Young House Love

Home Decorating, DIY Tutorials, & Shenanigans

  • Shop Our House
  • Our Previous Homes
    • Our Richmond House
    • Our Beach House
    • Our Duplex
  • Before & Afters
    • Our Current House
    • Our Previous House
    • Our Beach House
    • Our Duplex
    • Our First House
    • Our Second House
    • Our Showhouse
  • DIY & Decorating Tips
    • Most Popular
    • Home Improvement
    • Painting
    • Cleaning & Organizing
    • Crafting & Art
    • More . . .
  • Podcast
    • Getting Started
    • Show Notes
  • Shop
    • Our Fav Home Finds
    • Our Lighting Line
    • Our Books
    • Book Club Picks
    • Black-Owned Businesses

Young House Love » Our Second House » Open For Business: Hanging Our Homemade Kitchen Shelves

| By John Petersik | February 8, 2012 | 583 Comments

Open For Business: Hanging Our Homemade Kitchen Shelves

Let’s see… when we last left off on Monday, our open shelves had been primed in preparation for their big hanging debut.

Shelves 17 Everything Prime

While we had the primer out we went ahead and slapped a coat on the hood cover too (using a 2″ angled brush in the cracks followed by a small foam roller to smooth everything out). Things were instantly looking less wood-sy on that wall.

Shelves 18 Hood Primed

Once the primer dried on both – we used Zinsser Smart Prime which is low-VOC and was recommended by a few pro cabinet painters that we know – out came the same high-durability paint that we used on our cabinets (yes, there’s still plenty left!) and we gave the brackets, shelves, and the hood a couple of coats. Two thin and even ones over one coat of primer did the trick. We also applied those with a 2″ angled brush followed by a small foam roller to keep things smooth and even. Oh and the paint is Benjamin Moore Advance paint in Cloud Cover, bee-tee-dubs (which many pros use to paint the inside of their clients’ cabinets along with the outside, so it should stand up really well to everyday use once it’s nice an cured up).

Shelves 19 Everything Paint

But the exciting stuff really started to happen when we finally got to the point of ACTUALLY PUTTING STUFF ON THE WALL. Yowza. Sorry for the caps. I said we were excited, right? Excited might be an understatement actually. Luckily, since we had already drilled all of our screws into the wall, the hanging step was pretty easy. Up went the brackets on the short side…

Shelves 20 Brackets Hung

…followed moments later by the shelves themselves. Can I get an “Ooooh”? How about and “Ahhhhh”?

Shelves 21 Shelves Hung

Don’t worry, we weren’t gonna just let them sit there unsecured. We just had some other things to do first – like making sure everything was still level. It was. Phew.

Shelves 22 Checking Level

So then we put everything up on the long side of the wall.

Shelves 23 Other Side Hung

We had mentioned in the previous post that we had originally planned to screw the shelves into the wall (we even made some pocket holes in preparation for this step). Well, after feeling how solid the brackets felt (more on that here) and not really wanting to put 12 more cringe-inducing holes in our tile – we opted to just use those pocket holes as a spot to screw the shelves firmly into the brackets (so the screw actually went straight down, not at the angle of the pocket hole). In hindsight, we definitely could’ve skipped the pocket hole step, but at least now the screw will be hidden in a spot that we can easily caulk over.

Shelves 24 Screwing In

Speaking of caulk, that was our next step after everything was drilled together. Since there were some dark seams where the shelves met the brackets, we just ran a thin bead of white paintable caulk along the top of each bracket and smoothed it with our finger to make the shelves and brackets look more like one unit. Tedious? A smidge. Worth it? Totally. Then of course we painted over it so everything matched.

Shelves 25 Caulking

And with that folks, we were done! Except for more waiting. Booooo.

Shelves 26 After Full

As eager as we are to immediately fill them with plates and bowls and cups, we resisted that urge in order to let all of the paint cure a little bit longer – just because we caulked those screw holes and around the edges which called for some touch up paint. We definitely don’t want to jump the “fully cured” gun (which could result in a bunch of dents and dings in our shelves during their first few days of use). So for now we’ll just have to enjoy these empty “after” shots thanks to following the full curing time on the paint can’s directions. But tomorrow – oh baby, it’s on. Sherry’s even planning to shoot a little time lapse video of the process of loading them up.

