thinking about the kitchen part 3

Time for the next installment of dreaming about the kitchen! And on to what may be the biggest issue. If you've read this blog for any amount of time, you know I am obsessed with open shelving in the kitchen. I just love it for its simplicity, its relaxed feel, for how it can expand a room, for how it allows for pretty display.

pinterest

My man is not so convinced. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that he works with kitchen cabinets every day—so the more cabinets, the better. On a very basic level, because of his business, he just doesn't understand why anyone would forgo upper cabinetry. And it's admittedly not too fair of me to ask him to ditch so much cabinetry, the material representation of his hard work and skill, when I'm asking him to build this kitchen. He'd be really happy with this traditional look. Beautiful details! How can I argue with that?

traditional home

But maybe we can find something in the middle? We're definitely going to want to compromise so we're both happy with and proud of the end result, but it's a small kitchen, so finding the balance between open and closed cabinetry could be tricky. Here's one idea I've noticed recently, with a pair of cabinets flanking an open shelf over a sink or range. That gets me a little openness and display area and him a few closed uppers.

house and home

pinterest

sarah richardson

gregory mellor

Of course, I would love a chance to do a whole wall of storage and a whole wall of openness. This kitchen is awesome...and huge. But I could almost see how we could replicate this in our tiny space.

baden baden

Like me, Michael loves wine, and coffee. Maybe I can subconsciously (or ok, overtly!) convince him we need open storage with these pics ;-)

pinterest

desire to inspire

There is also the shelf-under-cabinets look, but it's just not enough for me.

houzz

Of course, there are always glass cabinets. He would not be opposed to that. At least there are cabinet boxes and crown details. I have always adored this kitchen; I'm just not sure it completely meets my desire for openness.

house beautiful

When what I really want is this.

brooklyn home company

Is this enough of a compromise? Because this kitchen is an all-time favorite, and I think I'm going to be blatantly copying it when it's time to design ours.

style at home

Love. Everything about it. Wish me luck in the negotiations!

11 comments

Giulia Doyle said...

Good luck on your negotiations. I have two open shelves above my eat in corner, everywhere else I have closed cabinetry or glass front.
I don't want open shelves close to the stove due to the grease that deposits on it mixed with dust - YUCKYYYY! Also, open shelves all over really needs well curated content that is very tidy - unfortunately not all kitchen stuff is pretty to look at. For me it's the dust and grease that is the big no no for open shelves in the kitchen...All your images are great though.
My main thing I like for kitchens are cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling - none of that open empty space above...

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

Oh, good luck. Did you show him the picture of your dream kitchen? It is gorgeous, and looks attainable.

Fran said...

Good luck, Casey. What I've learned is that it is all a process. BTW, one of my readers posted a flip kitchen she & her husband did. It includes open shelving & cabinets - it is a great compromise. See here: http://nutmegandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/08/before-and-after-flip-kitchen.html

Holly Gruszka said...

I'm anxious to see how you two compromise. I really like the look of the cabinetry and the open shelving above the stove. Oh, and the coffee/wine bar would be so wonderful!!

Splendid Willow said...

Casey, lots of inspiration here! And perfect timing for me who is helping a client with her kitchen re-do. I will send her a couple of your images.

Good luck with the negotiations. You know that you will get what you want in the end! (: You are the design master and so good at creating wonderful areas.

I will be showing the guest room you put together for your client on my blog soon. The one with the mirrors above the beds. LOVE what you did!

Hugs,

Mon

The Vintique Object said...

If you did an kitchen installment every day, I'd be a happy girl.

Oh compromise. Maybe your honey will read this post and realize how much you adore it? That last kitchen...what can I say. The island is to die for.
Camille

The Vintique Object said...

Rereading my comment... I didn't necessarily mean you install a kitchen everyday, I just meant that I love your kitchen posts!
Camille

casey at loft and cottage said...

I know what you meant, Camille. And I adore your comments!! In fact, everyone's comments throughout this series have been invaluable. I LOVE the input, and it's been so helpful in thinking about what I want and don't want in this kitchen as we plan!

Sarah said...

Aw, I'm still grinning ear to ear at the "my man" part:) I think the open shelving in between 2 closed cabinets is a perfect compromise, and might totally have to steal it years down the line when we redo ours;) That last kitchen is wonderful!!

René said...

Wow! So much to take in it would be hard to choose one. Good luck with striking a compromise. The last image is to die for - can totally see why you love it. I am always in favor of open shelves and wow at that stocked wine & coffee cabinet!

Southwest Cottage Designs said...

I love the 3-part kitchen ideas! I definitely agree on moving the microwave off of the counter (where mine is currently) to allow more counter space.