TKM LifeStyle design

I have no rational explanation for this…but I loove pot shelves! However, I realize that this is not necessarily the popular consensus.  Some people see them as dust collectors and not much more…”Really?” I say!  Also, I have recently been educated that not everyone knows what a pot shelf is, much less, what to do with it…SHOCKING!!

 



Before....Boring!!

I will start at the beginning…what, exactly, is a pot shelf?  To keep it simple…it is that wall ‘pop-out’ that looks like a shelf at the top of your room and it is, also, the top of the kitchen cabinets…you know, the space between the ceiling and the top of the cabinets…are you following?  These pot shelves evolved when our room ceilings started getting higher and higher…the shelves break up that really tall 17’ wall.

 

After...Kitchen with Character!

The next question usually is, “Ugh…What do I do with that space?!…other than leave it empty?”  Not a chance, because then that space would look boring!  In case anyone doesn’t know…I Do Not do boring!!  Also, by adding silk plants, pictures, etc…it will soften the look of that tall wall and long shelf!  Instead of appearing so austere and untouchable…decorating the shelf can help with creating a friendly, cozy atmosphere.

Now, before you run to your nearest store…I always suggest to my clients to shop in your own home first…before spending more $$. Most of us have a closet or cabinet where we have stored unused or slightly damaged accessories…candles, vases, silk plants, pictures, etc…pull them out of hiding! Plus, if they are a little dinged it doesn’t matter…no one will see it way up high!  I also search all the rooms in my home and sometimes I find accessories that would work better on a pot shelf.  Don’t forget to include artwork as potential wall fillers…I hang art on the back wall of pot shelves all the time! Books are also great to use…remember anything can be an accessory! After I have gathered my “potential” pot shelf treasures, I like to see all the stuff in one spot, so I spread everything out on my dining table.  It makes it much easier if you group similar items together.  After doing this “home shopping”…you may discover that “real shopping” may be needed!   

As I’ve mentioned before, my favorite stores are HomeGoods for interesting accessories and Hobby Lobby or Michael’s for silk plants, baskets, candles, etc.  My first stop at any of these stores is the Clearance aisle…again, even if the piece has a little ding, it won’t show 6 - 8ft high!  By this point, you will usually already have a color theme…but don’t be afraid of mixing it up with more than one color of metals, woods, glass and different textures.  It will be the contrast between shiny and rustic that will draw more interest to the area.  When shopping for silks, I like to see varying heights and shapes…I especially like to use silks with long vines.  Remember, I mentioned that I will use artwork or pictures up there as well…so don’t forget to browse around for interesting scenes or sayings.  Just keep in mind your back wall measurements…you don’t want to get anything too tall.

 

Go ahead and start “shopping” for your pot shelves…group everything by similar items. I will be back next week to start with the real fun of arranging all you have collected!…I promise!

Until then…use your instincts to help you find unique items to create a home…where design meets your LifeStyle.  Talk to you soon, Laura