Tom Hanks make a case for this unique shelving technique

Open shelving in kitchens is a design element that often sparks debate among interior designers and homeowners. While some view it as prone to clutter, dust accumulation, and cleaning difficulties, others value its aesthetic appeal and the opportunity it provides for personalization. Reese Witherspoon's kitchen, initially showcased on Instagram in 2020, exemplifies the latter perspective, demonstrating that open shelving can maintain a contemporary and enduring charm. Her approach to styling this storage solution involves a minimalist arrangement of curated crockery and a limited number of glasses. A key aspect of her design is the deliberate decision to leave a substantial portion of the shelving empty, which prevents the space from appearing overcrowded and allows everyday kitchenware to function as a design statement. Tori Young, associate director of interior design at HollandGreen, highlights the dual benefits of thoughtfully curated open shelves. She notes that they serve both practical and decorative purposes, improving accessibility by making essentials easily visible and reducing the time spent searching through cabinets. Young also shares her personal experience, stating that visible ingredients and tools in her own kitchen foster culinary creativity. The exposed nature of open shelves transforms anything displayed into a decorative element. Homeowners can emulate Witherspoon's sleek, pared-back style or opt for a more expressive display with sentimental items such as vintage teapots, handcrafted pottery, or elegant glassware. This flexibility allows individuals to showcase their unique style, whether through a minimalist aesthetic or a vibrant, colorful arrangement. The article suggests specific items that can help achieve a look inspired by Witherspoon's kitchen. Fluted ceramic bowls are recommended for their ability to elevate everyday items into art. These bowls, available on Amazon, are praised for their quiet luxury, featuring a textured design that makes them interesting enough for prominent display on open shelves. Another featured item is the Smeg Mini 50's Retro Style Kettle, which is presented as a focal point on Witherspoon's countertops. This kettle is noted for its ability to combine reliable functionality with aesthetic charm. Additionally, a Joss & Main Ibiza Wood Cutting Board from Wayfair is highlighted for its decorative qualities, with weathered wood tones that introduce an old-world charm. Made from solid wood with a natural finish, it is considered a durable and stylish addition to open shelving. Beyond its decorative potential, open shelving is also presented as a practical solution for smaller kitchens. Young explains that this storage method creates a greater sense of space by avoiding the bulkiness associated with traditional wall cabinets. The visibility of items on open shelves naturally encourages organization and helps minimize clutter, contributing to a tidy and well-maintained environment. Furthermore, the inherent flexibility of open shelving allows for easy updates to the kitchen decor, keeping the space fresh and adaptable. Young personally enjoys swapping out potted herbs and plants, noting that the addition of greenery can instantly uplift the space. This design choice offers a versatile and stylish way to manage kitchen storage, making it appealing for various home sizes and design preferences. #ReeseWitherspoon #KitchenDesign #OpenShelving #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #CelebrityHomes #StorageSolutions #Kitchenware #MinimalistStyle

The article highlights the resurgence of china cabinets, moving beyond their traditional and often formal connotations to embrace modern interpretations suitable for diverse interior styles. Once perceived as relics of a past era, these display cabinets are now re-emerging as functional and aesthetic pieces, aligning with contemporary trends such as maximalism's emphasis on personalized home decor and a renewed appreciation for nostalgic design. Designers like Isabel López-Quesada and Neal Beckstedt are integrating these cabinets into their projects, showcasing their versatility in housing dinnerware and other cherished items. The modern china cabinet distinguishes itself from its predecessors through features like open shelving and glass doors, which contribute to a lighter and brighter aesthetic compared to the traditional solid wood buffets or sideboards. These updated designs cater to various tastes, from minimalists seeking pared-back storage solutions to those who embrace more eclectic and characterful furnishings. The article categorizes several contemporary china cabinets based on different design preferences, offering specific examples to illustrate each style. For the modernist, the Birch Lane Doheny Display Cabinet offers a sleek and dramatic presence with slim legs that provide visual lightness, contrasting with its statement-making black wood frame. It features ample shelving for fine china and drawers for linens, blending historical form with modern sensibility. Those favoring a farmhouse aesthetic might opt for the McGee & Co. Heath Oak Cabinet, which presents a handcrafted, Americana-inspired design with solid wood and oak veneer. Its combination of shelves and drawers, along with rounded bun feet and an antique latch, imbues a charming, rustic vibe. The Arhaus Stefania Cabinet caters to individuals seeking a modern heirloom piece. This option foregoes glass doors for solid wood, featuring delicate, hand-painted branches that transform it into a narrative-rich furniture item. Its minimalist hardware and adjustable interior shelves provide both flexible storage and a vintage-inspired allure. For maximalists, the Anthropologie Hale Canvas Bookcase introduces a playful departure from conventional wood tones with its two-tone, striped canvas upholstery, making it a focal point in any room while still offering concealed storage below open shelves. Midcentury enthusiasts can consider the Article Mysen Glass Cabinet, which embodies clean lines and minimal frills with full-length glass doors. Crafted from solid walnut, it provides spacious shelving for cookbooks and barware, alongside soft-closing drawers, making it a timeless investment piece. A designer-approved option is Jeremiah Brent’s Lattice Storage Cabinet for Crate & Barrel, which innovatively uses a completely glass-display section and a latticed design to allow light to pass through, making it ideal for open-plan spaces to define dining areas. Finally, for small spaces, the Mustard Made Mixer Cabinet offers a compact yet vibrant solution. Its berry-colored finish and fluted glass doors provide disguised storage for tabletop accessories, offering a playful and practical choice for smaller living environments. These examples collectively demonstrate how the china cabinet has evolved to meet diverse functional needs and aesthetic preferences in contemporary home design. #ChinaCabinets #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #StorageSolutions #Maximalism #Nostalgia #ModernFurniture #FarmhouseStyle #MidcenturyModern

