I can’t deny my love of Pinterest. It was our main source of inspiration when we were planning our kitchen extension – so. much. inspiration. And all in one place. I have to be honest, I use it as a search engine more than Google at times!
So when it came to thinking about shelving in our new kitchen – I went straight there. I took a long time to decide and I read a lot about the pros and cons of open shelving. The debate was out there but in the end I came to the conclusion that, even if I changed my mind and open shelving became outdated…I could always adapt it.
So here are a few of the pictures that inspired me…check out the rest on my board!
// Natural Fabrics
Hale Mercantile Co.
I love linen. Such a gorgeous, textural addition to the home and especially the kitchen. A combination of natural fabrics through tea towels, aprons and wooden board etc add such a rustic dimension to the space. That all this can be out on show and be such a heart of the kitchen seems much more sensible than beautiful linens tucked away in a cupboard.
I settled on salvaged shelves rather than a matching colour or modern feel. Having a combination of ages of woods and materials felt right for the space. It might be that your space is more modern or that you would like your shelves white so that the objects themselves stand out. All these factors affect your choices and you will find one that sits right for you.
// Practical and everyday objects on kitchen shelves
I love that the things needed are accessible – that the shelves are useful as well as beautiful. That old William Morris quote comes to mind.
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
In spite of this, a lot of the things I have in mind for my shelves are collectables picked up in the flea markets of France – pretty but not often used. I like the thought though that they will have a space rather than sit, stacked and unwanted in a box or cupboard; not the practical objects of life but maybe those that add character and charm to a space.
// Greenery
I am definitely not an expert in this area and if you want some advice the lovely Siobhan Watts has a great post on indoor plantcare but I do love some greenery in the house. This is a constant standoff between the hubby and I as he is not an indoor plant lover and I love a bit of greenery…they are slowly sneaking in 😉
// Adding pattern
Oh I wish I was braver…these are my absolute favourite titles out of the endless ream of pins I looked through. The colour, shape, shininess (if that is even a word!!), all set against an eclectic, simple and gorgeous kitchen. Mine are not going to look like this in my kitchen but it has definitely made me think more carefully about how to add pattern and texture into our space.
// Simple details
I have always held to the thought of the importance of objects in your home that tell a part of your story, your journey. The details will be different in every home and I love that. It links back to the title of this blog and the idea of your life being a gathering of the different threads of who you are…these are the things of great importance in a home. Those things that make it yours.
The kitchen. So much a heart of the home I feel it should be a calm but busy space if that makes sense? A simple and minimal heart to allow room for the important stuff…the conversation, the noise, the schoolbags and the meals. The drawings spread out all over the table and felt tips strewn over the counter, the card games well past children’s bedtimes and the crumbs scattered around the sink. These are the really important parts of our homes – the decor is only the icing on the cake!!