It’s All Coming Together

Remember when I shared this tea shop inspiration for my kitchen’s open shelving?

I wanted my retro kitchen to have an open and airy feel (because it’s certainly on the small side), while maintaining its quirky charm.

I think I’m getting there…what do you think?

I wanted the shelves to be an eclectic mix, but not cross the line into messy.

My solution was to keep all of the canisters the same. They are three different sizes of the same design, all purchased from Target. (They’re not available online, but check your local store’s kitchen section.)

So what’s in them?

Top row (L to R): Whole wheat flour, chocolate chips, sugar, flour

Middle row (L to R): Brown sugar, oats, flax seed, quinoa, coffee, pasta

Bottom row (L to R): Frosted Mini Wheats, Multi-grain Squares cereal, pretzels (snack shelf!)

I also mixed in some of my favorite dishes and mugs for some color. The bowls and mugs are from anthropologie and the plates are a mix I’ve picked up from antique stores over the years (like this one).

The shelves make me smile when I walk in the kitchen, so I know I’m on the right track. They’re pretty, but totally functional (in fact, one of the bowls is missing in the last picture because I was eating cereal out of it while I shot pics).

It’s surprised me to see how beautiful regular old everyday food can be.

My favorite might be this canister of rotini pasta:

Pasta as art! Who knew?

Up next for the kitchen, I hope to replace the cabinet hardware with something bright and fun.

Since it’s a rental, it’ll be a temporary switch, but I’ll hang on to the original hardware and swap it back when I move out. It’s a simple switch I’ve made in every home I’ve been in and it really makes a difference!

I’m also thinking I will eventually paper the backs of the shelves for some additional color and pattern. I’m on the lookout for some pretty wallpaper, shelf liner or even scrapbook paper! I’ll share the DIY with y’all when I get there.

So how about you? Do you have open shelving in your kitchen? Any crazy pretty food on display? Or is it just me who buys the “pretty” pasta?

Tags: kitchen canisters, open kitchen shelving, retro kitchen