Hailee Steinfeld's innovative approach to spice jar storage, transforming a conventional kitchen backsplash into a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing feature, is highlighted. This design choice elevates spice storage from a mundane task to a central element of kitchen decor, challenging traditional organizational methods. The article emphasizes that Steinfeld's setup, featuring symmetrical rows of easy-to-reach spice jars integrated directly into the backsplash, offers both practicality and a streamlined look that reinvents conventional kitchen design. The traditional storage methods, such as lazy Susans in cupboards, are often inefficient, leading to cluttered and inaccessible spice collections. Steinfeld's method, conversely, ensures that spices are readily available and visible, enhancing the cooking experience and improving kitchen workflow. The design's dual purpose as both storage and a decorative element makes it particularly noteworthy. The integration of spices into the backsplash area optimizes space utilization, a critical consideration in modern kitchen design where every inch counts. This approach suggests a shift from merely concealing kitchen items to displaying them in an organized and visually appealing manner. The article posits that this kind of thoughtful design can make a significant impact on the overall functionality and aesthetic of a kitchen, encouraging readers to reconsider their own spice storage solutions. The design is simple yet effective, providing a clear blueprint for those looking to implement similar solutions in their own homes. The focus on accessibility and visual order demonstrates how even the most utilitarian aspects of a kitchen can be transformed into points of interest. To help readers replicate Steinfeld's style, the article recommends several spice jar storage essentials available on Amazon, including tiered wooden step shelves and metal countertop racks. These products are presented as tools to achieve a similar organized and visually cohesive look. For example, tiered shelves can be lined up against a backsplash to create an effect similar to Steinfeld's, allowing for clear visibility and easy access to all spices. This practical advice ensures that readers can act on the inspiration provided by Steinfeld's kitchen design, making it achievable for a wider audience. The selection of products aims to cater to different kitchen layouts and needs, offering versatile options for spice organization. Further insights from Steve Larkin, CEO of Kitchen Door Hub, are included, offering additional strategies for upgrading spice storage beyond traditional methods. Larkin suggests utilizing floating shelves to save space and enhance aesthetics by decanting spices into matching glass jars, thereby creating a more cohesive and visually appealing display. He also introduces the concept of a "spice village" for those with a large collection of jars, where streamlined glasses are grouped together to form a curated and decorative feature. These expert tips reinforce the idea that kitchen storage can be both functional and stylish, aligning with the article's central theme of innovative home design. The expert advice helps to broaden the scope of the article, providing professional perspectives on how to achieve a high-end, organized kitchen environment. Overall, the article advocates for a departure from conventional, often hidden, spice storage in favor of integrated, accessible, and visually striking solutions. Steinfeld's backsplash is presented as a prime example of how celebrity homes can inspire practical and elegant design choices for everyday living. The article encourages readers to view kitchen storage as an opportunity for creative expression and functional improvement, ultimately making the kitchen a more efficient and enjoyable space. The detailed breakdown of Steinfeld's design, coupled with actionable advice and product recommendations, makes the article a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen's organization and style. It serves as a comprehensive guide for transforming an often-overlooked kitchen area into a design highlight. #HaileeSteinfeld #SpiceStorage #KitchenDesign #HomeOrganization #CelebrityStyle #BacksplashIdeas #InteriorDesign #SpaceSavingSolutions

