Our house had a kitchen FULL of built-in cabinets when we purchased it. In a way, I was excited about that because my little cottage that I was moving out of only had 2 cabinets. I couldn’t even buy a weeks worth of groceries because I had no where to put it! However, I much prefer antique furniture to built-in cabinetry. So I was contemplating how to add some unique furniture to my kitchen. Like this inspirational island made from a beautiful antique piano, or the antique hardware display cabinet:
We actually own a display cabinet much like the one above, but ours is much too big to fit into the kitchen. I am seriously considering asking Mr. Menace to cut it down to size…..
Anyway, I did come up with an idea that wasn’t hard to implement and is working very well for me and gives some character to the room.
This area of the kitchen was the obvious choice for a makeover. We didn’t need it for a breakfast nook because our table is right through that door on the left. So I decided to remove the tall cabinet beside the fridge that houses the microwave. All it took was a screwdriver and that cabinet was GONE!
When I got this bookshelf from my mama, I intended to use it in the spare room for storage and display. She had painted it a mustard-y gold color and it worked for the room I first put it in.
But then, plans changed! After I saw this inspiration picture below, from Martha Stewart’s organizational ideas. I knew what my shelf was destined for.
So. With the tall microwave cabinet out of the room I moved in the “book shelf” against the small wall. And we put this huge butcher block table under the window and beside the fridge.
Then, as you will recall, I painted the Kitchen and Study, and I needed to paint the shelves. I considered painting it the same color as the walls so that it blended in, but I didn’t consider it for long.
And now the funnest part of all…. to style the shelves like the inspiration picture.
I am very pleased with the final look. It was such a simple update and yet it took my kitchen out of the cookie cutter category and gave it a personalized look like no other.
Carol says
I think bathrooms and kitchens should always have a piece of furniture to add warmth and a lived in feeling. Thanks for sharing your inspiration at Your Inspired Designs.
gwingal says
I think so too Carol! Built-ins just don’t do it for me. 🙂
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Niki, that is one great idea. I love that butcher block table; it is solid and really anchors the room. As for the bookcase. It is perfect and by painting it to match the color of the wall it looks as if it has always been there. Your plates and bowls are also adorable.
gwingal says
Thanks Mary! I had to go shopping for bowls when I decided to do this, LOL. 🙂
Jann Olson says
I love it, and how great to have your lovely dishes so handy. Your scale is amazing as well.
hugs,
Jann
gwingal says
Thanks Jann. We love the scale too! I do like having my every day dishes and glasses so handy. It works great and I think it looks pretty great too.
Lovely to see you again! 🙂
Lori says
Great idea! I like spaces to be useful too! Thanks for sharing this at DI & DI 🙂 We enjoy having you!
gwingal says
DI & DI … One of my favorite parties! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
lorraine Williamson says
love how it turned out so cool
gwingal says
Thanks Lorraine! I was very pleased. Sometimes, what I envision in my head, doesn’t always turn out just like I think it will. LOL 🙂
katie smith says
Very awesome! Taking notes 😉
I’m Katie Visiting from Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!
Also, your newest follower 🙂
Would love it if you would stop by
Simply Mama of 2!
http://simplymamaof2.blogspot.co
gwingal says
Thank you so much Katie! I will be over to visit soon. 🙂
Beverly says
Love your cabinet in the kitchen. Your dishes look so lovely on the shelves.
Thanks for sharing at Over The Moon Party,
Bev
gwingal says
Thank you Beverly! I always find interesting links at Over the Moon. 🙂
Debbie-Dabble says
Absolutely LOVE the shelf and the scale!! There is something charming about having vintage items in a Kitchen and yours is just swelling with charm!!
Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie
gwingal says
Thanks so much Debbie, charm and character is exactly what I am going for! I really enjoy having the open shelving in my kitchen. 🙂
Laura says
There is nothing better or more practical than furniture in the kitchen!
Thank you for joining us at Thoughts of Home.
Hope to see you next week too.
Laura
White Spray Paint
gwingal says
Thanks Laura! I am enjoying the change in my kitchen. And I will be back to Thoughts of Home! 🙂
Thena Franssen says
Really like the additions to the kitchen. The butcher block is a nice touch, I’ve always wanted one of those!
gwingal says
Thank you Thena! I still love this arrangement. Butcher blocks are fabulous but HEAVY!! You need major ideas/plans/equipment to move one! 🙂
Teresa says
I love the way you styled your shelf! I definitely took notice of the Pyrex; I love that stuff too. I have to say that the butcher block table is a dream. I would love to have one! Thank you for sharing with us at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I pinned to my Home Ideas board and shared.
gwingal says
Hi Teresa. Yes, isn’t Pyrex beautiful? I love that old stuff. And yes that butcher block is the real thing. Mr. Menace has collected some wonderful things over the years. Thanks for visiting with me. And pinning. 🙂