Shelves 27 After Angle

Oh and of course we still have to add crown molding to the ceiling to finish things off and make the top of the hood a lot more seamless. But slowly it’s all feeling a lot closer to “done” than “just started” – especially now that the hood is painted too (never mind the fact that we still have some patch work to do on the ceiling along with that aforementioned crown molding).

Shelves 28 After From Offic

We’re really happy with how the brackets turned out, so we haven’t thought twice about our decision not to do true floating shelves. We think these are really charming – and they’re super stable so Sherry could probably hang off of them if she wanted. Instead she wants to fill them with ceramic animals. Same difference.

It’s nice that there’s still plenty of room to load them up and make them really functional, even with the brackets (no, they will not actually end up full of ceramic animals- not on my watch). Our shelves are deep enough for our 12″ dinner plates and the brackets are 15″ apart so we should have lots o’ room to put everyday stuff up there – which we hear from other open-shelf-having folks works really well, since it’s used often enough not to get dusty).

Shelves 29 After Close

And even though it was a bit weird at first to see our wall of penny tile suddenly broken up by these bright white lines, it’s cool to see the thing we’ve always envisioned come that much closer to being a reality.

Shelves 30 After Close Stra

So we should have pics (and a video) of the shelves all filled for you tomorrow. Until then, we’ll leave you with this slightly-closer-to-after shot of the room. We’re definitely getting there. And we’re counting down the seconds to Operation Cork My Floor (along with adding that crown molding, patching the ceiling, adding a pendant over the sink, covering the base of the peninsula with some decorative wood planks, hanging some art to the right of the fridge, do something to the side of the pantry, etc).

Shelves 31 After From Hall

We feel especially giddy when we look at old photos of the room back when it looked like this:

NewEmpty Kitchen

We can hardly picture that old room anymore. Isn’t it funny how quickly your brain replaces things? It’s so crazy that we lived with the room just like that for over six months before even painting the paneling. But once we finally got the ball rolling… well, it’s still rolling. Haha. Is anyone else in the home stretch of one of their home projects? Though I probably should knock on wood when I say that, since it sounds like a sure way to jinx myself into some last-minute wrench in the plan (he says as he gets up to literally go knock on wood while crossing his fingers and eyes).

More posts from Young House Love

Filed Under: Furniture & Building, Home Improvement, Our Second House

Budget Blooms: Tiptoeing Through The Tulips
Filling Up Our Kitchen’s Open Shelves (On Video)

Comments

  1. Avatar for KathrynKathryn says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:00 am

    Yup…that totally completes the wall. When you “stage” it, I will be officially drooling.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for gaylagayla says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:01 am

    looks amazing! I cant wait to see some dishes and accessories on those shelves!!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for BriaBria says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:01 am

    It’s all coming together so nicely! :)

    Reply
  4. Avatar for abode loveabode love says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:02 am

    I squealed with delight when I saw that there was a kitchen update! I ADORE those shelves, ya’ll did a great job. I think the brackets really finish it off beautifully and create a lot of charm in your kitchen!

    abodelove.com

    Reply
  5. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:04 am

    I feel silly writing this, but I have been so excited waiting for these pictures. Can’t wait to see the final product!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for jamiejamie says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:04 am

    looking awesome over there! waiting for paint to dry is like staring at a big, juicy ice cream cone. can’t wait to see the junk on the trunk or uhhh… shelves :)

    Reply
  7. Avatar for stephaniestephanie says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:04 am

    wow! what a transformation. i anxiously await the final before and after photos…great job :)

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Melanie @ Mailbox JourneyMelanie @ Mailbox Journey says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:04 am

    Absolutely gorgeous! I can’t wait to see them loaded up with stuff!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for LoriLori says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:04 am

    Ahh! It looks amaaaazing! Better than I pictured! Sherry, can you reach the top shelf without standing on a stool? It looks pretty high in the pictures? Seriously can’t believe it’s the same kitchen… :-)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 8, 2012 at 10:41 am

      Yes! I can reach it! Yay. You’ll get to see me loading them up on video soon!

