A french country kitchen just doesn’t seem complete without a couple open shelf display areas.
Whether it’s simply shelving to hold dishes, a vintage cupboard or open areas built in.
that was overshadowing the charm and character that our vintage kitchen had.
Luckily, the cupboards in the kitchen were original to the house-
which meant we had that character to work with.
These old cupboards are built right in to the walls
not like the cupboards of today where they are a free standing piece
that would be mounted to the wall.
I promised to share some of what we did to renovate the kitchen.
and so am starting with the open display cupboards.
The cupboards were already a beautiful white painted enamel
so just a fresh coat of paint was all that was needed to perk them up.
But one of the doors on the end had a large crack in it
and so we were debating milling new doors for the kitchen.
But once I removed the door, I was in love with the open shelf area.
It had such charm and even though it was unfinished pine inside
It had such charm and even though it was unfinished pine inside
I knew that painted a creamy white- it would beautiful.
Because there were 3 cupboards on each side of the sink-
I just removed the end door on the other side as well for symmetry.
I just removed the end door on the other side as well for symmetry.
Taking a piece of beadboard, I inserted into the ceiling area and secured it
and added simple 1×2 trim to finish off the inside area.
and added simple 1×2 trim to finish off the inside area.
I caulked the back and side of each of the shelves to smooth out those gaps and cracks
and then painted everything inside a creamy white.
and then painted everything inside a creamy white.
I was loving it.
But the more I looked at the new areas- the more I thought they needed a little
something at the top to finish them off.
something at the top to finish them off.
So I decided they needed an arch.
Know that I am a very technical builder 🙂 and so for the perfect sized arch for the cupboards…
I found a platter that had the right length, traced the arch of it onto a 1×6 pine board
and cut it out with a jigsaw. Because our nail gun wasn’t working at the time- I used caulk to secure
them until it was unjammed and working again and it actually did a great job in
case you are ever in need of a quick fix.
I found a platter that had the right length, traced the arch of it onto a 1×6 pine board
and cut it out with a jigsaw. Because our nail gun wasn’t working at the time- I used caulk to secure
them until it was unjammed and working again and it actually did a great job in
case you are ever in need of a quick fix.
Depending on my ever changing mood and design aesthetics…
or with collected pieces of white ware and pewter for a simple look
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Your kitchen is amazing. I love everything about it. Great idea with the open shelves and the arch is just perfect. Hugs, Marty
stefanie says
sooooooo beautiful!
{northern cottage} says
completely gorgeous and I just LOVE your construction non-rules – get her done! xo
only on this post would we combine french country and get 'er done! ha!
http://www.NorthernCottage.net
Michele says
LOVE your kitchen. Totally love it.
Shannon Fox says
Whatever works right? If caulk has kept them in place. Who is a man to argue? hehe
Love the shelves filled with all the different goodies… your roses and the double chandeliers. It is always a treat to peek at this space!!
Our French Inspired Home says
I too like open shelving, however I prefer my open shelving with open wire/iron pattern doors covering the front so that everything can still be seen.
Pura Vida says
I can't say it enough. I LOVE your space!
Unknown says
I think I'm in love with your kitchen! Great job – it looks absolutely delightful!
A Shabby Moment in Time says
So classy and beautiful Courtney. I love every single detail of your kitchen!
Blessings & hugs,
Karen
Paula says
It looks BEAUTIFUL!! I absolutely LOVE it and I'm a HUGE fan of open shelves, in fact – from the EAT sign above the range to the sacking draped over the stool – your styling is just perfect! Paula xx
Janis@All Things Beautiful says
Can I just move in? I'm in love with your kitchen! The open shelves look lovely and your displays and styling are simply beautiful! Love, love, LOVE!!
Val says
I adore your open shelves and the pic of your island with all the goodies on it is beautiful.
allisamazing says
Your kitchen is absolutely gorgeous!
vignette design says
Your kitchen is so gorgeous. Love how you worked with what the house gave you. Pulling off the doors was the right thing to do. I'm struggling with the same dilemma right now. Just painted my cabinets and when the doors were off, loved the open shelf. But since I spent all that money having them painted, I put the doors back on. Reading your post is giving me the courage to take them off! Again! ~Delores
Amber ~ The French Pressed Home says
Love, love, LOVE, Courtney! Everything looks great!
