It seems as though it is either a love or hate response when I ask that question to my design clients.
The #1 reason people tend to not like them is "My mess will be out in the open for everyone to see." Or…."I will have to keep them neat all the time and that will be too much work."
I get that, I totally understand that response. I have seen some kitchens with all opening shelving and I think "where do they hide their mess?" as everyone has at least one junky area in a kitchen that needs to be hidden!
But my oh my, if you can just get past that first instinct about floating shelves, they are so beautiful. You don't have to use them everywhere…..maybe just one set in a kitchen, bedroom or family room.
I really believe if floating shelves are done correctly they make an incredible statement in the room and can even be a selling feature of the home. Take a look at these examples.
In this home I used floating shelves above a bar area with a dark navy accent wall behind them. The combination creates a wow factor for the family room and leaves the area with a more open feeling then if there were enclosed cabinets on the walls.
The shelves still allow plenty of storage area to display fun glasses, bottles of wine and a couple eclectic accent pieces. The shelves I selected for this area are a little rustic to fit the casual feel of the room and are about 4" wide which is all you need for glasses and bottles.
Now look at this kitchen in which I put in floating shelves. Now that is a statement! I tiled behind the shelves on the entire wall for extra drama. Aren't these incredible instead of just more cabinets.
The dark stained wood is such a great contrast with the white and these shelves are 10" wide allowing depth for dinner plates. They are a more sleek smooth finish so not as rustic as the ones pictured above.
There are so many options to create your own fun wall! You can have the shelves bolted into the wall like I did here or have fun brackets under them. Adding pocket lights under them like on these examples is an added bonus.
So what is your verdict on floating shelves now? My vote is 'LOVE THEM!!"
So if you are building or remodeling, or just want to rip out a cabinet or two for a new look consider adding floating shelves!
Shar Sitter, owner Rooms With Style Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis MN.
CHSE and APSD Home Stager Pro Trainer
www.RoomsWithStyle.com
952-567-1124
