Adding architectural features like open shelves

Open shelves can add so much detail and interest to a space, not to mention they provide excellent storage and functionality, and they also can be used to create architectural detail. In a former home, I had these shelves built in a den and it added a great deal of book storage, but it also created an architectural focal point in the room. Before these were built it was an empty space, and I love looking for nooks and crannies in a house to build in interesting features like this.

And in the kitchen I added open shelves that went floor to ceiling. Again, lots of great storage, but it provided an excellent space to display some of my favourite items too.

And in this kitchen I added open shelves in two areas - one space a column of floor to ceiling shelves - great for extra display of dishes or cookbooks. When you have a space to add shelves, you have a chance to really customize the area to fit the open space, and decide on width, depth and thickness of shelves.

And in the same kitchen some floating shelves above the sink add visual interest with lots of pretty items.

INSPIRATION: ADDING COLOUR WITH BOOKS

I love a room with books, I tend to like bookcases that are built in or go full height from floor to ceiling. Bookcases can provide a lot of storage to a room too. Another great aspect is that books can add so much colour to a room. Here are a few that show the pop of colour and personality the books add to a room. Whether it's a more formal living room like this.

Or, a more casual look – here they've used large artwork to hide 2 areas in the bookcase, if you want to keep less 'pretty' items behind here.

Or even in a small space – here they have a curtain that can be closed across the wall to create a whole new look.

Image (top image): Deb Nelson Design, image 2, 3, 4: Domino magazine

BOOKCASES

I love a room with books. I have a nice custom bookcase in my den that my cousin Mike built with some refurbished pieces from the original house. The hardware and door came from another built-in cabinet that was in the house before the reno. Here is another shot of the full bookcase. I think books add charm and character to a room. Also it's nice to have them around for guests to read and people to look through when they're visiting. In this digital age it's nice to still pick up a book from time to time.

I realized my own design 'inspiration file' has many rooms with bookcases. These are just a sample of some of my favourites!