      xo,
      s

  10. Avatar for BethanyBethany says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:04 am

    LOVE IT!!!!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for HesperHesper says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:05 am

    It looks fantastic. We also just hung open shelves in our kitchen just last week! I looove them and I am so happy to be a little closer to actually liking my kitchen! Next up is painting the awful yellow pine cabinets and then replacing the gross floor! Woot!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for AndreaAndrea says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:05 am

    FANTASTIC!!!!!!! =)

    Reply
  13. Avatar for MidloMelMidloMel says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:06 am

    GORGEOUS! And I mean really, really gorgeous! I just love it. Great job.

    I wish I had room for some open shelving in my kitchen!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for LeslieLeslie says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:06 am

    It looks WONDERFUL. Well done guys. You must be so proud of all that hard work. :)

    Reply
  15. Avatar for TracyTracy says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:07 am

    Amazing. Can’t wait to see it with the new floor!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Captain MicahCaptain Micah says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:07 am

    Good gravy. It looks AMAZING!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for claireclaire says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:07 am

    You guys have done such a fabulous job. Love love the shelves!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for SyreenaSyreena says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:07 am

    can’t wait to see the shelves all filled. You guys are pretty awesome. I think I am too much of a chicken to have open shelving, my cabinets and drawers are my secret place :)

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Kim SKim S says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:07 am

    Love it! I think the step I’m most excited for now is the cork flooring. I liked that idea as soon as you told us about it, and I’m glad it’s coming soon!

    Reply
    • Avatar for MarianneMarianne says

      February 8, 2012 at 11:42 am

      Me too- I can’t wait to see that Cork floor! I think it will totally complete the room!!!

    • Avatar for MissyMissy says

      February 8, 2012 at 1:59 pm

      Yes. I too, can’t wait to see the cork go down. I’ve thought about cork in some of our house projects, but haven’t pulled the trigger.

  20. Avatar for Erin @ One Project at a TimeErin @ One Project at a Time says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:08 am

    Do you all still have some tweaks in mind for the chairs? I can’t wait to see what you do there!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 8, 2012 at 10:40 am

      We’re waiting for the cork floors to go in before deciding since they’re such a game changer!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for AidaAida says

      February 8, 2012 at 11:13 am

      I was thinking the same thing. They are starting to look out of place in that awesomesauce kitchen. I’m thinking glossy pop of color!!

    • Avatar for MaryMary says

      February 8, 2012 at 5:27 pm

      I agree . . . the chairs don’t compliment what else is a fabulous kitchen.

    • Avatar for Amber V.Amber V. says

      February 8, 2012 at 5:55 pm

      I stand firmly on team “LEAVE THE STOOLS ALONE!” I think the cool gray color acts as a bookend to the room that compliments the gray penny tile. Im sure the color you bring in with accessories will be plenty… but that’s my two pennies (ba dum bum).

      Ultimately, I’m certain the room will be a stunner. Great job!

  21. Avatar for TheChangingHouseTheChangingHouse says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:08 am

    The transformations are unreal!
    This kitchen looks fantastic!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Brandi @His Shabby Her ChicBrandi @His Shabby Her Chic says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:08 am

    Oooooooh…aaaaahhhhh… Looks great!!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Jordan@the2seasonsJordan@the2seasons says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:08 am

    Love them! They look amazing!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for DanaDana says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:09 am

    Looks absolutely stunning!! Can’t wait until tomorrow’s post! Have fun filling them up today!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for NataliaNatalia says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:09 am

    I was sure there would be a picture with dishes and stuff on top! I guess I’ll just have to wait till tomorrow!! Can’t wait to see that :)

    Reply
  26. Avatar for KateKate says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:09 am

    Looks beautiful – I love it!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for AlisonAlison says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:09 am

    Nice work! I can’t wait to see them filled. What a transformation!!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for AngleAngle says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:09 am

    I can’t wait to see them with stuff on them. Sometimes I have a hard time visualizing things, so right now all I notice is the brackets lol. Can’t wait for some plates and ceramic animals to make me go “ahhhh, NOW I see it!”:) very happy for you!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Emily R.Emily R. says

      February 8, 2012 at 12:51 pm

      I was thinking the same thing. Even when I don’t immediately see your version it always comes together. The perfect example of this is the living room. You always pull everything together.