Janet Metzger, Artist says
Hello Courtney,
When I redid my kitchen I removed and trimmed out some of the doors also. I love my farmhouse style open shelving. I know many are concerned with dust, however I have not found that to be a problem…I use those dishes on a daily basis and no dust builds up.
Your open cabinets turned out lovely and so stylish.
Janet xox
The Empty Nest
Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage says
It looks sensational! I envy your skills too!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
I love your open shelves, Courtney! They are just the right size, too. I also like the great way they break up those cabinets with doors. I think it is visually more pleasing.
At The Picket Fence says
Well…you know how much "I" love the open shelving and the arches…lol Since I so totally copied you in my kitchen. I get so many complements on the addition of the arches and I think it really makes the cabinets look finished. I just swoon every time I see your kitchen Courtney. Just fabulous!!
Heather
Rooms by Ann says
Your kitchen is absolutly stunning. I love the open display.Thanks for sharing.
ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
Courtney I love everything about your beautiful kitchen!!
MONICA LIVAS says
What a lovely kitchen!
Olive says
Brilliant. You. Are.
Anonymous says
I love your kitchen too! You can totally change the feel of the room by rearranging your display of dishes. I would be spending a lot of time in this room.
Vickie @ Ranger 911 says
Your little arches make those cabinets look like they were custom built that way. Genius!
foreverdecorating says
Lovely, just so lovely! I would be happy to be in this room!
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says
Love the open shelves… I think it adds character and interest to a kitchen. Yours look beautiful Courtney.
Amy Chalmers says
I love your kitchen, and your arched shelf piece is perfection!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Magnificent kitchen….I especially love the red transferware in the cabinet…Such a wonderful color scheme for the kitchen…Everything is just gorgeous!
Jamie @ Domestically Vintage says
Your kitchen is just gorgeous! I love the open shelving and the arch. The transferware and the white dishes look beautiful against the white paint. Amazingly gorgeous!! ~ Jamie
Jen Lossing, Artistic Abode Designs says
What a transformation! Your kitchen is absolutely stunning!
Jenny @ Simcoe Street says
I love your kitchen! So beautiful!
martinealison says
Une cuisine où il doit être agréable de passer du temps…
Gros bisous
Ribbonwood Cottage says
The shelves are wonderful. Your whole kitchen is lovely and I know you are going to enjoy being there. Happy days ahead!
Blessings,
Debbie
Burlap Luxe says
Just soooo! Beautifully beautiful!!
I just love your design style, oh so inspiring 🙂
xx
Dore
Leena Milligan Lanteigne says
So beautiful! The open cupboards have added even more charm to an already fabulous and inviting kitchen! Great going! Hugs, Leena
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Oh, first thank you so much for changing the comment options, so I can leave you comments on how inspiring you are… I love the idea of open shelving, and I read every details on all your posts on your kitchen. I was supposed to redo my kitchen this summer, but due to problems that happen in a very old house (!), it's delayed until summer 2013. I could cry of frustration, but it's also a good thing as I get more time to "think" my kitchen… Starting from scratch, as I only have a sink in the room, I love seeing beautiful kitchens like yours.
EllenaElizabeth says
Just love your kitchen and the red transfer ware as well. I love the quality of your shots too, well done. Thanks for sharing.
Janette says
I love what you have created in your kitchen. I just adore the unit that you have in the centre and it has given me a great idea for our own kitchen. I am a new follower and will read your blog with relish.
Janette xxx
Miss Char says
Boy do I have "kitchen envy", the look you've achieved is exactly what I'm looking for in my kitchen. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
Heirloom treasures says
This is so lovely,great idea. xx
Shabby Sweet Tea says
I'm still in shock over what you started with! What an amazing transformation. You sure did have a vision, a beautiful one. You may have just inspired me to remove a couple of cabinet doors….
awal.ny says
Such a beautiful transformation you have done with your kitchen, I just love it.
Korrie@RedHenHome says
Your open shelves are lovely, and the addition of the trim was an inspired idea!
At The Picket Fence says
Every time I see the "Before" pics of your kitchen my jaw drops open since the after is just so incredible Courtney! I love the open shelves and agree that they are a must in a French Country Kitchen! 🙂
Vanessa
Terri~terrileeauthor says
Lovely creamy dreamy kitchen.
