Photobucket

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Decorating Dilemma


I’m joining Amanda’s Decorating Dilemmas Party.
Here’s my dilemma:
IMG_0109
See that blank wall in my breakfast nook area?  It’s really big!!!  It's 12 feet wide and the area above the chair rail/beaded board is 6 feet tall. That table is my computer table (underneath is 2 filing cabinets with a board on top and burlap skirt).  On the opposite side of the room is the kitchen.
IMG_0078
IMG_0106
I’m thinking some wall cabinets like this: (painted white)
PfriemBar0003
Or wall shelving:
clip_image002
Or Ballard’s cafe shelving?

I wanted a hutch, but the chair rail/ledge sticks out, so you really have to use 2 separate furniture pieces.
The only requirement:  cheap!!
I’m all ears….

28 comments:

  1. Robyn, I love the wall of long shelves..that would really dress up the wall and you could still put your computer software, books, etc...there along with some decorative items..OR ahha..how about a cabinet like you have posted in the middle, and fill the sides with those long shelves..yes I like that idea..would be awesome and give you some glassed in storage...
    Barb

    ReplyDelete
  2. I can totally see shelving on that wall! Not sure about cabinets, because I can't tell how big the space is. Might close it in?

    If you don't need extra storage and the wall could just be decorative -- a plate or picture wall. I saw on a website, but can't find it (darn!) They took strips of moulding and nailed to the wall horizontally at about 2 ft intervals (creating kind of a stripe effect (are ya following me?) Then they took all white (but any color would work) plates and propped them on the moulding creating a plate wall. You could do the same thing with framed pictures.

    Key is to do all same colors in plates, but you could pick different shapes and sizes and either all color or all B/W pics in same color frames like black or white (but again, could be different profiles, sizes, etc) Sorry, I know you probably KNOW that! Your house is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hope you don't get my post twice. I clicked post and then my computer locked up! I'll give you the condensed version just in case.

    If you don't need the wall for storage, I can totally see a plate or framed picture wall (saw on another site, but can't find DARN!) They took strips of white moulding and nailed to the wall horizontally at about 2 ft intervals (but this could be adjusted up or down) creating moulding "stripes" on the wall. Then they took all same color plates (diff shapes & sizes) and made a plate wall. It was BEAUTIFUL.

    You could do the same thing with framed pics - black or white frames (diff shapes & sizes) & B/W pics. You could even mix some framed art in with it.

    Beautiful kitchen, by the way!

    My post will be up later this morning so I hope you'll take a look and I would love your comments as well!

    ReplyDelete
  4. LOVE the shelving idea! You could accessorize with a mix of dishes and baskets that could hold your computer supplies. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey there !! Beautiful breakfast nook !! Just my .02 cents, but I think a higher longer table and long shelves (like picture no. 2) would look GORGEOUS there (and not very expensive to do either) ... also stacking crisp, white plates, bowls, etc. The shelves would tie in beautifully with your slip covered chairs, too. I can't wait to see what you do !! Take care, Becca (Adventures in Decorating)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Robyn,
    I have a similar issue myself and found an inspiration photo that helped me figure out exactly what to do-- and cheap:-)
    I'm getting the materials on thursday to start my shelving so as soon as its done I'll post it on my blog. I'd send you the photo sample if I knew how...

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love that wall of shelves in Jen's house (Old Painted Cottage) in picture #5. I also like the idea of a wall unit but I think I'd go with the shelves. That's my 2 cents worth!

    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  8. I fell in LOVE with that wall the minute I saw it on old painted cottage - if you have the spot to recreate that (and you do) I say GO FOR IT!!!

    ~TidyMom

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think I am going to go with the majority and and say go for the old painted cottage look. I love it and I think it would look great in your space!

    Your kitchen is beautiful!!!

    Enjoy!!!
    XOXO
    Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  10. Shelves would be fabulous! You could but a low buffet or sofa table below them so it doesn't rise about the chair rail. So many great things you could do decorating with shelves!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wall of shelves would be FANTASTIC there!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I can see white shelves too! Lovley nook and such nice windows!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi, Robyn! Thanks for linking up. :)

    I LOVE The Old Painted Cottage inspiration picture. I think it would look fabulous in your Kitchen, and I like "Memphis Mama's" suggestion of perhaps using a long buffet as the lower level. It would give you some closed off storage.

    I'm also a huge fan of the plate/platter wall. The Nester has one in her house and she did a beautiful job of adding a nice accent color in so it wasn't just a wall of white plates. Different shapes and different sizes.

    You have a gorgeous kitchen!

    Hope you'll stop back over and weigh in on my Dilemma...I am so stumped. :s

    ReplyDelete
  14. long shelves with the high, narrow table is my vote, too! A table like that wouldn't be too hard to create... hm... you've got me thinking about my house! Best wishes!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I looooove that massive wall shelving system you showed in one of the pictures. You could use it to display stuff, and it could be practical storage as well. You really have a blank slate to work with, so I don't think you could go wrong with ANY of those options you listed!

    ~Elizabeth
    Confessions From A Working Mom

    ReplyDelete
  16. It looks like you're on the right track with such beautiful inspiration photos and kitchen space. I think shelves are the way to go to add seasonal decorations, dishes, etc. A mirror or two would be great to bounce a little light and refect that beautiful kitchen of yours.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm not such a fab of the cupboards - it might make the space feel too closed in. But I love the idea of the open shelves.

    You could even do one long, and one or two half shelves allowing for a big piece of art work on one end!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I LOVE the long rows of shelving! You could change out the displays so it could always look like you want it to without having to do a lot. Plus, I think it would anchor the other side of the room since the kitchen cabinets are on the other side, you would have something similar but slightly different to bring everything together.

    ReplyDelete
  19. THANK YOU EVERYONE!! I think the consensus is the shelving. So, it looks like a trip to the home improvement store this weekend. I'll keep you updated on the progress.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oooh LOVE the shelving! You can change it as often as you like and it makes such a big statement! Good luck!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. LOVE the second and third pictures. The open shelving would look GREAT on that wall! I do think some baskets with color would be good to make it pop. Love your kitchen. It's so CLEAN! WOW!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh, I love the long white shelves idea with the table underneath. You could use this table for your computer, etc. You could also incorporate some of the colors (from your kitchen) for display on the shelves for a unified look. Have FUN!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hopefully you will get the perfect solution to your problem at the party! You have a great space to work with! It will be nice to get a lot of input from others.

    I came over to visit today from "A Doctor in the House" blog. Your blog is lovely. I will be back again to browse and visit soon!

    Stay Cozy, Carrie

    ReplyDelete
  24. oh la la! What potential here! I like the really long wall shelving. I get so excited to come over to your blog :)!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I would go with the wall shelving. I think it would really keep the look "open" and airy!

    ReplyDelete
  26. My fav is...pic #5...I just love that OPEN LOOK!!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  27. It is so large you need the wall shelving to make a bold statement.

    cheri

    ReplyDelete
  28. I absolutely love the wall shelving. FABULOUS IDEA LOVE IT!!!

    ReplyDelete