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Saturday, July 8, 2017

Open Shelves Create Display Space for Treasures

For collectors of china, dishes, glassware and silver, displaying  the treasures and not completely covering your countertops is a challenge.  I mean a kitchen is meant for cooking - right?  Even after editing my culinary treasures when we sold our Chicago home, I still found myself overwhelmed by so much stuff.  And of course, I love it all and want to display it.  But I do need a few feet of counter space- I think????

Open shelves have really solved much of the problem .  I recently had the shelves in the prep kitchen and craft room installed and spent the day cleaning and placing treasures on the shelves. 

In the prep kitchen, open shelves allow many different display opportunities. 

 The shelves are 40 inches tall and 30 inches wide. I decided to display pieces that would add a
Paris bistro vide- silver domes, antique bakery cake stands, and black clay porcelain from Paris.

Daily dishes could also be a great alternative to store in these shelves, as the dishwasher is directly below them.  I can already envision them filled with old fashioned Christmas candies, tartan dishes  and Santa mugs at Christmas time. 


The little alcove shelf in the back of the faucet holds
old soda fountain bottles filled with dish detergent.



 Old bread boards and wine carafes are displayed with rustic dinnerware.
 antique weighted measuring cups from Europe with beautiful embossing. Notice the little lead weights that are attached to the handles.


Covered silver dishes for serving guests



In a pantry inside the prep kitchen, an open shelves hold serve and dinner ware.  Being open, it is very to see and grab what you need. 




 Brass powder coated shelves flank the brass sink in the dining hall  and hold special barware and glassware. They are lit from the top by black and brass sconces.
This sink area  serves as a bar when we have parties.



Vintage champagne coupes await the sound of bubbly.

Antique vintage barware. 


An open shelf cabinet from Restoration Hardware fits perfectly between the doors.  It will
be changed seasonally to showcase different collections.  Plus there is great storage underneath.


For now,  my collection of black transferware and pewter is displayed. 


Adding the back splash with the ledge on the top, allows display of cooking condiments and decorative pieces and keeps them off the countertops. 
 
 Gray powder coated shelves were added in the craft room to hold crafting supplies and
crafting creations.  
Acrylic boxes filled with old lace, rhinestone buckles and buttons sit beside
crafted treasures.  


Open shelves are very popular today, and a  nod to the kitchens of yesterday.  I find them to be
more useful to find, use  and enjoy what you have, rather than hiding everything behind
doors.  Yes, it means a bit more dusting, but why have  treasures if you can't enjoy them.
My mother in law used her sterling silver flatware everyday- that was a smart woman!

10 comments:

Linda A. said...

Such beautiful collections you have and inventive ways to display it !!!
That's always a huge problem for collectors .... Having places to show it without the collections
taking over. Lol. You have been so creative in designing these's area's in your
beautiful new home. I so enjoy seeing all of it.
One thought, wish your print was larger. I do enlarge it but could enjoy a larger print.
Thank you for sharing !

Unknown said...

Beautiful solutions for beautiful objects.

Linda said...

So beautiful in their simplicity. As I can't afford a housekeeper, open shelving for me is too impractical as keeping them dusted would be a full time job!! But with all your collectibles ie treasures it is a practical way to show them off. Well done!!!

Laurell Banner said...

I see everything has found a place of honor in your new home.
Love those soda fountain bottles and European measuring cups. I see you have added a few new things.
Can't wait to fill those champagne glasses in a few weeks.
See you soon��

Mari said...

It's all sooo beautiful....

Smiles~
Mari

Christy said...

Love the french bistro theme and seeing all your pretty things displayed. The copper is gorgeous, the black transfer ware is so pretty and all of your crystal glasses are beautiful! Fantastic idea to create open shelving. Surrounding yourself with lovely things to look at all the time is the only way to go.

Sarah said...

You are an inspiration! I love your solution so that you can see all your wonderful things. I need more storage!

Katha said...

Love it all, Susan!! Fun to see how you have displayed your beautiful treasures. Makes me want to take a trip North to one of our favorite haunts!!!

Splenderosa said...

I love everything you do ! Loving the open shelving too. I once had a real pantry for china, crystal, etc. which had a glass door. It was wonderful !!!

Scribbler said...

That little ledge over your range backsplash is the best idea I have seen in ages. Love your brass shelves, too.