Uncomplicated decorating solutions are oftentimes the best answer to decorating dilemmas. Something as simple as an inexpensive shelf can provide solutions with respect to storage and display.
Both Kohler kitchen photos being featured today show how this one basic addition offers a myriad of decor solutions.
Firstly, a decorative shelf in any room provides easy access to items used on a daily basis. An alarm clock in the bedroom, everyday toiletries in the bathroom and in the kitchen, utensils and dishes.
A decorative shelf offers display opportunities, as seen in our feature photos. You can see how adding colourful accessories to the shelves creates a bit of drama in these lovely kitchens. In your own home you can include decorative items amongst the daily use items to keep the display both pretty and functional.
The addition of the shelves in our feature photos also helps break up what could have been a plain or boring backdrop. If you're faced with a similar situation, an expanse of boring wall space, consider installing a decorative shelf or two and create some focus in the room.
There are thousands of shelving style possibilities available on the market today. From highly decorative shelving that makes a statement on its own to more nondescript shelves that allow the display to be the focus. So, the problem then becomes which one to use for your intended room. The first thing you need to do is determine the function of the shelving you need.
Solely for display
If you're looking to create a focal point then the sky is the limit when it comes to decorative shelving. If you do a web search for images of decorative shelving you will see the scope of options and ideas available. You'll want to determine if the items you want to display are to be the focus or whether the shelving plays a part. For example, floating shelves are sleek and visually minimalistic. They allow the item on display to be the main focus. Other shelving can be highly decorative with scrollwork brackets and would be more a part of the overall vignette. In the end, be sure the shelving you choose is large enough and strong enough for the items being displayed.
Function and display
Shelving for a bathroom or kitchen is going to need to withstand splashes and spills, so opt for something that is easy to clean and can withstand the daily use. Glass shelves are visually less obtrusive but do need regular cleaning and can break if not treated gingerly.
Wooden shelving doesn't tend to withstand lots of water and moisture but can be used in the kitchen or bathroom if desired. Line the shelf with washable, self-adhesive liner to prolong the shelf's life and to make cleanup a little easier. Painting the shelf with a bathroom or kitchen paint will also help.
Wire shelving is a popular choice and has an industrial flavour, so it's a fun choice for the kitchen or bath but it does tend to collect dust and dirt between the wire slats so it's a little more difficult to keep clean.
In any other room, the choices are vast for the type of shelving you can use.
Great ideas for every room
In a cluttered entryway, install a shelf that includes coat hooks. Try to find one that also contains a mirror to brighten up a dark space.
In the bedroom, install floating shelves on each side of the bed to hold bedside lamps and so on. Add a little drama by installing a decorative shelf at the head of the bed on which you can display a large painting or accessories.
If your living room lacks architectural features, install a set of shelves over the sofa and create a focal wall. Display paintings, accessories and other visually appealing items to create a little drama.
Create a faux fireplace by installing a mantle-like shelf on the wall at an appropriate height. Place a fireplace screen-styled tea light holder below. When lit, you'll have the semblance of a soft fire. If you can't find the right tea light holder, you can use a tray of chunky pillar candles in the same manner. Safety first! Be sure the candles are not near anything flammable, such as draperies. As well, be careful around pets and children when lit.
Use battery-operated, flameless candles if you have concerns about open flames.
If you're a book hound then installing proper bookshelves is a must. They don't need to be terrible deep so they won't be too obtrusive if floor space is limited. A floor-to-ceiling library can be a fabulous addition to the home. I recommend having these shelves professionally installed to ensure safety and longevity of the shelving unit.
Shelves are wonderful for displaying collections. Wrap a 1 x 6 shelf around a room a foot or so from the ceiling and display items like decoys, china, vintage hat or what-have-you. Having the display up and out of the way protects the items but still allows you to showcase them. This idea works best in homes with higher-than-average ceilings.
Shelves offer a ton of decor solutions and options. Check out what's available to see how you can update your decor today.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