  29. Avatar for Jennie DJennie D says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:09 am

    The kitchen is looking amazing!! You guys are so inspirational. Can’t believe those before and after shots!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for RhianaRhiana says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:10 am

    Looks so great guys! I can’t wait to see it all done!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for reb y.reb y. says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:10 am

    now now, when did that white kettle suddenly appear?? and how did I miss it before!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 8, 2012 at 10:14 am

      Haha- that’s been here a while! Got it from HomeGoods on sale a few months back. It’s by Kitchenaid if that helps!

      xo,
      s

  32. Avatar for annabelvitaannabelvita says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:10 am

    Looking awesome! I can’t wait to see how you style them.
    We just signed on a brand new flat (sneaky picture here http://annabelvita.com/on-the-right-track). I’m so excited since it’s UNFURNISHED. You can bet I’ve already bought some furniture to refinish before we can move in on March 5.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 8, 2012 at 10:40 am

      Exciting! Good luck with everything!

      xo,
      s

  33. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:10 am

    What a difference you guys have made in there! I honestly thought you two had lost your minds buying that house when I saw the kitchen. I couldn’t see past that wood-riddled eyesore to see anything salvageable. You are rock stars!

    Question – what happened with Clara’s booster on one of the counter stools? Was there an issue with it not being secure after all?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 8, 2012 at 10:39 am

      Oh no I just pop it off for after pics since it’s so crazy looking (bright maroon) – haha. It’s so easy to snap on and off for the pics, thankfully!

      xo,
      s

  34. Avatar for Ashley@AttemptsAtDomesticationAshley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:10 am

    Love the shelves! They look fab! Can’t wait to see them loaded up! And now that everything is painted I totally see why you needed a darker floor, it looks like the room is floating. I’m sure the floors, stuff on the shelves and some art will ground everything together though!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for Janette@The2SeasonsJanette@The2Seasons says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:11 am

    It looks really great. My daughter/blog partner and I repainted her kitchen cabinets per your instructions, and they turned out great. Thanks for such good tutorials.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:11 am

    I can’t even believe it’s the same kitchen. Looks absolutely amazing! I knew the old kitchen was dark, but you really don’t realize how dark until you see the before and after. Congrats!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for Julia @ Chris loves JuliaJulia @ Chris loves Julia says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:11 am

    So pretty! I am anxiously looking forward to:

    1. Tomorrow seeing everything in place and the video! Eee!
    2. Seeing the cork flooring go down. It’s gonna add so much warmth.
    3. Understanding what you mean by “decorative planks” on the peninsula.
    4. Hearing what else isn’t gonna happen on John’s watch. Hahaha!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 8, 2012 at 10:12 am

      Haha, nice rundown.

      xo,
      s

  38. Avatar for Amy L.Amy L. says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Do you think you’ll keep the wall color? For some reason it reads as a construction color rather than the actual final color, so I keep waiting for something else. I think a dark floor will certainly change the feel, but wasn’t sure if you were thinking of changing it.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 8, 2012 at 10:20 am

      Oh yes, we love the color and think the dark cork floor will be awesome in the mix. But wall color is definitely one of the most subjective things out there in the universe!

      xo,
      s

  39. Avatar for allison boltonallison bolton says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:12 am

    I love your Kitchen!! You have inspired me so much, I want to do copy your backslash and counters. I need to repaint all my white cabinets in my laundry room, bathrooms! Thanks for inspiring me with your beautiful Kitchen!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for Deanna DivinoDeanna Divino says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:12 am

    AMAZING! I love it! I have a question. I am on the hunt for lights over our peninsula… I love the glass ones and have found tons I love, but I am worried about staring into the light… sound scary! ;) Are you guys bothered at all by it? I go to the store, look at them and my eyes are terribly unfocused…but I guess once they are in your home it’s different? You don’t stare at them all day, do you?

    I love the shelving, we did open shelving too and I love it and it’s 20 times “easier” to live with than the millions that warned against it!

