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.

ASK DEB NELSON: ADDING STORAGE

In my column, Ask Deb Nelson, a common theme people write in about is adding more storage, or creating a better use of space. When space and storage is limited you want to take advantage of every nook and cranny you have. Look for vertical space, and building things upward to add extra storage. It seems like everyone has more 'stuff' than 'space', so the first part of the equation is to get serious about editing and organizing. The next step is to look at your own space and see what you change or where you can add more storage. It got me thinking about my own house, I added floor to ceiling cabinets to add a coat closet and pantry by a side door. This is a great amount of storage and is extremely handy to have by the door. There are a number of lower cabinets under the windows too, I use these for shoes, recycling bags, tools, etc.

These are some images I had for inspiration, and I personally really like the look of a cabinet going right to the ceiling and creating more of a built-in effect. In my case I used inexpensive, 'big box' pre-made pieces that had to be customized to fit around beams and are actually 'built-in' and are attached to the wall.

Some inspiration shots below:

And in my house, when the cabinets went in, it looked like this:

And from the other direction:

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