Remember yesterday when our shelves looked like that empty open-shelf dream?
Then I had a lot of fun filling them up. If you catch the video, you’ll see I can reach almost everything on the top shelves—except a few things tucked in the corner by the window. Those are easy to grab from the counter when needed.
I was surprised I could reach so much. I expected to be calling out for help or fetching a step stool, but it turns out it’s pretty accessible for everyday use. That was a welcome bonus.
Right now the shelves are packed and cheerful, and they’re definitely a work in progress. I’ve restacked bowls and plates a few times already because we’ve used some of them, so the arrangement shifts naturally over time. Open shelving in a kitchen is never static—things get used, washed, and put back, so I decided not to obsess over a perfectly curated look. John made sure of that, and honestly it feels freeing. Consider this one take of many; it will evolve as we add trim and patch ceilings, or when decorative ceramic animals inevitably find a home.
When I arranged everything, I tried not to overthink it. Over-thinking can ruin the flow when loading shelves or a bookcase. My approach was simple: move items, step back, rearrange, and keep the most-used pieces within easy reach. I grouped like items together—dinner settings, dessert dishes, and serving pieces—so the shelves are both attractive and functional. I expect the setup will refine itself with use.
As you can tell from the video and photos, our brackets are shallow and our shelves are 12 inches deep, so there’s plenty of room and the hardware doesn’t interfere with storage. Function guided placement: dessert bowls and plates live on the bottom right shelf; large dinner plates, cups, and cereal bowls are on the bottom left, close to the dishwasher and easy to grab without opening cabinet doors. The higher shelves hold items we use less often—cake stands, bigger serving bowls, vases, and a few sentimental bottles—so they’re visible, accessible, and less likely to collect dust than if they were hidden away.
From the office doorway the difference is dramatic. We still have one non-stainless dishwasher that stands out, but a new one is on the way. I meant to photograph the window and the symmetry of the shelves—14 inches from the right and a cabinet 14 inches from the left—but I blanked, so that shot will come later.
For comparison, the room used to feel much more closed-in. Standing in the exact same spot shows how much more open the window and wall feel with the shelves in place. The transformation is surprising and satisfying.
One lovely discovery: the soft curves in our brackets, round penny tile, and pendant lights complement the sharper lines of the range hood and peninsula. Those accidental echoes of shape add balance to the room’s design.
Now that our nicer glassware is on display, we actually use it more. It’s fun to see everyday items work double duty as decoration. The pops of blue, green, and yellow along with a couple of framed pieces add personality without sacrificing practicality. This is not a magazine-perfect, styled shoot—it’s a functional, lived-in display that still looks pleasing.
We considered adding a third row of shelves, but once the second row was in place it balanced nicely with the top of the doorway. Anything higher would be hard to reach and feel cluttered, so we stopped where we did. Bracket placement was chosen for visual balance—four on the right, four on the left—and fortunately lined up well with studs for a secure install.
In short: we love our tiled wall and sunlit shelves. The framed pieces—one that says “Love Life” and another that reads “Squeeze The Day”—feel like little daily reminders. Open shelves aren’t for everyone, but they suit our kitchen and lifestyle. The book photography team has been just as delighted as we are, though photos and video only hint at the real thing. You’ll have to stop by to see it in person once the book chaos subsides.
On a lighter note: the tulips are still alive, and I keep meaning to show Clara how a penny in the water helps them perk up. Thanks for all the flower care tips!
There’s still crown molding to install and the ceiling to patch, and we’ll add a pendant over the sink soon. It’s a work in progress, but we’re thrilled with how the kitchen is coming together. I even played around in Photoshop to visualize finishes—cork floors and painted trim—and while the mockups aren’t perfect, they helped me picture the final result.
So: surprise—this 5’2″ person can reach almost everything on the upper shelves. That was an unexpected win. The book photoshoot crew worked mostly in other rooms while we filmed the time-lapse, so there were no interruptions. Final takeaway: yay shelves. What have you been hanging or styling lately?
Psst—next up: a post about donuts.
UPDATE: We love our open cabinets even more now. We made a small bracket tweak and shared an update about how they function.