| Open Shelving |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-204 |
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Q: I have a laundry room that's too small for cabinets. What's another option I could use for storage? A: (Nate Berkus, Ask DIY Decorating & Design Expert) Even if you live in a mansion, you're going to have storage issues. So here's a great idea: open shelves. People are scared of open shelving because they think it looks terrible, but you can make it look great by following these tips: - In the kitchen, consider a simple board mounted on the wall with wrought-iron brackets.
- For a family room or other casual area, bracket shelves to the wall and trim them with homemade tassels. First, cut a piece of cotton string to the length of the shelf. For each tassel, cut three pieces of the cotton string about 10 " long -- around double the length you want the finished tassel. Group the three strings together and lay them over a spot on the long string. Loop the three-string bunch under the long string (figure A), then loop it over itself to form a neck (like a tiny lapel ribbon) (figure B), and finally pull the strings back through to form a slip knot (figure C). Repeat the process until you've make enough tassels to decorate the entire length of the string, 1" to 2" apart. If you like, trim the bottom edges of the tassels so they're even. Then attach the string to the edge of an open shelf, all the way around.
- Attach decorative shelf paper, maybe even a vintage find, to the edges of an open shelf with double-sided tape.
- Consider making your own "shelf paper" border by cutting bright-red paper, paper-doll style, into a repeating pattern (figure D). Attach it to the front edge of the shelf with double-sided tape.
- Maximize your shelf space in the kitchen: Buy a good-quality piece of treated wood. For a nice graining effect, paint the wood with putty-colored paint and then sand it. Next, poke holes in the lids of three or four clean, empty glass jelly jars. Then screw the lids to the bottom of the shelf. Screw a cup hook onto the bottom of the shelf. Attach the shelf to the wall with brackets. Then fill the jelly jars with needed kitchen items, teabags and such, and screw them into the lids. Instant, attractive storage (figure E)!
More Questions for Nate:
Q: How do I hang shelves on plaster walls without creating huge holes in the wall?
A: Make an X with painter's tape and drill right through the center. That will keep mess to a minimum and keep the walls from crumbling.
Q: My walls are covered with floral wallpaper at the top and striped wallpaper below the chair railing. What do I put on the upper walls to decorate tastefully?
A: Keep it simple -- maybe a row of plates or a row of prints. With three or five of the same thing, you'll avoid the too-busy look.
Q: I painted my walls a circus blue, which made the room very dark. Is there anything I can do to make the room lighter besides repainting the walls?
A: Buy some lighter glaze, throw it right over the top of that dark paint, striate it, and it will look terrific! Web site resources for Open Shelving: Brass Étagère from DIY Net.Com Country Shelves from HGTV.Com Metal Pipe Étagère from Lowes.Com Book: Making Decorative Mirrors and Shelves
By Holly Jorgensen
ISBN: 0806993383
Sterling Publishing Company Inc. (1999)
387 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-532-7160
Fax: 212-213-2495
Customer Service Phone: 800-367-9692
Customer Service Fax: 800-542-7567
E-Mail: webmaster@sterlingpub.com
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