The article addresses the common daunting task of hanging items on walls, offering expert advice from David Kassel, owner of iLevel, an art placement and installation company. Kassel emphasizes that making nail holes is not as intimidating as it seems, as most can be easily concealed or repaired. The article breaks down the process of hanging framed pictures, mirrors, and even decorative plates, providing specific tools and techniques for each. For framed pictures, essential tools include a level (a 24-inch model is recommended), a hammer, picture hooks, nails, a tape measure, and a pencil. Kassel suggests using blue painter's tape to mark placement on the wall, allowing for adjustments without damaging the surface. He recommends OOK picture hangers, highlighting their minimal structural impact and the fact that the small nails used will not hit pipes or electrical wiring. These hooks are weight-rated, and it's advised to use two hooks per picture for stability, preventing tilting from external vibrations. Regarding the hardware on the back of frames, the article notes that most frames use either screw eyes with wire or D-rings. Kassel prefers D-rings for their superior stability. When installing D-rings, they should be screwed into the frame's left and right sides, equidistant from the top, typically about one-third of the frame's length down. The article also provides a formula for precise picture placement, especially when aiming for a "60-inch center" arrangement, which is common in galleries and museums for aligning diverse-sized pieces. This involves measuring the frame's height, finding the midpoint, calculating the distance from the top to the D-ring, and using these figures to determine the exact hanging height from the floor. However, Kassel stresses that personal taste and perspective, such as hanging art at a child's eye level in a child's room, should ultimately guide placement. Hanging mirrors follows a similar procedure to pictures, but due to their heavier weight, stronger hardware is necessary. The article recommends using heavier-duty D-rings, noting that they come in various sizes (one-hole, two-hole, and three-hole), each rated for different weight capacities. For instance, three-hole D-rings can support 75 to 100 pounds each, meaning two such rings can hold up to 150 pounds. As with pictures, blue tape is useful for visualizing the mirror's placement before permanent installation. For decorative plates, the method involves using specialized plate hangers, readily available at hardware stores. These hangers feature brass or white grips with nylon sleeves to protect the plate. When hanging multiple plates, the article suggests arranging them on the floor beforehand to finalize the configuration. Each plate typically requires only one hook. A practical tip for placement is to put the hook approximately two inches lower than the desired top edge of the plate, allowing the plate to settle into the hanger correctly. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the process of hanging various wall decor items, encouraging homeowners to undertake these home improvement projects with confidence. #HomeDecor #PictureHanging #MirrorInstallation #PlateHanging #DIYHomeImprovement #WallDecor #HomeProjects #InteriorDesign #ExpertTips

Kevin Jones, a former NFL running back, has transitioned from a successful career in professional football to a prominent role in industrial design. After retiring from the NFL in 2009, Jones pursued a bachelor's degree in industrial design and an MBA at Virginia Tech, subsequently founding his own design firm, Joba Studio, in 2015. His journey into design was unexpected, stemming from a desire to finish his degree and a newfound interest in the creative aspects of product development, which he discovered through his interactions with sports brands like Reebok, Under Armor, and Red Bull during his athletic career. Initially exploring fashion, he was guided towards industrial design, finding a deep connection with its diverse applications, from prosthetic legs to architectural models. During his time at Virginia Tech, Jones undertook an internship with USM, a Swiss furniture manufacturer known for its modular Haller shelving system. This experience provided him with a comprehensive understanding of USM's manufacturing processes, design philosophy, and the iconic Haller system's components, including tubes, ball joints, and panels. The internship exposed him to the company's ethos of maintaining an engineering-focused team while collaborating with external designers to foster innovation. This period was pivotal, culminating in Jones using the USM system as the subject for his senior thesis project. Years later, Jones, through Joba Studio, collaborated with USM and French designer Marc Venot to introduce a significant update to the Haller shelving system, unveiled at Salone del Mobile in Milan. This new iteration, called the Soft Panel system, aims to enhance the system's modularity, human connection, and adaptability for home environments. The core innovation lies in the introduction of felted, two-tone, reversible panels that attach magnetically to the existing Haller framework. This magnetic attachment eliminates the need for specialized tools, allowing users to easily customize, rearrange, and refresh their shelving units by simply flipping or sliding the panels. Jones emphasized that the update was driven by a desire to make the Haller system more user-friendly and less intimidating to modify post-purchase. The design philosophy behind the Soft Panel system centered on making the beloved utilitarian shelving feel "more connected, more human, and more modular." Addressing feedback that the original metal system could appear "cold" or overly industrial, the felted panels introduce a softer aesthetic, making the furniture more suitable for residential settings while still integrating seamlessly with existing metal components. The timing of this release coincided with USM’s 60th anniversary, marking a strategic move to offer new product variations that USM's extensive network of partners had been seeking. The collaboration embodies a "Connected By Our Dreams" theme, signifying a realization of design aspirations for Jones, USM, and its customers, ensuring the Haller system continues to evolve while honoring its foundational principles of modularity and timeless design. #KevinJones #JobaStudio #USMHaller #ModularShelving #IndustrialDesign #FurnitureDesign #ProductInnovation #SaloneDelMobile #DesignCollaboration

