Knick knacks and trinkets. Stacks of plates and serve ware. A collection of wine stems and beautiful brass accents. When it comes to styling shelves and open cupboards- do you include all or some or… none?
How to Style an Open Cupboard
Armoires and cupboards aren’t necessarily styled and pretty-all.the.time. but when the doors are closed- it doesn’t have to be. It can become anything it wants to. A linen closet, a catchall cupboard or even a place to hid a television if you would like. But when the doors are open- no one wants to look at the everyday storage- they want to see storage that is doing double duty and is as pretty as it is practical. Truth be told though- I leave the doors open almost all the time on this cupboard- because I love the look of styled shelves here.
Today we are breaking down the shelf styling in this cupboard and sharing a few tips for the method to my shelf styling madness.
1. Stack Something
Plates. Bowls. Platters. Books. Anything else that stacks. This is a simple one- but something I have found to really work when it comes to open shelves. Often we just think of setting this on a shelf – but how it is set on the shelf can make a difference. Stacking things like plates or bowls adds height. In this cupboard- I stacked two wood pedestals and books to create a bit of an ‘up and down’ which is more visually appealing- and interesting.
2. Create a display with collections
I love collecting all kinds of things- and tabletop items are some of my favorites. For Inspired Gatherings- I was collecting all kinds of different elements to use on the tables- like those brass goblets. All together-they are almost like artwork. Find a similar Brass Goblet set Here
3. Something Metal
That sounds weird- but basically, piggy backing off the brass goblets- bring in something metal. Silver. Gold. Copper. Or brass- like here. And then repeat it so that it ties the various shelves and elements together. For this- I used the brass goblets, the brass dome on the too shelf and a tiny bit of brass in the sugar container as well.
4. Something Fresh
Another element I love to include is something fresh. I filled a pot with some fresh flowers that echoed the arrangements on the table.
5. Something Natural
And then I added some dried eucalyptus and flowers – and an older dried flower crown to fill in some of the areas. Find a similar dried flower crown Here
6. Something ‘Neutral’
Because- after all the busy details and metals going on- something soft and simple that adds interest without feeling too much is perfect. Think ironstone, marble, old pots and stoneware and ‘naked’ books. They add texture and interest without adding busy and give your eyes a bit of a rest.
I hope this helps explain the method to my open cupboard decorating madness- as I mentioned I am NOT an expert by any means- and I am sure that this cupboard display is too busy for some, not interesting enough for others and likely does not have some ideal ratio that I am not aware of. But I always go back to my go to number one rule about decorating-
7. Do what makes you happy
If it makes you happy- it is perfect.
So go for it, throw rules and ratios and ‘perfection’ out the window- and have fun creating an open cupboard display that is perfect for you.
To see more of this ‘gathering’ – you can find it in my book ‘Inspired Gatherings ‘ available wherever books are sold.
Happy Wednesday everyone.
*this post contains affiliate links
Where did you get the double handled crock, please?
Thanks, JENNIFER
Hi Jennifer! These are antique pots from Eloquence. https://eloquence.com/set-of-three-antique-italian-ceramic-pots-obvp06096/
Holy smokes!!!!!!those pots are high dollar. Thanks for sharing info. I just love your blog. it gives me so much inspiration. i refer to it when i feel stressed from work and want to relax. i could just look at your little barn all day. i do wish your pictures gave more of a broad view of the whole room.
The pots are not inexpensive for sure- but they are selling them in sets now I believe so that might be why they are higher. I have several posts showing larger views of the room- this was focused on the dining room cupboard- so that is the view that I was sharing. But you can find other views of our dining area/living room in those posts. Hope that helps.
I have one that I bought at an antique shop. They’re olive jugs from italy or france.
Simply BEAUTIFUL!
Thank you Kim!
Very beautiful!
Thank you! It was a fun one to work on!
Where can i get the eucalyptus and dried flowers you use here and in other photos? They’re really beautiful.
Hi Carole!
Most of them are just from our local supermarket- just pick up some fresh eucalyptus greens and seasonal flowers and dry them. I also have some dried hellebore included here- they are from our garden. I hope that helps!
Awesome post
Thank you Jo!
Beautiful, helpful and informative! What a combination! Thanks!
Thank you Dixie- glad you enjoyed!
Wow! Ain’t that a pip! Thank you for sharing! 😊
Thank you!
beautifully done… I love your style!
Thank you Charlotte!
I love all of your tips…. thank you for sharing!
I am teady to ask this pist to marry me, be ev in it is so beautiful. Thank you for shar this helpful pOst. I love all these tips/ideas.
Linda
Lovely & Fall appropriate. Would you add baskets or do anything different in the Spring & Summer?
Whar lovely eye candy on a snowy moRning. I may go and re arrange my bookcase now. Love y0ur posts
Courtney,
I love all your tips and I’d like to share your post on my weekly round up – Dirt Road Adventures tomorrow. Thanks for your inspiration.
Sure as long as you link back/provide credit that is totally fine. Thank you for asking and for considering my post as a feature!
Do you use the brass goblets in your table settings? Do you have any photos where you have incorporated them? Loving the inspiration but looking for some ideas about that!
Hi there!
I do! They are so pretty on the table. I used them in this styling for my book- https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2020/05/how-to-create-a-bohemian-style-table-and-gathering.html
Hi Courtney- JuSt YESTERDAY I was trying to style a similar open shelf cupboard and at the end I became FRUSTRATED because it lOoKed “junky” to me. So A huge thanks to you for writing this post. Your ideas are clear and amazing, especially the bonus idea of tying Together both the fleurs on the shelf, and those on the table!! Love your blog!
So Lovely Courtney, i really enjoy your Blog, and have Bought your Book for my Daughter-in-law as a gift! I was wondering if you have Tips on Positioning Candles in their Holders, without them being tippy? and also Cleaning them when they have burned down? I love the look and Have several,Thank-You for sharing all your pretty ideas.
Love all ur decorating ideas! Look forward to c what u do next
Did you get your column capitals from Wisteria? I have 2 of those too. I love them!
great Ideas! Your Cabinet looks gorgeous.
Thank you for this post. I am going to try this idea tomorrow. I feel like you make it look easy but when i try it looks cluttered but i will give it another try with your suggestions in mind.
SO beautiful courtney. I love your decorating style and your blog. You are such an inspiration. Thank you for Sharing your talent.
Debbie
hI courtney,
Everything is so beautiful It is ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO READ YOUR BLOG, TO SEE WHAT YOU ARE UP TO, AND YOUHAVE SOMETHING EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL WITH EACH POST. i AM JUST IN AWE OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL CUPBOARD. wOULD IT BE POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO PROVIDE A SOURCE FOR THE PEDESTALS? tHANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR BEAUTIFUL HOME AND FAMILY.
bEST REGARDS,
jOYCE