You have great taste, and your love for your home……..shows.
Kathy says
Hello Courtney, the end result is quite lovely! I wish our cabinets were original – our kitchen was actually 2 rooms – a butler's pantry and a very small kitchen. I am glad it is opened up now – the cabinets added in later were not very pretty. I painted them and have been toying with the idea of putting glass in some of the door centers. Now, I think I'll take everything out of the cabinets – review what was stored and see if there could be any shelf left open to display. Inspiring!
Thank you,
Kathy
1 says
The kitchen cabinets are beautiful. You have a wonderful eye for detail!!!!!
Susan says
Love Love Love your kitchen and what you did with the open shelves. Beautiful and love the red transferware – do you mind sharing the pattern that you have?
Susan
Ivy and Elephants says
Your kitchen is fabulous. I really enjoyed this amazing post. I would love it if you would share this post at our WIW linky party? Hope to see you there!
Paula
ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Cindy says
Your kitchen is one of my favorite all time kitchens. You were so clever to remove the doors and put up the beadboard and then paint it all white, and the little arch just made it all, so simple and such a huge difference it made. Your style and talent are just amazing, and you're pretty much my 'decorating a home' hero!
Cindy
Lee Caroline - A World of Inspiration says
Oh my gosh your kitchen is absolutely Divine! I was going to makeover my kitchen as its an inherited one and ultra modern whereas my style is French country, well as much as poss but a bit eclectic so I was going to get a new bench top and new cupboard doors but now after seeing this I want my island bench completely replaced in the same style as yours, I love it. I could just move into your kitchen and be quite happy 🙂
Lee
Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents says
Oh, Courtney, I LOVE your kitchen. Everything from the beadboard ceiling, to the open arched cabinets, to the double chandies, to the work island ~ I L.O.V.E. it!!!!
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson says
Wow Courtney, what a gorgeous kitchen! I love the white cupboards and chandeliers. Opening the cupboards up created such a darling space to display your collectibles. I love your red transferware. It is something I don't have, but would love to collect. Your idea of drawing the arch sounds like my kind of technical way of doing things. I've found plates make great patterns for a lot of things. lol! Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful space with Share Your Cup!
Hugs,
Jann
Sandi~A Cottage Muse says
I'm still trying to sell my this idea to my husband and your beautiful kitchen just might be the answer! Thanks for sharing!
Rose Garden Malevik says
Hi there,,,,,
Amazing Kitchen,,and a LOVLEY Blog 🙂
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DIYbyDesign says
Absolutely gorgeous. I will be featuring this at my Swing into Spring party that opens at 8pm EST tonight. Please stop by and pick up an I've been Featured button. Thanks.
Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says
Courtney, Your kitchen is so beautiful and I love the open shelving! Thanks for joining the OHP.
Unknown says
AMAZING!!!!!! I want you kitchen!
I would love if you link this to the French party on Monday!
xo
Frenchy
http://lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com/
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson says
Hi Courtney, just wanted to let you know that I am featuring your open cupboards for Share Your Cup today. You always amaze me!
Hugs,
Jann
Perfectly Printed says
Lovely!! I am hoping to work on my kitchen and will use yours as inspiration! I am also your newest follower!
chris
Geneva says
Your kitchen is stunning…what a great renovation! Everything about it is just right…!
Blessings!
Geneva
Nancy's Daily Dish says
It's so gorgeous Courtney! I love the arch in the open shelving. Great idea!
Anonymous says
Great job! Love your kitchen, the island was a great find.
slavica vucinic says
Everything You do is the BEST!
Tammigirl says
I'm a little in awe of anyone who can do the open shelving thing. I think it's as lovely as can be, but in my house people would have everything splattered with God-knows-what all the time. Not charming, I assure you.
I am in love with your island. Did you do it yourself as well? I'm about to research your blog and see if I can find out. I would love a simliar island – only larger.
Unknown says
Fantastic! I can hardly wait to play "copy cat" to some of your ideas! Wish I had this kitchen!
Unknown says
Beautiful kitchen! Please tell me about the chandelier how much wattage can it hold? How you did it and where you found the 2 that goes into one stem? Not sure how else to put it?