Once the kitchen walls were painted I knew adding some natural wood elements in to the room would make the kitchen feel a little more rustic. With all the wasted space above the stove and by the kitchen table, adding shelving would be the best option for more storage and a country kitchen feel.
You can do this at home with your own measurements and basic tools:
- A hammer
- Screw driver or drill (with assorted bits is the easiest way to ensure you have the one you need)
- Anchor screws (for each screw)
- L Brackets (two 2 per shelf depending on the length)
- Black spray paint (or the colour you’d like) I used a matte finish
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Hand or table saw
- Piece of sand paper
Step 1 –
Spray paint the L brackets. Allow them plenty of time to dry before handling them.
I painted the screw heads to match the L brackets to give the brackets a cohesive clean look. You can easily do this by taking some green painters tape, laying a piece flat, laying each screw on top with the head over the edge and putting another piece over top to cover the body of the screw. You only need a light coating as you still want to be able to put the drill or screw driver head in the screw.
Step 2 –
Measure the size of wood for the space. My smallest shelves are 12″ long x 5.5″ deep and the longer ones are 24″ long x 5.5″ deep. The brackets are 4″ in length. If you use a deep cut of wood adjust the length of the L bracket for better support.
Try using reclaimed or salvaged wood. The wood I used was from the barn that was laying around. With a Bristol brush I scrubbed it off and it was ready for a second life.
Step 3 – MEASURE TWICE CUT ONCE
Cut the wood with a hand or table saw. Give the edges a quick sand to smooth them out. No one likes a sliver.
Step 4 –
Now that the brackets are dry they are ready to attach to the wood. Have your measuring tape on hand for this. Make sure the brackets are the same distance apart on either end and that the wood and bracket are flush to mount against the wall.
Step 5 –
Measure the distance up the wall and hold up the shelf. Using the level make sure the shelf is straight. With a pencil mark out where the holes will go. With the drill pre-drill the holes so you can place the anchor screws in. The anchor screws will allow a bit more weight to go on the shelf so that the screws are not being pulled out.
Step 6 –
Place the anchor screws in all the holes. Give them a little tap with the hammer. Once they are in they are in.
Step 7 –
Mount the shelves to the walls using the screws.
Step 8 –
Stand back and enjoy your DIY shelving. Decorate to taste!
My Country Farmhouse 