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Need Help with Small Open Kitchen Shel ves

5 years ago

We did a partial remodel in our beach condo kitchen which included painting the walls, adding a backsplash and installing a new faucet. we kept the wood cabinets (circa 1986) and painted them white because they are well built, well maintained. and to save money.

My question is how to utilize the small open shelves on either side of the sink. they are only 11"D x 5.5"W x 8.5"H. (see photos).

I don't want small knickknacks to have to clean. We cannot remove them at this time (maybe never). Our decor is coastal.

I'd love to hear your ideas.

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Comments (5)

Sammy
5 years ago
Framed family photos always work!
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Anglophilia
5 years ago
Well, they're FOR knick-nacks! Either leave them empty or perhaps put a few really nice large shells in them. Yes, they will have to be dusted whether or not there is something in them. You should have just removed them.
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herbflavor
5 years ago
I have shelves...it isn't so horrible that I would pull them out. One object per shelf..vase/curio/ other. ...part time house that stays closed up is less of a problem than you think. I like the memorable objects....I do dishes there...a ceramic object can be rinsed at the end, in the water and dried off, if dust bothers you.....I have a couple wood bowls/figurines that are fun....they just wipe off. Maybe one shelf for salt/pepper/napkin holder...things that get placed out for use. I think your concern is overdone...relax about it. Those horizontal blinds are a real pain as far as dust....I had them on several windows in my home....as soon as I had something else...I removed them ALL.
Sue
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks, herbflavor. Yeah, I've been leaning toward small dishes (such as small bowls, salt/pepper, etc.) that are easy to wash, pretty, AND used frequently. I also agree that the blinds are a pain. Unfortunately our kitchen windows face due east and here in Southwest Florida, that morning sun streaming in the windows can raise the temperature in the house incredibly quickly. So I need to be able to close them off in the morning while opening them up in the afternoon for light when the sun is on the other side of the house. I'm curious to know what you replaced yours with. Mine were inherited with the house.
herbflavor
5 years ago
I get a lot of value from sheers on a rod/ swoosh back and forth....valances atop sometimes . But I am a sewer and I go find vintage fabric/trim/etc. Spend on a good looking rod and rings and it's a lot of fun. I have also used cellular shades/top down....bottom up..... are extremely flexible. …..more money but a good investment. I have something at windows because I detest glare...ESPECIALLy when cooking dinner...two kitchen windows I have face west....I'm in the North but that heat and glare in the summer ain't for me . You can get two cellular shades on one rail...you can get solar shades with a valance across the top or sheers across the front. Measure and go to Lowes and see what you like in the books. Something will jump out at you.....Swirly pattern/texture /some color.

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