and had one side of the doors off, it looked so much like a hutch, we kept them off, plus that was that many less doors to heat strip and sand, lol. She hadn't been married that long so all of her everyday dishes coordinate so prettily and guest can see clearly where to grab what they need!
Lezlee

Anonymous said...

I love your modern country style posts. The info and pictures are so inspiring. We had a new kitchen installed a couple of years ago and I was adamant that I didn't want open shelving for the whole dust and grime reason, or glass doors, because I'd spend way too much time deciding how I wanted things displayed. I don't regret my decision, but I do love the look of open shelves, and displays.

x

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

I finally arranged to have open shelves in my kitchen... and now, I've got more to dust!
Your advice is wise.
Off to reconfigure the dishes...{smile}

Pat

Leah - The Inside Story said...

I agree about the items you use most to be on open shelving. But when all your stuff is in use, your shelves look bare and boring. What to do, what to do...have a lovely weekend Sarah. Leahxx

Mel @ Crafty Lil Fox said...

Gorgeous, I totally agree about the first shelves, not practical at all - and I have a coke run Aga, so they would be insanely grimey! Can't wait for the linky party! - Melissa xx

aspiritofsimplicity said...

I have a very, very, very tiny kitchen. Years ago I took the doors off of the old cabinets because, well, apparently, it was a great amount of effort for the other people who live here to shut them after taking something out of them. It now looks like I have shelves and I love it. I get to see all of my favorite plates and bowls and pitchers and glasses.

LindyLouMac said...

I also love open shelves and have a few but you are right the dusting is a nightmare. I love my kitchen in our present house and both daughters say it is the nicest we have had! I will not be able to join in this time as I will be in the UK for my beloved Mum's funeral.

Laura said...

That last shot just made me catch my breath! Be still my beating heart... just beautiful! Can you have love at first sight with a kitchen??? Lx

Robynne's Nest said...

Oh blimey Sarah...I'll have to get cracking on my little kitchen and 'whip' something interesting up...or I could use photos from my lovely, now not so new, kitchen back home...Robx

Privet and Holly said...

So true, and even
then I have to often
give things a quick
swish under the tap,
especially with the
windows thrown open
at this juncture in
the summer months....
{Soon it will be way
to hot for open windows.}
That floor to ceiling
shot was dazzling, but
you are right, practical
concerns have to top
aesthetic ones, sometimes!
Happy weekend!
xx Suzanne

Suz said...

I've always wondered how to do this. I'm very messy. These are nice inspirations.

Debbie @ OtRD said...

Such stunning kitchen images! I like things put away and agree the images always look better just as images. I can't image keeping all that clean!

Hope you're having a great weekend and can't wait for your link-up next week!

Anonymous said...

You are a natural rap artist. I get it. A first, no doubt :) That is one crazy cooking show. The photos you shared, today, are just gorgeous. Aside, from the wall of shelves with the ladder. That would be quite a chore. Love the open shelving and kitchen in the first photo, and the room at the end. Oh my is that gorgeous!

Thanks for the giggle...needed this post!

A sweet day to you tomorrow, Sarah!
~M xxx

Sunshine and Lavender said...

Great idea for a party! Can't wait to link up :)

Sweet Young Journey said...

Lovely post!
I'm so glad your doing a kitchen party, can't wait!
hugs, Cheryl

Behind Margery's Daw! said...

I love the kitchen in the first picture. I would think I had died and gone to heaven if it were mine!!! I do like the simplicity of the last photo though. A tip for everyone, if you have your open shelving high enough, nobody would be able to see the dust!!! ;-)

Susan T said...

You are one sensible lady, open shelves are so lovely to look at, but a pig to clean.

Favourite part of the kitchen, hmm I think it would have to be OBJECTS. Kitchen Aid mixer No 1, a thing of beauty and useful too.

Looking forward to your party.

Hope you are having a great weekend Sarah. x

michele said...

you know i'll be partying wit yer bad rappin self.

you've hit the nail on the head i think with this one. AND. AND. you just may have helped me resolve my kitchen shelves headache. you know i have those shelves that i am never happy with because the stuff gets dusty yada yada yada. maybe just maybe i'll put useful stuff on them.

you're brilliant as usual, love.

michele

Sara said...

Cant wait to join this link party whatever it is! How does it work!?!

Leslie {Goodbye, house. Hello, home!} said...

Have I got a kitchen for you on Thursday! My dear friend, Becky, has a darling late 1700's farm house with a painted wood plank floor, fireplace, and open cabinets. Will be back to share it ;)
Thanks for the invite!
~Leslie

Leslie {Goodbye, house. Hello, home!} said...

P.S. I may share my basement cafe'. It has open shelving. :)

Luciane at HomeBunch.com said...

Super cool post... you always make me laugh!

be back on Thursday. Can't miss a party! ;-)


Wishing you a blessed week!

xo

Luciane at HomeBunch.com

Louise said...

The first kitchen shot in the post is from a swedish kitchen maker, http://www.kvanum.se/ they have the best kitchen pics... Thanks for a sweet blog!

erinbonnieshoes said...

Wow Sarah your kitchen looks great! I love big and tidy kitchens with a lot of sunlight!

Anonymous said...

I think with the problem with open shelves is the layer of greasey dust that builds up... that and small children! ;-) Love how it looks but not always practical.

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