    You guys are amazing!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 8, 2012 at 10:18 am

      Thankfully they’re just great! We put them on a dimmer just in case, but we’re always putting them all the way up, so it’s not too bright or anything!

      xo,
      s

  41. Avatar for Alisya HAlisya H says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Way to go, you two! The before and after photos were awe inspiring! Although I’ve been following the kitchen renovation since it started, it’s still very startling to see the improvements! x

    Reply
  42. Avatar for ReenieReenie says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:13 am

    WOW–WEEEE!!! What a diff seeing the last 2 photos of the before and after. The floor doesn’t even look half bad with the “almost done new look.” I can only imagine how the cabinets, tile, and everything else will stand out once you get the new floor in.

    Lookin’ good :)

    Reply
  43. Avatar for Ginny @ Goofy MonkeysGinny @ Goofy Monkeys says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:13 am

    The shelves look so great!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}dAmanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:13 am

    The shelves look awesome! I’m surprised you were able to resist putting stuff up there.

    WE’re almost done with our kitchen, too. We installed our cabinet doors last week: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2012/02/02/cabinet-doors-done/ I’ve got some painting to do today and a few more little projects, then we’re done!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 8, 2012 at 10:17 am

      Looks awesome!

      xo,
      s

  45. Avatar for kristinkristin says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:13 am

    wow, you guys, this is looking fantastic! getting those shelves up really transforms the space, and i can’t wait to see those puppies all loaded up with brightly colored goodness (and of course some white-ceramic-animal goodness too, let’s be honest). nice work! :)

    Reply
  46. Avatar for bridget b.bridget b. says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:14 am

    cool! can’t wait to see them loaded up!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for AshleyAshley says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:14 am

    Beautiful! You guys are rockin it!!

    Question for you…. How well do the shelves wipe off? I had some open shelving put in my bathroom when it was remodeled and it seems to eat the sponge when I try to wipe it down. I love the look and and want to add some to my new chicken coop and paint it a fun bright color (well the storage area in the front of my coop) but am afraid of not being able to clean them. Im in the midst of a kitchen remodel and have some open shelving but I ordered it from the cabinet maker (for a pretty penny!!) but obviously I don’t have that kind of budget for a dirty ole chicken coop:)!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 8, 2012 at 10:16 am

      Oh yes, just like factory sprayed cabinet doors and interiors, it wipes down. Benjamin Moore Advance is the best!

      xo,
      s

  48. Avatar for Seriously Sassy MamaSeriously Sassy Mama says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:14 am

    Ever think about painting that beam a different color? I saw it and immediately thought about your TV room.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 8, 2012 at 10:16 am

      Since they run in the opposite direction and can be seen in the same glance (since the living room is right next to the kitchen) we think it’ll be too busy – like a criss-cross ceiling if we paint them dark. But the addition of the dark cork on the floor should be some awesome contrast!

      xo,
      s

  49. Avatar for Mary LouMary Lou says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:14 am

    Looks so amazing!! Im just starting the process of redoing my office/craft area, and that grellow + white shelving is calling my name.

    Reply
  50. Avatar for KristinaKristina says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:14 am

    It really looks great. It looks like there might even be enough room for your rooster up on the top shelf.

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

John and Sherry Sitting On Woven ChairHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
*This site contains ads and affiliate links*
See our disclaimer & privacy policy to learn more

Latest Finds

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

SHOP OUR LIGHTING

Young House Love Shades Of Light Capiz Chandelier

GET POSTS BY EMAIL

We’re Digging

Traditional Rug
The “Magic” Rug
Smokeless Solo Stove Firepit
Smokeless Firepit
Woven Storage Ottoman
Storage Ottoman
Subtle Pink Rug
Our Bedroom Rug
Blue Air 211 Air Purifier
Our Air Purifiers
Faux Potted Olive Tree
Faux Olive Tree
Kohler Memoirs Toilet
Our Favorite Toilet
Soft Striped Rug
Soft Striped Rug
SEE MORE OF OUR FAVORITE FINDS > >

  • About
  • FAQs
  • Press
  • Contact
  • :)

© 2023 Young House Love ® · Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · A Fun Wordpress theme on Genesis Framework · Hosted by Liquid Web