The article introduces the Takker, a DIY tool designed to simplify the process of hanging pictures and mirrors. The author, Fiona Byrne, details her personal struggles with hanging art, which often resulted in crooked pictures, scuffed walls, and imprecise placement. She recounts her previous method of hammering nails directly into walls without specialized hardware, leading to unsatisfactory results and a 'homemade' appearance for her art displays. Her experience as an interior decorator later emphasized the importance of precision and proper tools in home decor. The Takker, an Irish invention that gained popularity after appearing on the Irish equivalent of *Shark Tank*, addresses these common picture-hanging challenges. The tool is designed to work on various surfaces, including drywall, wood, plaster, and aerated concrete block, and can support items weighing up to 22 pounds. The article explains the tool's operation: users mark the desired spot, load small 'Takks' into the device, and press a red button, which precisely inserts a Takk into the wall at a perfect 90-degree angle. This method eliminates the risk of thumb injuries, reduces noise, and ensures consistent placement. Included with the Takker kit are various hooks, such as brass picture hooks, razor hooks, and large plastic hooks, which can be used in conjunction with the Takks. The author highlights the convenience of the Takker, noting its utility for hanging artwork late at night without disturbing neighbors and for creating precise gallery walls, even on uneven surfaces. A key advantage of the Takks is their minimal impact on walls; when removed, they leave a tiny 1-mm hole that is barely noticeable, even on white walls. The Takks are also reusable and can be easily extracted using an integrated removal slot on the device, preventing damage to walls. The article clarifies that while the original Takker excels on common wall types, it is not suitable for exposed brick or concrete block. However, a newer version, the Hardwall Takker, has been developed to handle these more challenging surfaces, including ceramic tile. The author expresses interest in testing this advanced version. The Takker is presented as a transformative tool for anyone looking to hang pictures and decor with ease, precision, and minimal damage, offering a professional finish without the usual frustrations associated with DIY picture hanging. #HomeDecor #DIYTools #PictureHanging #Takker #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #ProductReview

The article details a significant home renovation project featured on HGTV's "Fixer to Fabulous," where star Jenny Marrs transformed a cramped closet and a home office into a luxurious, highly functional two-room closet for Kim and Chris Danos. The original closet was described as small, while the former home office housed floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The transformation involved merging these two spaces, relocating the home office to an unused dining room. This ambitious project allocated $18,000 specifically for custom cabinetry to create a "boutique" feel, as described by Marrs, reflecting a high level of design and functionality. The newly designed closet space emphasizes maximizing storage through custom built-ins. Key features include numerous floor-to-ceiling cabinets and drawers, providing extensive storage for clothing, accessories, and shoes. A notable design element is a dedicated "special spot" for Kim Danos' extensive purse collection. The layout incorporates various drawer configurations, ranging from knee-high to chest-high, with one section alone featuring 10 drawers, a countertop, and shelving above. Additionally, ample hanging space is integrated, with bays approximately 4 feet wide and one extending the entire length of a wall. The closet also utilizes simple hacks, such as wall hooks, to further enhance storage capacity. Chris Danos' adjacent, smaller closet area is also well-equipped with 14 drawers, sufficient hanging space, and multiple shelves, suggesting it can accommodate a portion of Kim's shoe collection. Narrow shelves near a window and other shelves holding woven storage baskets contribute to the overall organization. A central island, topped with a quartz countertop and filled with drawers, serves as a versatile access point for daily essentials and additional storage, highlighting that islands are not limited to kitchen spaces. For readers aspiring to create similar high-capacity closets without the significant expense of custom built-ins, the article offers practical tips. It suggests alternative methods for achieving comparable storage, even without an adjacent spare room. While custom built-ins can be costly, more affordable options exist. Modular closet systems, often found in big box stores, can be enhanced by incorporating kitchen base cabinets to add drawers. For instance, a 2-foot-wide, three-drawer base cabinet from Home Depot is cited as an economical solution. Repurposing old kitchen cabinets during a remodel is another cost-effective strategy. The article also notes that closet islands can be created using kitchen base cabinets. For hanging clothes, vertical boards spaced every 3 to 4 feet can provide anchor points for closet rods, giving the impression of built-in structures. Internal dividers within basic shelf carcasses can further customize storage, and repurposing or painting dressers can also optimize closet space effectively. #ClosetOrganization #HomeImprovement #StorageSolutions #CustomCabinetry #HomeDesign #InteriorRemodel #JennyMarrs #FixerToFabulous #DIYHomeStorage