Well, we got the keys to our new Florida house (!!!) on Thursday and it’s been non stop unpacking and trying to get settled since. Actually closing on the house was a serious pain- everything that could go wrong seemed to.

The appraiser messed up his paperwork, an email address was wrong so we didn’t wire the funds for closing costs in time, we had some major behind the scenes drama with the loan almost not going through. So when we got the keys, it felt like magic. 

And now we’re living in a house sitting on folding chairs and sleeping on air mattresses as we slowly put this house together (so glamorous!). While I can’t snap my fingers and have this whole place how I want right now, I can do small projects that make each area in this place feel a little more like our home. So that’s my plan. First step, DIY open shelving in the kitchen!

diy open shelving

When we walked in the house, the corner of the kitchen looked like this-

Before we saw the house in person, I thought about tearing out that little cabinet and putting in a vintage china cabinet. BUT after seeing it in person, the quality was top notch, the stone on top is beautiful, and the size is perfect. So it’s staying. When sharing on Instagram, lots of people suggested doing open shelving, so I painted the wall white and got to work!

SUPPLIES

• 6 of the 10″ Crates and Pallet black brackets
• 10″ wide pine boards 1x10x8 cut to 40″ long (you can customize the length for your home)
• Ultra Pure White latex paint in eggshell

step 1- hang  brackets

For this project, I used black forged steel shelf brackets from Crates and Pallet- the quality is amazing and you can pick them up right at Home Depot! They also have a gold option online if you prefer gold (I used them in my office and they look beautiful).

Start by using a stud finder and try to space your brackets so that at least one is in studs. If that’s not possible, use an anchor to hang the bracket. One side of ours is in a stud. For spacing, I suggest 12″ between each shelf. For spacing above the counter top, we hung the lowest shelf 20″ high.

step 2-  shelves

Next, cut the shelves to size. We cut ours 40″ long, but this is a customizable project so you can make your’s however will fit your home best. If you don’t have a saw, have these cut when you’re at the hardware store. They’ll do it for free! Next, sand the shelves until they’re smooth. 

For finishing the shelf, there’s lots of options- stain, leave as is, or you can paint it. I liked the wood grain, but I didn’t enjoy the natural pine color. So, I watered down some latex paint and brushed it lightly on the boards. It took two coats to get the coverage I wanted- you can see the grain, but the color is decidedly white.

after

Here the shelf is all installed and styled! I will be 100% honest- it feels so good to have a project done. It feels like there’s light at the end of the tunnel to have one corner that is my style and makes me happy. There’s magic in decorating a home full things that you love! So while I’m typing this sitting on a beach chair and my computer is on an a cooler, this feels right.

Chatbooks / Lenox spice village houses / Domino book / Flea Market style book / Rainbow desk calendar / Gold Pineapple Tumblers / Craft the Rainbow Book / Natalie Lete Book

For the greenery, I went outside and clipped some foliage from the yard. With the sun shining on me! I just can’t express how grateful I am to be here! 

The little vase on the top left is a thrift store find I scored for $1.50!

I also styled the shelf with all the pretty things I brought with me. This shelf will change with time, but it’s full of what I love now! For example, all of my Lenox spice village houses are on the shelves! I started collecting these on Thanksgiving and finally have a pretty place for them to sit.

There you have it! My first project of this house! Stay tuned, I’ll do a house tour with all of my plans for the rooms soon. There’s going to be some fun decor in here and I can’t wait to show you!

Thank you to Crates and Pallet for sponsoring this post! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

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