Design

Why We Chose No Upper Cabinets in our Kitchen

This might be a little controversial, but we decided not to incorporate upper cabinets in our kitchen. This was intentional! We had a clear vision of how we wanted to live and move around this space, and ditching the typical cabinet setup seemed like the right move. It wasn’t a decision we took lightly. We knew that without upper cabinets, we had to make sure everything worked perfectly for us. The shelves couldn’t just be decorative; they needed to be practical, too. At the end of the day, they had to hold our everyday dishes and essentials, not just pretty things we’d look at from time to time. We went back and forth on it, but in the end, we felt that open shelving suited our lifestyle and brought our kitchen to life in a way that feels just right for us.

Shelving Strategy: Maximizing Storage and Style

When it came to installing our shelves, we knew that precise measurements were key to ensuring they fit perfectly. We started by measuring our dinner plates, so the shelves would be just the right size to accommodate them comfortably. This was a crucial step that may have been overlooked, but assured that the shelf was functional and intentional. 

Next, we had to make sure that the shelves were up to par. The decision to go with a quartzite (‘Taj Mahal’ for reference) was intentional. Quartzite is known for being durable and pretty heavy, so we had to make sure that they were properly supported. You’ve probably seen this popular design element being implemented in more of a decorative ledge type of style. That’s ultimately what we were going for but with genuine shelves, not just a tiny marble ledge.

Since we went this route, we had to make sure that the walls had enough support in them. We even added brass brackets for that extra assurance. Our fabricator said there was no way he could build it in a way that would hold that much weight without some sort of artificial support. So, we found these brass brackets which I really do love.

Intentional Appliance Storage

To maximize storage we decided to extend the shelf all around the kitchen. This design choice wraps the shelf around three walls, giving us ample space for our essentials and creating a cohesive look throughout the room.

On one side, we’ve got this full-height appliance garage where we stash our coffee maker, blender, and coffee cups—basically all the stuff we use every day. It’s a game changer for keeping the counters clear and organized.

Mixing Function with Fun

So, here’s the deal with the shelves: I like to use them for all the practical stuff, like dishes and kitchen gear. But, I also throw in some pretty things to keep it looking fresh and lived-in. I don’t like when the kitchen feels like a totally separate space from the rest of the house. I’m all about making it feel like it’s part of your home, not just a place where you cook and store bulky and unaesthetic appliances.

Think of it like styling a living room or a bookshelf. You can add some fun touches, like antlers, a vase of flowers, or a cool piece of art. It’s all about creating a vibe that feels just as inviting and personal as the rest of your home!

Even in a small kitchen, where counter space is at a premium and you need to keep things uncluttered, you can still make room for a bit of style. The key is balancing functionality with those little touches that make your kitchen feel like a real part of your home.

(Read our post if you want to know how to maintain and care for your quartzite counters)

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We see it all the time—people spend so much money on furniture and decor, only to step back and realize… nothing actually works together. The problem? No clear plan. No defined style. Just a mix of pieces that looked nice individually but don’t create a cohesive home.
And this can get expensive—fast. Swapping out trendy items, replacing things that don’t fit, redoing entire rooms because they don’t feel right. The truth is, even the best pieces won’t shine if they aren’t working in harmony.
So, how do you avoid the cycle of design mistakes and wasted money? It starts with a vision—understanding your style, knowing what you need, and putting together a plan before you buy. This is exactly what we help with, and we’ve got something coming soon that’ll take the guesswork out of the process.
Make sure you’re following along + have post notifications on so you don’t miss it! Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever struggled with pulling your space together—we want to hear your design challenges!
We snuck away to Neskowin last week for a cozy weekend with family, and it was exactly what we needed.
In case you missed it, we shared all our favorite spots + what we did in our Neskowin beach town guide on the blog! comment ‘Beach’ and we’ll send you the post!
What is my style? What do I actually like? 
If you don’t know your style, you’re not alone.
This is the #1 thing I hear from clients-and it’s usually what keeps people stuck, buying things they don’t love, or feeling totally overwhelmed when it’s time to decorate.
Instead of jumping straight into shopping, slow down and observe what you’re naturally drawn to.
Start by pinning-without overthinking. Save anything that speaks to you: colors, materials, whole rooms, even fashion or travel images.
Then zoom out. What shows up again and again? A color palette? Reclaimed Wood? Soft shapes? Clean lines? Layered neutrals? 
That’s your style talking.
Want to know what comes next?
Here’s how to go from inspiration to actual intention:
1. Measure your space - Don’t eyeball it. Measure your walls, furniture, walkways— everything. This prevents major design regrets.
2. Create a flexible floor plan - Play with furniture layouts to get a feel for what fits and flows.
3. Build your shopping list - Only once you’ve done the above should you start sourcing. You’ll feel way more confident in what to look for, and way less likely to impulse buy.
Need help naming your style or making your plan? Save this for when you’re ready to begin designing your dream space or checkout our services (link in bio).
I might be a little biased with this one—it hits close to home in more ways than one. This style reflects a way of living that’s grounded and intentional… rooted in nature, but designed for everyday ease. It’s where modern functionality meets the kind of rustic character that only gets better with time.
Share with a friend who’s style fits this vibe!