DIY Shelves for $100 | Dining Room Shelf styling

Open shelves are practical, fun to style, and easy to DIY!
We have one large open wall in our dining room that was crying out for a big statement.
Open shelving was the perfect choice for the space. It cost just $100ish (depending on what you already own), provides ample storage for hardly-used serving platters, and the neutral basics allow me to decorate seasonally.

The shelves are positioned higher on the wall to allow for a buffet below them, with plenty of space to set higher items on top of it. I'm still searching for the right buffet so imagine it under there with me!

You'll need:
Corbels: Home Depot
Pine Boards: cut to at least the depth of corbel (NOT shorter)
*Most Lowes & Home Depot will cut yours for free.
Primer: Kilz, water-based
Paint: Benjamin Moore, White Dove
Sand paper
Stud finder (optional)
Screw driver
Painter's tape (optional)

*Optional Prep step:
I used painter's tape to envision the shelves on the wall. This allowed my me to locate studs & map out my corbels. I used the painters tape to mimic the height of the corbels also & held platters up to the wall to be sure I could style & store what I had in mind. I don't recommend "winging" this project.

1. Sand corbels & pine boards (cut to size)
2. Dust with cheesecloth or other lint-free cloth
3. Prime corbels & pine boards, dry according to can
4. Paint corbels & pine boards
5. Use a stud finder, or just a stud who can find them, and map out placement.
6. Secure the corbels to the studs or with heavy duty anchors like these
7. Place shelves on corbels & style it up!

Sources:
farmhouse table: Ana-white farmhouse table (free plans here), stained Minwax Jacobean, sealed with Minwax Polycrylic
jute rug: RugsUSA.com
Bamboo shade: custom, selectblinds.com
Sheer panels: IKEA
Chandelier: Lowes, discontinued
Owl cookie jar: Home Goods
Turkey platter: Target
EAT: DIY anthro letters, tutorial here
Other dinnerware: assorted Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Macy's
Chairs: craigslist collected, spray-painted Rustoleum Heirloom White (placeholders for slipcovered chairs!) Pin It

Setting Up House Checklist: Kitchen, Cleaning, Linens

My little brother just bought his first home! And like many in his generation, he's setting up home without a wedding registry. Lucky for his big, opinionated sister there isn't a girl filling the cart with him. After 2 cross-country moves, I am experienced in setting up a house from scratch. And after 10+ years of housekeeping, I have quite a collection of tried & true, everyday basics. I compiled a list of basics for him and included a FREE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST for download (below).

My favorite brands & specific items are pictured but,  I did NOT include specific brands in the download, so you'll want to jot those in the margins, if you want to try my tried & trues. Nicholas, you have to use the brands I use, at least at first.

I worked at Williams-Sonoma, so most of my kitchen basics come from there & I'd buy them all over again (minus the discount..eek!). TJMaxx, Marshalls, Homegoods would be my second choice for finding close replacements at a reasonable price.

Kitchen Starter Kit

clockwise from top left: 

All Clad 8qt Stockpot, All Clad 4qt saucepan Williams-Sonoma *FREE gift with purchase includes another favorite of mine: the Lasagna pan!; Calphalon Unison 12in & 10in pan set: Williams-Sonoma, Everyday large baker: Crate & Barrel, White Traditional Dinnerware: Pottery Barn

Pyrex glass storage w/lids: Target; 

Wusthof Santoku knife; Spoonula & Spatula, OXO tongs, kitchen shears & paring knife set, half sheet pan, antibacterial cutting board, measuring cups & spoons, kitchen towels: Williams-Sonoma

This is the Cleaning Starter Kit I recommend, pictured are specific brands I prefer.
All items can be found at Target, excluding pop up sponges: Williams-Sonoma or Trader Joes.

Not pictured but necessary: Folex carpet cleaner (Bed, Bath, & Beyond), Lysol wipes, hand soap, a broom & dust pan, garbage bags & cans. I interchange Mrs. Meyers Clean Day with Method cleaners and sometimes fall for Gain detergent. *Bar Keepers Friend: for caked on dish grime, ceramic scratches, shining stainless steel.

Linen Basics

shower curtain & bath mat: West Elm, 

bath & hand towels: Thomas O'Brien, Target, Bed sheets: Threshold, Target 

To PRINT a FREE Shopping Checklist click here

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